Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City offers a fun hack-and-slash adventure in a small open world set in New York. While it doesn’t hit every mark, it succeeds in delivering a playful experience that fans will enjoy.
As a long-time TMNT fan, I’ve followed the turtles from comics to cartoons and movies. I first played this game during a Steam Next Fest demo, then had a deeper experience at the Game Developers Conference with Ace St. Germain, the CEO of Beyond Frames, the game’s publisher.
Game Basics:
- What is it? A comic-book themed hack-and-slash adventure
- Platforms: Meta Quest, PC VR (I played it on Quest 3)
- Release Date: April 30, 2026
- Developer: Cortopia Studios
- Price: $24.99
The character designs are spot-on, especially the turtles themselves. The game starts in a tutorial that showcases all four turtles, each with unique skills. As players defeat enemies, they build up a special “focus” meter that grants temporary perks, enhancing gameplay.
Empire City merges adventure elements with RPG aspects. You can customize your turtle to fit your play style. Collectibles like blueprints and cassettes add to the fun, and there’s even a chess board scattered around the city for completionists to find.
Co-op mode allows up to four players to tackle challenges together. However, note that only the host player progresses the story, so plan your play sessions accordingly. Exploring the city with friends is a blast, although the game does have a lot of dialogue, which can interrupt your fun.
The story revolves around the remnants of the Foot Clan after the fall of Shredder. It’s engaging, and newcomers will easily grasp the plot thanks to helpful exposition from characters.
Combat offers depth with a parry system and various attacks, but the execution can sometimes feel lacking. Many enemies can be defeated easily, and as I progressed, I found myself relying less on strategy and more on brute force.
While there are minor glitches, like enemies hitting through walls, they are manageable and don’t ruin the overall experience. The visual style, reminiscent of comic art, has sharp lines and vibrant colors, though it may not appeal to everyone. The voice acting is a highlight, even when it feels a bit overwhelming at times.
Despite its few flaws, TMNT: Empire City remains a fun, lighthearted game. Cortopia captures the essence of the Ninja Turtles, allowing both longtime fans and newcomers to enjoy the ride. In a world where the gaming landscape is constantly evolving, this title stands out for its charm and nostalgic appeal.
Overall, you’ll find the game a worthwhile adventure, whether you’re a TMNT enthusiast or just looking for a good time.
