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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled

EMAIL PRINT xbox360

7.6 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 39 critic reviews
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Based on 33 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Ubisoft

Developer: Ubisoft Singapore

Genre(s): Action, Beat-'Em-Up

Players: 4

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older)

Release Date: August 5, 2009

Summary

[Xbox Live Arcade] The arcade classic has been revamped with all new 3-D graphics, but with the same classic beat-'em-up gameplay. Take on the Foot and bosses alone or in a team of four. Cowabunga, dudes! New graphics, classic gameplay: The game has upgraded 3-D graphics, but still features the same side-scrolling beat-'em-up gameplay we all love. Multiplayer: Play the four-player co-op and survival modes available online and locally. Cowabunga, dudes!: It's the Turtles back in one of their all-time classic arcade games, now playable on Xbox 360. [Ubosift]

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

TeamXbox

One of the best XBLA hack-and-slash classics ever to grace Xbox Live Arcade.

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GameFocus

This is one of the best action platform games in a while and for only 800 MS Points this is seriously one of the better gaming deals to be had over the long hot summer. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled is a great game and a must buy for Xbox 360 owners.

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Strategy Informer

Once again though, the graphics shouldn’t hold back hardcore fans of the turtles from purchasing Turtles in Time Re-Shelled.

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Gameplanet

A good revamp of an old classic.

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Impulsegamer

Turtles In Time Re-Shelled has managed to maintain much of its original title while still evolving to a more modern and accessible state, Not an easy task by any means, and while there are a few great points that were dropped from this port, it has kept just enough to give it a great nostalgic feel.

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Vandal Online

Digital distribution brings us a remarkable clean-up of a true arcade classic, starred by the mighty Ninja Turtles.

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MS Xbox World

If you’re looking for a quick beat-‘em-up to play with your friends, or you just want to ride the TMNT nostalgia train, Turtles In Time Re-Shelled is a solid buy for 800 Microsoft points ($10.00 / £6.80). Cowabunga, dude!

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9Lives

This remake excels in its level choice, as it is fun to travel through time with the Turtles. Unfortunately, its execution is a bit too modest. Repetitive attacks and sounds are a killjoy. Whether it’s worth its 800 Microsoft Points is highly personal, but don’t forget that the Story Mode only takes about an hour.

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GameZone

Turtles in Time definitely provides the primitively satisfying, thumb-numbing enjoyment of the original. However, its adherence to the original game doesn’t help with replayability, and newcomers may find its “hardcore” appeal somewhat befuddling.

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Gamestyle

Turtles in Time Re-Shelled isn’t trying to redefine scrolling beat-em-ups on XBLA; it's merely trying to offer a bite-sized nugget of updated retro fun, and that's exactly what Ubi-Soft have given us with this.

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WonderwallWeb

Turtles in Time: Re-Shelled will mostly appeal to nostalgic fans, others may be less enthusiastic.

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Eurogamer Spain

This is what it is and nothing more: a good remake. It's too simple compared to other beat 'em ups like Castle Crashers, but it also reminds us of those times when we shouted cowabunga when playing our favourite SNES game.

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3DJuegos

Turtles in Time is a pretty retro fun title, however, it's too short.

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Gamervision

Turtles in Time Re-Shelled was fun while it lasted, but that time was far too short.

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Gamer Limit

Re-Shelled unfortunately suffers the same pitfalls as the arcade iteration, while adding some new problems to the mix.

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GameTrailers

The HD visuals in Re-Shelled are a nice touch, but the aging formula, coupled with too few options and modes, makes for a repetitive and lackluster trip down memory lane. There simply isn't enough here to make you want to come back more than once or twice.

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Official Xbox Magazine UK

Don't get us wrong, the 3D makeover turns it into a responsive and thoroughly modern duff-em-up. We just wish the fun lasted a little bit longer.

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Official Xbox Magazine

The lack of jump-in play — particularly on the couch — is very disappointing considering the game’s coin-op origins. Bummer, dude.

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Totally360

Overall Turtles in Time can be a pretty fun title, however, it is incredibly short.

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GamePro

Turtles in Time Re-Shelled is a great example of how much games have evolved. Even though we may have thought we wanted this classic "remake" this release shows that it is no longer enough to slap on a coat of paint to outdated gameplay.

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NZGamer

Overall it seems that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-shelled has made the best of a game that hasn't aged well. Check this out only if you're desperate for some multiplayer gameplay.

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X360 Magazine UK

The experience is so short-lived and lacking in replayability that it's a hard sell. [Nov 2009, p.104]

IGN

This shallow, generic brawler is coasting on nostalgia fumes and the TMNT brand. Ubisoft didn't ruin the original arcade game; it just didn't do enough with it. Virtually nothing has been added to the gameplay, so you're paying a premium for updated graphics you may not even like.

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Gaming Age

My end feeling is that the game is still fun to play, despite any changes to the gameplay, and if you get a group of friends together you'll still have a blast with it like you did in the arcade or at home as a kid, even if the experience isn't all there.

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Cheat Code Central

The bottom line is that the game doesn't hold up very well, but it's mildly amusing to play for an hour or so, especially with friends.

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GameSpot

This shallow, simplistic beat-'em-up is stuck in the past.

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Meristation

Quotation forthcoming.

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PALGN

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-shelled aims to bring back the feeling of turtle power, but ultimately it doesn't contain the solid gameplay that the modern gamer expects from a title.

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1UP

It'd all be mitigated a bit if you could unlock the arcade version, but you can't. I hate to say this, given the comparative effort that goes into a full remake versus a simple port, but if you're really jonesing for a turtle throwdown, get the XBLA version of the first arcade game. It's cheaper, less jarring, and every bit as much fun.

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VideoGamer

With only the core game mode and two mild variations based on the same levels there's just not enough game here to warrant a purchase.

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GameSpy

Yeah, it's still fun when you've got three other friends involved, but when you get down to it it's an antiquated game that doesn't have the pizzazz that people expect out of a downloadable remakes these days. Honestly, I'd have been happy with a cheap, no-frills port of the original arcade version (something that this remake doesn't even include, incidentally).

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Console Monster

In short, don't buy this game. The fact that it only has about an hours worth of gameplay for 800 MS Points is enough to make this a stupid purchase. If you have fond childhood memories of Turtles in Time, keep them by not playing this game. it will only ruin those memories.

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Game Revolution

Whether you are a child of the '80s or a Naruto-watching kid of the 2000's, playing Re-Shelled will hold you for a very short span of time, but it is surely better than the recent Gak-faced, Hose-brained attempts at re-igniting the Turtle Power love.

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Gameplayer Sweden

Turtles in Time Re-shelled is a shallow remake that doesn’t make the most out of the original Turtles in Time. Everything that makes the original game one of the best beat ‘em ups of all time is painfully absent here, but the co-op might make you come back for a second or third run.

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Xbox World Australia

Okay, so I'm being slightly facetious here, but I honestly don't think it's good enough to release such a boring product onto XBLA. Where are the extras for fans? The new game modes, extra levels, character bios, unlockable cartoons? Anything!

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Xbox World 360 Magazine UK

It's rubbish. Of course it's rubbish - it's a game where you bang one button, forever. [Oct 2009, p.103]

Giant Bomb

Re-Shelled is stuck in this weird in-between place where it does no nostalgic service to the original game but also fails to bring anything new whatsoever to this simplistic genre.

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Destructoid

Unfortunately, nostalgia doesn’t operate in this game’s favor: it’s too faithful to the original. The broken levels, mundane combat, meager play options, and short play time are factors that dwarf the delicious presentation and whatever fond memories you may have.

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Thunderbolt

It may have been fun back in the 1990s but now there’s just not enough depth to gain any sort of prolonged enjoyment out of it. Short bursts in multiplayer can be mildly enjoyable, but for 800 points it’s simply not worth it. It’s crazy to think they were originally going to charge 1200 for what is a bare-bone remake.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 7.6 (out of 10) based on 33 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Lance r. gave it a3:
The great graphics don't do enough to bring up the old and broken gameplay. It's literally smash buttons. That's it, that's as deep as the gameplay goes. In addition the controls in my opinion are clunky and don't server the game well. The final boss comes down to, "do you have enough lives to beat him?" Boring. Even my five year old thinks this game sucks.

Paul R gave it a9:
This old side scroller is a hectic, manic fight from start to finish. I haven’t had this much fun button mashing in a long time. I haven’t played a lot of old school games lately, I forgot what a workout they can give you. With enemies coming at you constantly, by the end of a few hours I was actually getting sore hands! That hasn’t happened in a long time, it’s good to be back! The cool thing about this game (and I remember this from the arcade version as well) is that even though it’s a button masher, the degree of control you actually have once you are used to the moves is surprising. With a little practice I found myself flowing very nicely, which is important considering how manic things can get in the game. Whether you are a gamer from way back or new to gaming, this is a fun game and welcome addition to Live Arcade.

Paco D gave it a10:
On my first play of the game, I loved it but felt it was way too short. On my second playthrough using another turtle, I realized that the turtles have their own unique special attacks, which changes things up a bit. That allows for 4 unique playthroughs using all of the turtles. Then I considered the Quick Play and Survival modes, not to mention 4 person co-op and the game suddenly seemed like a much better value to me. I’ve made my way through about half of what’s to offer so far, and it’s been fun all the way. I’d say I put in about 6 or 7 hours so far, so I figure I’m getting about a dozen hours for my scratch. Not a bad deal.

Tennessee P gave it a9:
Co-op for the win! This is a really fun game, but co-op is where it’s REALLY at. Since the game is a direct remake of the arcade game from the 90’s, the only real thing that’s changed is the graphical presentation, which is very good. Thank goodness they included co-op, this is what makes the game soar. As a single player experience it’s a nice walk down memory lane. With partners at your side you are suddenly reliving those days of glory past. Hook it up with some friends, it’s the best way to go with this.

Dale B gave it a10:
It’s too bad I wasn’t old enough to play some of those old arcade classics. Or is it? With the availability of some of these classics on Live, I feel like I get the best my generation has to offer and the best of the old timers too. What a rich world we live in! I can see why this game is held in such regard. This is platforming and boss fighting at its best. Super trippy considering it’s so retro and yet holds up well today.

Candace Macy gave it a10:
Turtles! This is such a cool blast from the past. The second I started playing this is brought back memories of me and my friends meeting up weekends and after to school to drop quarters and play the day away. This is a pretty faithful remake, and the graphical upgrade adds a nice flair. I wish I still knew some of those people from the arcades, this would be a great way for us to have a reunion. I guess I’ll just have to play with my new friends!

Some Guy gave it a0:
As a fan of the SNES version of this game, I played the demo and was sorely disappointed. They completely changed the fighting system and as such removed all the strategy and thought that was required in the original. The graphics were good but the new soundtrack is awful, they should have kept the original songs and re-done them with new instruments because it was one of the best videogame soundtracks ever IMO. What a waste of time and money.

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled

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What The Critics Said

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