When a band of pirate monkeys invade Turtle Island, Shelldon sets out to save the day.  He will engage in some retro inspired platforming, taking on the invaders with a water gun.  The cartoony plot and decidedly less violent approach might make this game appeal to families above all, yet there could be enough here for seasoned gamers to warrant a look also.

Turtle Tale’s actually aimed at retro gamers primarily, insofar as being classic 2D influenced platforming and little else.  Nothing wrong with that from my perspective – the game reminds me of some Amiga platformers from the early 90’s.  Initially I did think the games challenge wasn’t reflective of its target audience, but thankfully I was proven wrong.

To be clear the main quest of Turtle Tale is pretty easy.  There’s no timer, you’re given an ample amount of health, and lives are unlimited.  There are also, disappointingly, no bosses save the final one.  The game should take you no more than two hours to beat.

Throughout the course of the game there’s lots of fruit to collect.  Most of them are easily reached, although in a couple of areas they’re place beyond Shelldon’s jumping ability.  This necessitates careful timing so that enemies will throw you upwards to reach them.  This was an unexpected, but welcomed surprise – I wish it was used with more frequency.

At first I thought collecting these fruits served little purpose.  Come to find out after beating the game you unlock a second quest!  Here is where the challenge ramps up considerably, abandoning the former easiness.  What was once solid ground, gives way to gapped platforms over deadly water.  No longer allowed to move at your own slow pace, the levels now auto scroll.  Enemies are far more numerous and varied, hearts are cut in half, etc.  I wish more games offered multiple difficulties like this.  Not just to cater to different skill sets either – sometimes I like being able to choose between a relaxing or intense game, depending on my mood.  There’s no middle ground though, so if you’re looking for a more standard level of challenge you’ll be let down.

Turtle Tale is also heading to Wii U, and I look forward to its arrival.  I think the HD visuals will be a good trade-off for the uneventful 3D effects seen here.  I’m hoping for some other improvements too.   I’d especially like to see the audio amended for the home console.  While the music is pleasant enough, Turtle Tale’s sound effects are so discordant that I had to mute the game for fear of a headache!  I wouldn’t mind seeing an extra area or two also – the game only has five, with two having repeated, color swapped graphics.

Turtle Tale succeeds in taking time-honored gameplay and delivering it at a fair price of just $2.99.  For that pocket change you’ll get a title that’ll give you your money’s worth.  Some may find the overly straightforward gameplay and discrepant difficulties make the game seem too mundane.  Yet if you’re a gamer with fond memories of platformers from days gone by, Turtle Tale does suffice in its design as an inexpensive way to evoke some nostalgic memories.