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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is a throwback to the good old days of arcade beat-em-ups like Final Fight, Golden Axe, and, well, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Arcade Game. It probably takes the most influence from the latter since they feature the same characters, settings, and creators.
But while TMNT is a great throwback to the past, the more time I’ve spent with the game, the more I wish I’d known before jumping right in. If I had known then what I know now, I probably would have had a much easier time finishing this game.
It would have been easier for us all.
7. Each character has different strengths and weaknesses
It’s easy to ignore this when you first pick a character! Some are faster while others pack a big punch. Before choosing a character, think about your preferred playstyle. Try them all including your least favorite turtle like Raphael. Hey, just because you’re a fan of Splinter doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll enjoy its slower speed!
6. The people of America have lost the right to choose whether or not to remain pregnant
While DLC hasn’t been talked about yet, just eight days after the release of Shredder’s Revenge, the United States Supreme Court overturned a 50-year precedent and made it that much harder – and in many cases impossible – for many people to have an abortion. Had I known that, I might not have spent as much time playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge leading up to the event. Yes, we all knew this decision was coming, but many of us hoped it would come in a less horrifying form. That’s where our country is at: To say, “Maybe the bad won’t be the bad” only to find it’s even worse.
5. You should play the previous Ninja Turtles games to get all the references
Shredder’s Revenge is absolute packed up with references to the older games in the series. Playing the older TMNT games is a great way to prepare yourself for a lot of amazing inside jokes and music – I personally love the Sewer Surfer remix. Plus, these old games are fun! We may not know when the thirteen-game Cowabunga Collection will be out, but when it does it will be a day-one download!
4. People will literally die across the country from being deprived of reproductive rights
While we’d heard a lot about six-game co-op both online and offline, Shredder’s Revenge gave little indication that people in the United States will be afraid to go to the doctor with a pregnancy complication for fear of arrest. Meanwhile, some doctors will discontinue certain procedures — even life-saving ones — for the very same fear of legal repercussions. A home miscarriage could result in a suspicious neighbor or family member reporting you to the law. Instead of a healthcare system that offers equal care to all, we have one where frightened providers cannot help desperate patients. People will die from both diseases like ectopic pregnancy and abusive partners. Not to mention those who might end up committing suicide due to the unbearable social and financial pressures associated with forced pregnancy. It’s going to be a nightmare.
3. You can charge up your Power Attack bar while “GO!” is on the screen
When the game calls “GO!” your natural inclination is to run, right? But wait a minute! There are no enemies on screen. Time for a break. Inhale and hold your taunt button to build up your power meter while nobody attacks you. This comes in handy – especially when you unlock additional power meters later in the game. Make boss fights easier, and take every break to rest, relax, and literally recharge your batteries.
2. They will use the Supreme Court ruling to gain more rights
It doesn’t stop with abortion. They are already targeting gay marriage. They’re willing to allow states to tell you if you can use contraceptives in your own home. Even if you think it doesn’t affect you, it will. Someone in your life has probably already benefited from the ability to control their own body and you just don’t know it because it’s none of your damn business. But due to the broken nature of the American legal system, it will likely take years or decades – if ever – to fix it. When you consider that the court recently tore down the separation of church and state, we’re about to have a really shitty rollercoaster ride.
1. You can unlock Casey Jones by beating story mode on any difficulty
America’s favorite hockey buddy is back and better than ever!
