Review: Turtle Tale (Wii U eShop)

Slow and Steady Doesn't Always win the Race

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Turtle Tale was previously released on the 3DS eShop earlier this year, and Saturnine Games felt it was worth their while to bring Shelldon, the platforming turtle, up to the HD screens of the Wii U. But does Turtle Tale's HD release build upon the original, or does it merely tread in the same water?

The answer is a complicated no. Most of Turtle Tale is exactly the same as the 3DS version; you control a turtle with a water gun over the course of five worlds, and try to take down the enemy and gather fruit. The levels are exactly the same too, with the same enemy and platform placement as before you'll be left with a feeling of Déjà vu.

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Your trusty water gun controls similarly as well, with the water being affected slightly by gravity, the same as how water would slowly descend from a real water gun. Sadly you still cannot aim up, only left and right, and this leads to the same problems as before. We wish the developers would have fixed the biggest issue in their game, the annoying birds which fly overhead and divebomb you randomly, but they still will kill you and leave you no choice in the matter. Thankfully, the three checkpoints in each level ensure you don't have to go back too far.

Once you complete the main game, and manage to collect all 100 pieces of fruit laid throughout each level, you'll unlock a second quest. In the second quest you will have only half the hearts as before and more difficult enemies and platforming to survive through. This is still exactly the same as the 3DS version though, so are there any upgrades?

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In a way, Turtle Tale has a minor upgrade in the fact that the graphics are now in HD. While losing the 3D effect of the 3DS version, Turtle Tale gains a lot in its presentation. Gone are the confusing little cardboard cutouts of enemies, now they are actually clearly visible, and don't look too bad. While the graphics overally are very simple they do look at least decent, and passable for a budget title like Turtle Tale.

When you finish the adventure a second time, you'll probably become very bored with Turtle Tale, due to the main piece of the puzzle it is lacking, inspired platforming. Any pit you jump over feels exactly like the next, and you progress solely in hopes of something appearing which impresses you.

Sadly, Turtle Tale never does offer that truly impressive moment youlre waiting for, it's simply bland platforming. While the soundtrack and graphics somewhat offer a fun experience, the frustrating enemies and shooting will leave you not wanting to return. Turtle Tale could have been a good platformer, but as it is, stands firmly in the grounds of mediocrity.

4.5/10

Review copy provided by Saturnine Games.