TMNT: Splintered Fate Switch 2 Review

TMNT: Splintered Fate is a highly praised roguelike brawler from 2023. Although the initial version of the game has brought a lot of joy to players, the definitive version on Nintendo Switch 2 seems to stand out the most. The power of the Switch 2 console handles the game better than the original Switch, making the whole experience smoother and super responsive. However, nine months since its release on the Switch 2 console, Super Evil Megacorp has been hard at work to provide a free 2.0 update for all players. Not only that, but a new paid DLC containing a new playable character, armor pack, and more. This is our review of the TMNT: Splintered Fate 2.0 update on Switch 2, telling you whether it is still among the best roguelikes.

NOTE: A review copy of the game was provided by the publisher.

Story

TMNT: Splintered Fate’s story is set in New York, with numerous and coolly designed stages, where the turtles have to fight their way to save their master, Splinter. Shredder and the Foot Clan play the role of the main antagonists in the story. Moreover, the recent King’s Gambit 2.0 update brings the Rat King as the ultimate endgame boss. Players take the role of the playable characters and use the mysterious portals to advance in the story by completing the procedurally generated stages.

Gameplay

TMNT: Splintered Fate is a roguelike brawler at its core. You play as one of the playable characters, either alone or with up to three other players in local and online cooperative modes. The core gameplay of TMNT: Splintered Fate is highly inspired by Hades, with each run consisting of various combat arenas across New York. It is up to you how far you can push through and even go on branching paths to find shell upgrades, art styles, and more rewards.

What makes the overall gameplay fun is the fast-paced combat. It feels snappy and satisfying, especially with Joy-Con 2 precision. As every playable character has a unique set of skills and abilities, it allows players to experiment with different characters. However, it is more fun to play with your friends. Alongside the base roster of characters, there are allies that can help you along your journey.

Even if you fail on your run, you get back to the lair, upgrade, and run it again. As every stage is procedurally generated, repetition becomes very low.

King’s Gambit Free DLC

The King’s Gambit is the new free DLC, or the 2.0 update, which adds the Rat King as the ultimate endgame boss. Accessing this new content relies on defeating the Shredder first. Taking on the new challenge feels brand-new, as there are new stages and rewards to go through. Rat King is the toughest boss at the end and can annoy you, especially with his summoning ability. He can summon the old bosses mid-fight to turn the fight into a multi-boss encounter. However, defeating the Rat King feels satisfying, as it unlocks the true ending to the main campaign. While you are going after the Rat King, a new dinosaur ally, Pepperoni will be at the lair for you.

Slash DLC (Paid)

The Slash is the paid DLC that launched with the King’s Gambit update. This new DLC adds a new playable character, Slash. He is the hulking hero with devastating knockout attacks and an enraged mode that can deal burst damage. Moreover, the DLC Pack also includes a Samurai outfit for all playable characters.

Visuals and Performance

The visuals of TMNT: Splintered Fate look crisp and vibrant on the Nintendo Switch 2. All the effects and animations are smooth and keep you hooked to push through the challenge. It is great to see the Nintendo Switch 2 handling this game smoothly throughout the adventure. Running in 4K docked and 1080p handheld, it has no stutters, with a stable 60 FPS.

Verdict – Score 9/10

TMNT: Splintered Fate is a great roguelike brawler adventure that you can thoroughly enjoy on Switch 2 without any stutters. The new 2.0 update adds Rat King as the final endgame boss that will test your skills to the fullest. This new free DLC completes the campaign with a new ending. So, if you already own the game, then it is the perfect time to jump right back in for the new run to take down the Rat King.

TMNT: Splintered Fate is available on all platforms, with the King’s Gambit update available for free for all players.