How Strange Scaffold Approached the TMNT Universe in Tactical Takedown

Sure, let’s dive into the chaotic world of game dev and turtles. So, here’s the scene: New York. Yep, the Big Apple. But, it’s not just any day in NYC. It’s three years after the big showdown—a sort of endgame for some, marked by the exit of Shredder and Splinter. Yeah, lots of emotional baggage, no kidding.

Now, enter Strange Scaffold. These guys, known for their quirky projects like “I Am Your Beast,” have scored a ticket to a new playground: the world of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. How did they get away with it? Well, sometimes opportunities just fall into your lap, like that book you’ve meant to read forever.

Did they start with a plan? Kind of. Picture this: TMNT: Tactical Takedown started off as something else, probably like how I try to start my day with a workout but end up on the couch instead. Xalavier Nelson Jr, who’s kind of the head honcho, spills that the real origin was this other beast—Teenage Demon Slayer Society. That game had the magic sauce for turning fast-paced action into turn-based tactics. Makes sense, right? Like peanut butter and chocolate, maybe.

Let’s talk creative freedom. The folks at Paramount? They just gave a thumbs up, like, “Do your thing, no sweat.” So, the devs took the turtle crew to the brink of adulthood. Splinter and Shredder? Gone. RIP. And suddenly, we’re talking about a Foot Clan led by Karai, who’s been lurking in shadows, trying to escape Shredder’s lengthy shadow.

Then there’s Baxter Stockman. Teaming up with Karai? Makes you go, “Huh?” Sure, it seems like an odd pair, like pineapple on pizza, but apparently, there’s a twist there. But, hey, you’d have to play it to get the whole story, I guess. Michael Futter, the licensing guru, swears there’s a good reason for this team-up. Not everything is as it seems… classic.

Meanwhile, the dev team had another riddle to unravel: how do you capture each Turtle’s vibe in a tactical setup? You don’t want players to feel like they’re drowning in stats. Tom Vinita, the lead designer, cracked that code early on. Props to him! And Amanda Farough, the person pulling all the production strings, talks about finding that rhythm between tactical thinking and good old-fashioned beat-em-up action.

Oh, let’s not forget Remix Mode. Finish a chapter and it gets crazy—new baddies, new problems. It’s the game saying, “Saw what you did there, now try this.” Keeps you on your toes, right? The added chaos, tweaking strategies, that sort of thing.

Xalavier adds a cherry on top, saying they avoided adding sparkle unless it was essential. Kind of like deciding not to put on makeup unless you’re going somewhere fancy. It’s all about honest, player-first choices.

Anyway, TMNT: Tactical Takedown is now out for Xbox Series X|S. Dive in and see what these slightly grown-up turtles and a new generation of chaos have in store.