Embracing a Nostalgic Adventure in Tactical Gaming
As we navigate the inevitable changes that come with age, one might find themselves unexpectedly drawn to childhood favorites. For some, this means embracing the vibrant world of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Recently, during the Steam Next Fest, a new turn-based tactics game, TMNT: Tactical Takedown, caught my attention, prompting an enthusiastic “Cowabunga!”
This game, previously showcased at the PC Gaming Show, offers a unique twist on the beloved franchise. It transforms battles against the notorious Foot Clan into a board game-like experience, where miniatures clash on a dynamic battlefield grid. Players can strategically allocate action points each turn, utilizing a variety of abilities to manage enemy numbers while navigating a constantly shifting environment. The peculiar phenomenon of New York’s streets appearing and disappearing mid-battle remains a curious aspect, perhaps best left for city planners to ponder.
Each of the four turtles brings their own flair to the gameplay, yet the current demo reveals some balance issues. Starting with Michelangelo, who excels in mobility and skateboard maneuvers, players may find his levels particularly challenging. In contrast, Leonardo and Donatello, introduced later in the demo, seem to breeze through encounters with ease, effectively dispatching foes and avoiding damage.
This imbalance suggests that the demo is still in its early stages, with several kinks waiting to be ironed out. Additionally, some ability tooltips can be misleading; for instance, a poison attack may unexpectedly turn out to be an ice attack, leading to frustrating moments in a genre that thrives on clarity and precision.
Despite these hiccups, the core strategy of the game remains engaging. The one-versus-many setup is particularly rewarding, as players cleverly outmaneuver the Foot Clan’s simplistic AI. The thrill of outsmarting enemies, pushing them off ledges, or colliding them into one another adds a layer of satisfaction to the experience. While the classic teamwork of the turtles may be absent, the essence of using brains and agility to overcome overwhelming odds is palpable.
With time to refine the gameplay—especially considering the release date is currently marked as “TBA”—there’s great potential for TMNT: Tactical Takedown to evolve into an exciting tactical game. The demo, lasting about an hour, certainly piqued my interest, particularly with the tantalizingly inaccessible loadout screen hinting at customizable abilities tailored to various playstyles.
The free demo of TMNT: Tactical Takedown is available now for those eager to dive into this nostalgic adventure. However, be sure to experience it before the Steam Next Fest concludes on March 3, as it will soon vanish from the store.
