Strange Scaffold’s turn-based TMNT beat ‘em up launches May 22

It’s safe to say December’s announcement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown came out of left field. Now there’s a date for the strategy outing from somewhat unlikely developer Strange Scaffold.

Billed as a turn-based beat ‘em up, Tactical Takedown is set to mix the turtles with strategic grid-hopping on May 22. You can see more of the game in action in a new release date trailer.

It’s not that a TMNT strategy game is inherently unexpected. As Zoey pointed out at the time of the initial announcement, it’s more of a surprise that this is the next game from Strange Scaffold! The team previously showed the breadth of their thrifty capabilities with games like El Paso, Elsewhere, Life Eater, and Clockolding. 

Splinter and Shredder are dead in this story, but the fight goes on for the Turtles. Players will have to take on the Foot Clan and other “iconic foes” throughout 20 levels in what’s being called a “coming-of-age story.” Look, these turtles aren’t allowed to come of age; it’s right there in the title! The music behind those diorama-style visuals comes from RJ Lake, who previously composed for the likes of Unbeatable and I Am Your Beast.

For the time being at least, TMNT: Tactical Takedown is still just listed as PC-only, with a release planned for Steam. Ahead of that, a demo is set to go live at the kick-off of Day of the Devs: San Francisco Edition at GDC on March 16.