5 Games that Tried to Copy Smash Bros. and Failed
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Smash-Up
Okay, this one literally has the word ‘Smash’ in the title… that takes a lot of guts. Thankfully, TMNT Smash-Up is actually pretty slick to play, which you’d probably expect that from the development studio that worked on Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Wii.
TMNT Smash-Up plays a lot like Smash in all the right ways. The character’s attacks are unique and there’s a well-thought-out damage system. So what gives?
The problem centers around fan service, or lack thereof. While Nintendo’s brawler has managed to capture the spirit of its many franchises through iconic stages and weapons, TMNT Smash-Up just feels lifeless. And with multiple movies, cartoons, comics, and games it’s not like there wasn’t anything to pull from.
There is so much nostalgic goodness in the TMNT brand that could have easily been incorporated into this title but was puzzlingly ignored.
Where is the Pizza Launcher vehicle? What about a stage based on that infamous club fight from TMNT 2: Secret of the Ooze? And don’t even get me started on lack of characters. Where is Baxter Stockman, for example, and what about Rocksteady and Beebop?
TMNT Smash-Up had so much potential to become something truly special, but it ended up as nothing more than an okay brawler that really lacked the polish of its competitor. Maybe one day the Turtles will get the fighting game they deserve.
