News, Reviews, Previews, Editorials, and more @ GamingEvolution

Published by: Ubisoft
Developed by: Ubisoft Montreal
Genre: Action
Players: 1
Rated: E10 (Everyone 10 and up)
Release Date: March 20, 2007
Written By: Matthew Prunty
Screenshots: Link
Amazon: BUY NOW!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, turtle in a half-shell, turtle power� This was the anthem that many kids growing up would sing as the TMNT cartoon came on Saturday mornings. Over the years, there have been several video games and comic books to help carry the successful creation into new eras. As time moved on, the green mean machines have only been associated with die-hard fans of the original cartoon.

Now with a new movie out, Ubisoft tries to portray the movie�s storyline within a playable atmosphere. So with TMNT released, there is one question that many gamers are asking themselves, including hardcore fans, is this title worthy of the letters�.T.M.N.T.?

From the get go, gamers will have a hard time understanding what�s going on in TMNT. The reason for this is because no one actually knows anything about the story of the movie, for which the game coincides with. Unlike any other TMNT title, this game incorporates one long flashback reel, where you relive past events within the lives of the �mean green machines�. Each turtle, starting with Leonardo, will go several solo missions, depicting the intense action and the immersive gameplay mechanics.

Following the incredible success of the mixture between action and platform within the Prince of Persia Series, I, like many, were enthusiastic about what was possible for this title. But unlike that series, TMNT is comprised of mostly platform techniques and abilities. There�s a lot of climbing, leaping, and flipping going on within the title, which is nice and enjoyable to see, but when it comes down to it, there�s just not enough action sequences going on within the game.

Each mean green machine has their own special ability, which allows you to complete certain task or reach certain levels that are normally unreachable. One example would by Raphael�s sais, which glow red, signally a wall that you must climb. Michelangelo has the ability to spins his nunchaku fast enough to create a mini helicopter. I found that Michelangelo is the most resourceful turtle of them all. When you are unsure about the distance of a certain jump, you can switch to the party animal to complete the task for you. Then again, you don�t really have to worry about dying.

TMNT fans that have been longing for an intriguing and intertwining fighting adventure; this is definitely not your choice. You pretty much have three different attacks you can use throughout the game. The Y button allows you to perform a spin kick; while the B button lets you use your designated weapon. Two freakin� buttons, that�s just so lame, especially for an Ubisoft title. It�s not too big of a problem to incorporate a few more fighting abilities or moves to keep the action fresh and attractive. In regards to the fighting itself, it�s just doesn�t flow with the game. As you hop in and out of platforming segments, you get the feeling that you are told to fight, instead of just flowing smoothly into a battle sequence.

Ubisoft does try to pull off a saving grace by implementing the ability to perform co-op moves, but by the time you are bale to utilize this feature, it isn�t worth the trouble trying to learn them. Depending on who you are controlling, a animation will launch, followed by one of your teammates appearing out of no where to aid you with a special move. The interesting thing about this ability is that it�s not needed. You can easily take out each and every enemy without the need of any backup whatsoever. There are other battle techniques you can utilize, but there is no real reason to unless you are into flashy over the top moves. The camera setup within TMNT is more a nuisance than a help. Due to Ubisoft Montreal using a fix camera setup, there are several instances where you can�t see where you need to go in order to complete a certain task or a certain level.

When we think about graphics on the Xbox 360, we think of immersive visuals and high levels of details. In TMNT, you have none of that. If I had to go out on a limb, I would say that this title was originally in development for the first Xbox console. There are areas of detail within the title and some rather impressive animations, but looking at the overall project, its just isn�t up to snuff. The cut-scenes that are used within the game are a collection of still images, which is a definite no-no in next generation titles. The voice acting is pretty well-rounded, with the movie actors lending their voice to the game as well, but you can�t help but get a little annoyed by the repetitive one-liners that the turtles are known for.

For a game that is all about teamwork and co-operation, there is little to none in the realm of teamwork involved within this title. All you have in the way of content is the single-player mode. There is no co-op multiplayer option of any kind and I don�t think Ubisoft planned for anything to be included just so they could have it ready in time for the movie�s release. Another subtle change that would have been nice would to have included the option of increasing the difficulty level of the title. Season gamers always love a challenge, and there is none to speak of within this title.

Overall
For those avid TMNT fans around the world, this is a title that you probably want to bypass. The game has a rating of E10, but designed in a way that youthful gamers around the age of 6-8 could play. If you are looking to acquire a quick 1000 gamer score points, this is your game. With no multiplayer mode, single- button action, and linear level design, you aren�t left with much to enjoy. Hopefully the movie will bring us the joy and action that we were expecting to experience from this title.

5.5/10

Spread The Word...