Playable characters provoked?
Yesterday I saw the publisher Dotemu jump out of the sewer (erm … no offense) with the announcement of a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade brawler.
TMNT: Revenge of the Shredder is in development for PC and consoles at Tribute Games – a studio responsible not just for fun Mercenary Kings, but it also hosts developers who worked on Ubisoft’s big 2010 brawler Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game. Driven by this trinity of brand, studio and frantic nostalgia for fans, it is fair to say that much of the internet lost its collective mind when the trailer was released yesterday morning.
From the small gameplay teaser, it’s clear that TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge hopes to capture the incredible multiplayer action from Konami’s classic 1989 arcade Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and its 1991 sequel, Turtles in time. With fans suffering from severe shock at the announcement, there are some details presented in the trailer that may have passed through them.
Excitingly, the animated prologue features a sequence in which April O’Neil destroys two Foot Clan suckers, with the Channel 5 reporter giving a sweet side kick. This is followed by a scene from the Turtles tutor, Master Splinter, running ninja through a sewer tunnel, swinging his cane like a maniac. These scenes imply – although this is purely speculation – that both characters can be played in the new brawler. After all, it is rare that Miss. O’Neil is portrayed as detonating in this way. I certainly hope these icons will join the list, and I’m sure many of you would agree.
In terms of villains, we can see The Shredder and its Foot Clan, as well as the horrible duo from Bebop and Rocksteady. Also appearing in the prologue are doomed scientist Baxter Stockman, a Triceraton and a destroyed “Mouser” – the troubled, jawed Stockman’s troubled battle droids. Most notably, during the April close-up, we can see the hideous face of the Dimension X Krang ruler, briefly glimpsed on a TV screen behind her.
Perhaps the most surprising appearance of all belongs to Faith No More lead singer and musician Mike Patton, whose performance of the iconic TV show theme soundtrack from the trailer. While TMNT is definitely a far cry from the works of Mr. Bungle or Fantomas, the addition of Patton adds a delicious element of … well … insanity for any case.
Dotemu’s work with recent releases, such as Wonder Boy: The Dragon Trap and the excellent Streets of Rage 4 has given them the reputation of masters of retro remake. Deep fighting mechanics, fun features, a solid selection of characters and lots of cameos and fan-friendly Easter Eggs (Casey Jones, anyone?) TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge could prove to be the best digital Turtles launched since 1993 Tournament fighters. One thing is for sure … it will be a long wait …
Now, if you don’t mind, I have to start my online petition for Irma DLC.
