Turbo Kid

95%
Game Brain Score Based on 199 reviews
  • music
  • gameplay
  • story
Turbo Kid Game Cover
Starting at $12.53Buy now
Get on Steam

"Turbo Kid" is a pixel-art Metroidvania game based on the film of the same name. As a lone warrior, you'll traverse a post-apocalyptic wasteland, battling enemies with an array of weapons, including a machete and the Turbo Glove™. Your trusty BMX bike is your trusty companion, allowing for faster movement and access to new areas.

  • PC
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

95%
Audience ScoreBased on 199 reviews
music52 positive mentions
atmosphere3 negative mentions
  • Turbo Kid is a fantastic Metroidvania that combines retro aesthetics with engaging gameplay, featuring a unique bike mechanic that enhances exploration.
  • The soundtrack by Le Matos is exceptional, perfectly capturing the 80s vibe and adding to the overall immersive experience of the game.
  • The game offers a satisfying challenge with a well-designed world full of secrets, lore, and a compelling narrative that expands on the movie.
  • Some players have reported frustrating controls and awkward mechanics, particularly during boss battles, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.
  • The story has been described as lackluster or 'meh' by some, making it less engaging for those who prioritize narrative in their gaming experience.
  • There are occasional bugs and issues with save systems that can disrupt gameplay, leading to frustration for some players.
  • music87 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising the outstanding synthwave soundtrack by Le Matos, which perfectly captures the 80s retro vibe and enhances the overall atmosphere. Players describe the soundtrack as memorable, energetic, and integral to the gameplay experience, often highlighting it as a standout feature that elevates the game to new heights. Overall, the combination of engaging gameplay and a phenomenal soundtrack makes it a must-play for fans of both the genre and the original movie.

    • “The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack sets the perfect tone, immersing you in the desolate yet captivating atmosphere.”
    • “Le Matos did an outstanding job, capturing the essence of the movie soundtrack and delivering an equally impressive experience for the game.”
    • “The retro style visuals, the soundtrack, the bike skills all make this game so incredibly enjoyable and I can't put it down!”
    • “Honestly, the gameplay and soundtrack together are worth the purchase.”
    • “The music... ohhh the music!”
    • “Naturally the music was going to be a centerpiece, as it's by le matos (the creators of the turbo-kid film).”
  • gameplay49 mentions

    The gameplay is widely praised for its engaging mechanics, particularly the unique bike system that enhances traversal and exploration, making it a standout feature. While some players found the gameplay to be occasionally frustrating or "mid," many others highlighted its tight controls, satisfying combat, and the perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment. Overall, the game successfully combines classic metroidvania elements with innovative mechanics and a captivating soundtrack, resulting in a fun and immersive experience.

    • “The gameplay is fun with just enough challenge to keep things interesting.”
    • “The bike mechanics make a great twist to the platforming.”
    • “The gameplay is lovely, tight controls all around, the bike is a great way to go through the world and it can also get some cool upgrades I won't spoil.”
    • “But the gameplay was mid and became outright annoying by the end.”
    • “The controls and mechanics are far too sloppy for combat time trials.”
    • “I feel the BMX bike was underutilized as a mechanic and squandered some of the potential of the bike.”
  • story29 mentions

    The story of Turbo Kid is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its engaging narrative, charming characters, and connection to the original movie. While some reviews mention that the story may not be the standout feature compared to gameplay, it still offers a captivating experience filled with personality, lore, and retro charm. Overall, the narrative complements the game's atmosphere and enhances the exploration of its post-apocalyptic world.

    • “Turbo Kid is a very fun metroidvania set in an interesting post-apocalyptic world with lovable characters and a good-hearted story.”
    • “Overall, it's a must-play for any fan of retro gaming, offering a captivating story, catchy retrowave soundtrack, and gameplay that strikes the perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment.”
    • “The lore, the story, and universe (that follows the movie which is also a recommended watch), everything is filled with personality and charm.”
    • “I guess the only downside is the story, which is a little meh.”
    • “However, gameplay trumps it and will make you not care about the story that much.”
    • “I recommend watching the movie before playing since it gives a better understanding of which point of the story you're at.”
  • graphics21 mentions

    The graphics of Turbo Kid have received praise for their beautiful pixel art and detailed backgrounds, effectively capturing a retro aesthetic while incorporating modern design elements. Reviewers highlight the fluidity of animations and the overall visual appeal, which enhances the gaming experience alongside a captivating soundtrack. While some mention that certain gameplay aspects feel middling, the game's art style and graphics are generally regarded as a standout feature that contributes to its charm.

    • “The fluidity of animation and quality of the graphics is remarkable, bringing the crumbling ruins and barren landscapes to life with stunning detail.”
    • “Graphics, really well done vintage throwback to a bygone era with enough flashiness of new tech to make you appreciate the labor of love this game was.”
    • “The art style is beautiful; there's so much detail in the background that I sometimes stop just contemplating the level of craft.”
    • “Combat, movement, exploration, and visuals are all very middling and don't feel very good.”
    • “The graphics, music, animation, themes, everything just fits together really well.”
    • “The retro style visuals, the soundtrack, the bike skills all make this game so incredibly enjoyable and I can't put it down!”
  • atmosphere5 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack and polished environments, effectively immersing players in a captivating, retro-inspired world that aligns perfectly with the original Turbo Kid movie. Reviewers appreciate how the music and overall tone enhance the game's storytelling and aesthetic.

    • “The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack sets the perfect tone, immersing you in the desolate yet captivating atmosphere.”
    • “They nail the atmosphere of Turbo Kid, and it really does seem a fitting game for the movie.”
    • “The game's environments and overall atmosphere are extremely well polished.”
  • stability4 mentions

    Overall, the game is praised for its stability, running smoothly on the Steam Deck with minimal bugs. However, some users have reported a specific issue where teleporting to the central hub can cause a soft lock, necessitating a restart.

    • “Even better than the movie, and it runs great on the Steam Deck!”
    • “The game runs great and is mostly bug-free.”
    • “Runs great on Steam Deck.”
  • emotional3 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Turbo Kid" is highlighted by its clever and heartfelt writing, which effectively motivates players to support the protagonist and their friends. As a direct sequel to the film, it carries poignant messages that resonate deeply, particularly for those familiar with the movie's themes.

    • “Turbo Kid absolutely nails motivating me to help the kid and his new friends with clever, heartfelt, funny writing that matches the tone from the movie.”
    • “This is a direct sequel to the movie, so if you haven't seen it yet, there may be some heartfelt messages that won't come across as well.”
  • humor3 mentions

    The humor in the game is praised for its charm and clever writing, effectively capturing the tone of the original movie. Players appreciate the fun gameplay and inventive elements that enhance the overall experience, making it both heartfelt and entertaining.

    • “More charm, humor, fun gameplay, and inventive elements than many games put together.”
    • “Turbo Kid absolutely nails motivating me to help the kid and his new friends with clever, heartfelt, and funny writing that matches the tone of the movie.”
    • “I love the setting of the movie, and the developer did a great job translating the tone, humor, and aesthetic into game form.”
  • grinding3 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be annoying and tedious, although the inclusion of accessibility options and a helpful chip for locating secrets is appreciated. Many express reluctance to revisit areas extensively, as it feels overly repetitive.

    • “It's just annoying and tedious.”
    • “There is a chip you can equip which will ping if you are close to a secret, but I wasn't going to retread every square of the map from scratch with that; that'd be too tedious for my taste.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    The game is praised for its smooth performance, consistently running at 60fps, though players have noted occasional frame rate dips on the Steam Deck. Overall, it is considered well-optimized for a metroidvania experience.

    • “Great metroidvania with an amazing ambiance, runs smoothly at 60fps with occasional dips on the Steam Deck.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Turbo Kid

Videos

Similar Games