In the sunlit memories of our past, the streets of New York rang with the playful banters of the iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. But now, we tread into a world painted with darker hues and an atmosphere heavy with revenge, grief, and grit. U
Unveiled to the world in the THQ Nordic Showcase on August 11, TMNT: The Last Ronin sets us on a course to a future, battle-torn version of New York, home to, not a family of turtles, but a single one who’s hell-bent on seeking justice for his lost kin.
The official if brief cinematic trailer sent hopeful fans on a frenzy. While the trailer may not have showered fans with the specifics, it painted, with broad strokes, the general essence of the game. The candlelight being blown out, the lone Ronin facing a legion of adversaries, all point towards an incoming storm.
The storyline, firmly rooted in the comic books by a magnificent ensemble of Eastman, Waltz, Bishop, Delgado, and the Escorza Brothers, released in 2020, offers a poignant premise. The question, “Who is the Last Ronin?”, is poised like a silent challenge, leading us to the heart of the narrative – a lone turtle, on a harrowing quest through the remnants of New York. One can only imagine the weight of solitude he must feel, bearing the legacy and loss of his family.
Reaching further back, this isn’t the first time whispers of, The Last Ronin, reached our ears. An announcement earlier in the year hinted at the video game adaptation of the five-issue series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin.
This week, THQ Nordic not only confirmed its existence but showed the world its commitment to bringing this tale to a wider audience. This narrative explores events that not only shattered our beloved turtle family but left The Big Apple a desolate post-apocalyptic wasteland. The comic, as legendary as its creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, has left a legacy of suspense and emotion that promises a gripping game.
Perhaps, more importantly, fans want to see what Black Forest Games can bring to the table. After showcasing its mettle with games like the remasters of Destroy All Humans! and Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed, and Titan Quest, there’s hope that they will infuse this new venture with the same magic.
While the studio has had its ups and downs, the anticipation is that with such a pivotal franchise and a narrative that’s as dense as The Last Ronin, it will create something truly special.
However, for those unacquainted with the comics, or those who wish to remain spoiler-free, the protagonist’s identity remains a closely guarded secret, only disclosed at the conclusion of the first issue. And that, my friends, is a secret this piece will not divulge. But know this, whoever he may be, he carries the hopes and dreams of his fallen brethren, the legacy of an iconic series, and the expectations of countless fans.
Doug Rosen, senior vice president for games and emerging media at Paramount Global, previously compared the game to the award-winning first-party Sony franchise, God of War.
If the video game adaptation can even come close to achieving its ambitions, we can anticipate not just an action-packed experience but an emotionally charged journey, especially given the mature tonality of the source material. And while Rosen did caution that the game might be a few years away from gracing our consoles, the wait promises to be worth it.
While the streets of New York may now echo with the sounds of battle and vengeance, they also reverberate with hope. Hope that TMNT: The Last Ronin will not just be a game, but an experience; a tribute to a tale of loss, vengeance, honor, and redemption.
As we wait for its release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X and the PC, we hold onto that glimmer of hope, and to the last Ronin who ventures forth into the dark.
Speaking of God of War, Santa Monica Studio is already busy working on its next game. It’s unclear if it’s working only on a single project or multiple ones, but the director of God of War: Ragnarok did previously say that he’s interested in helming a new Castlevania game.
