UPDATE: The Nintendo Switch version of Turbo Kid is out! And we’re happy to report that it holds up just as well as the PC version. The visuals really shine, whether you play in handheld mode or on TV. Not to mention the gameplay still holds up very well. And, of course, Turbo Kid is just too rad to resist. (Do yourself a favor and watch the movie as well.) We score it a 4 out of 5 Joysticks as well, go get it!
ORIGINAL REVIEW: In the mood for an awesome movie night? Pull up a computer chair and download a movie called Turbo Kid. Released in 2015, it follows a hero named “The Kid” through a post-apocalyptic world, ruled by a vicious warlord (Michael Ironside, of course). It’s up to his BMX-ing skills and his robot buddy Apple to save the day, before the world runs out of water.
It sounds silly, and it is, but the movie is rewarding and utterly kick-ass, if we say so ourselves. And now the geniuses at Outerminds Inc. have equally provided us with a game that follows us. Enter Turbo Kid, a Metroidvania that shines with its accessible gameplay, zippy BMX skills and retro presentation. It all comes together in a package that’s just as joyous – and bloody – as the cult classic it’s based upon.
The game does take a little bit to get going, and the bike doesn’t handle as ideally as you might expect. But once you master the rough terrain, you’ll find Turbo Kid to be a worthy addition to your Steam library.
The Road Warrior
As “The Kid,” you’ll enter into this wasteland, slowly getting up to speed as you take on enemies within the open world. It does take a bit to get revved up. However, once you get hold of your bike, hang on tight.
The combat in Turbo Kid is handled exquisitely, thanks to some ridiculously implemented ragdoll physics, allowing you to tear apart enemies five ways to Tuesday. You can mix up weapons however you see fit, leaving a trail of blood that would make Van Gogh gush in pure jealousy.
There is a challenge to the battles, as you have to time certain attacks based on what they do. Fortunately, the techniques are easy to learn, and wonderful to pull off – especially when the blood starts flying.
In addition, your bike is incredibly cool. Along with getting you across the vast open worlds faster than expected, you can reach otherwise inaccessible areas to attain new items, and even pick up power-ups. The spiked wheels, for example, let you latch on to vertical walls, creating a rather cool climbing effect. (Never mind that you’re not hanging loose from your bike for some reason – gravity be damned!)
What’s more, there are mini-games scattered throughout the world, so you can become the BMX master against your adversaries. This in turn unlocks some cool goodies for your heroic rider.
That said, the bike controls can be flimsy, especially when it comes to keeping up momentum in spots. But it’s great overall, and once you clear one jump, you’ll understand what it takes to get around.
The only true downside is that save points are few and far between in some areas, due to the size of the world. So be prepared for a bit of backtracking if you happen to bite the dust in some of these areas.
Overall, though, Turbo Kid is impressive in gameplay and bloody scope. It matches up with the tone of the film quite perfectly – and that’s more than enough for you fans.
Blast From the Past
To match up with its Metroidvania gameplay, Outerminds has loaded Turbo Kid with a nostalgic presentation that reminds us of the PC games of yore.
The visuals look like something out of a 16-bit style brawler, complete with faithful sprites, innovative enemy designs, and well-hidden secrets. But it’s all put together in a huge sprawling world that truly impresses, even if it’s a bit large for its own good. (Hence the need for closer checkpoints.) Oh, and did we mention the blood effects were rad sauce? Because they really are.
On top of that, the chiptune soundtrack is really something. It plays in the background like a smooth little dream, motivating you to continue your journey. The sound effects are all right, but, really, the soundtrack is the thing here.
Turbo Lover
If you can accept some small shortcomings with gameplay, checkpoints and pacing early-on, boy, are you in for a treat with Turbo Kid. Once it gets up to full speed, it doesn’t let up with its thrilling mechanics, utter violence and retro-style presentation. It all combines together into a. Lovingly crafted companion piece to the cult film.
Now we just need this game to come to consoles. Why keep Turbo Kid confined to the Steam space? A Switch port would definitely rev our engines.
GAMERHUB RATING: FOUR (out of FIVE) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Freemode PR for the review code. You guys are rad sauce!
