Get ready to shout “Cowabunga!” from inside your headset! The heroes in a half-shell are making their explosive debut in virtual reality with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City, set to launch on Meta Quest 3 and SteamVR in 2026. This isn’t just another game; it’s a chance to be the Turtle, right up close and personal!
This thrilling new adventure comes from the talented folks at Cortopia Studios, who co-developed last year’s much-praised gladiatorial hit, Gorn 2. In Empire City, players will join Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo as they dive into an action-packed escapade through the Foot Clan-infested streets (and undoubtedly, the sewers) of New York City. Set in the aftermath of Shredder’s demise, a new chapter of heroism unfolds.
Prepare for an experience that promises “equal parts hard-hitting combat and an exploration of the bonds of brotherhood.” Imagine teaming up with up to three friends, mastering “fluid parkour” to scale the urban jungle, and taking on fan-favorite villains with each Turtle’s signature weapon. The combat system is being built around satisfying strikes and crucial blocks, ensuring every encounter feels impactful.
Adding to the excitement, Tom Waltz, the acclaimed author behind “The Last Ronin,” is on board as a narrative consultant, ensuring the story will be as compelling as the action. While the initial announcement trailer offers just a tantalizing glimpse, a handful of screenshots on Steam are already stoking the fires of anticipation. More details are promised as we get closer to the 2026 release.
This VR debut couldn’t come at a better time for Turtle aficionados. The franchise has been on a massive roll, with 2022’s brilliant beat-’em-up Shredder’s Revenge and the acclaimed 2023 movie Mutant Mayhem reigniting global passion. While last year also saw the fairly middling Mutants Unleashed and rogue-like Splintered Fate, the recent foray into turn-based strategy with Tactical Takedown by Strange Scaffold, and confirmation of more games like the God of War-inspired The Last Ronin, prove the Turtles are more popular than ever.
So, grab your virtual nunchaku and prepare for an immersive dive into the world of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. As a certain scaly green youth once wisely said, “Totally tubular, dude!”
