Nostalgia. The most powerful, all encompassing element known to man. A concept so persuasive that it makes the Jedi’s force power seem like Scientologists thetans. Nostalgia boasts such a tremendous potency, that if we could derive its raw, dormant capabilities, we’d only require the constituted energy from Comic-Con attendees to generate enough renewable energy, to adequately sustain the entire world’s energy requirements, until Britain’s next Wimbledon champion. A trip down memory lane, just off “unfulfilled aspirations avenue” on the corner of “anxiety disorder drive”, often presents some rather revealing architecture. Such as the 80’s sci-fi classic “Short Circuit” featuring an ostensibly racist character, in a prominent role. With Fisher Stevens rather egregiously portraying a man of Indian heritage in a very convincing, though stereotypical manner. Though it’s comforting to know that some aspects acceptable in the decade of decadence and dubious flamboyance, are still as revered.

The “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” were the cornerstone to many burgeoning childhoods. A cultural phenomenon that’s ubiquitous stature has never really diminished, owed to its diversified transitions and reinventions. Every generation has had iteration of this fearsome fighting team, each with a stylistic distinction that set them apart from it’s predecessors. “Shredders Revenge” is sterling commemoration of the native beat-em-ups I played as a kid, inspired by the classic 80’s adaptation. Which makes this celebratory trip a ripe subject for nostalgic scrutiny.

It’s fair to say that “Shredders “Revenge” captures that kinetic momentum of those games with such studious precision, that it might as well have been copying its homework. The movement of the Turtle’s has been amplified, to give it a contemporary fluidity. But still retains that vintage Turtle’s sensation prominent in its originator’s. I do think it leans a little too heavily into the retro style aesthetic, by embellishing an unnecessary sheen of pixilated aesthetics, to give it a simulated aged look. But considering the historic negligence suffered by this once admired series, I’m not complaining. Quite the opposite. As “Shredders Revenge” is a sobering reminder about the joys of local co-op.

Teaming up with my daughter, with characters that are unfamiliar to her, yet enjoying the experience regardless of her neutrality and limited skills, evokes memories of collaborations with my own father. One of the few fading memories of effusive contentment that I had with my dad. A memory I hope to replicate with my daughter, though hopefully a coalescence of many enduring memories. Her energetic vigour, with the almost rhythmic punishment of the buttons, belies the attentive concentration that crease her already furrowed brow. An accursed hereditary trait I’m afraid. An intensity that diminishes in a flourish of furious, symbiotic ferocity as we vanquish Shredder and his menagerie of mutated subordinates.

“Shredders Revenge” doesn’t offer anything necessarily inventive. There are additional fighters besides the titular tortoises, online capabilities and a difficulty that scales depending on the number of player’s, to a maximum of 6. But when a series as neglected as this, suffers such a prolonged draught, your aren’t going to complain about a light drizzle.