One of the most critically acclaimed graphic novels is getting its own video game adaptation. In an interview with Polygon, Paramount Global’s Senior Vice President for Games and Emerging Media Doug Rosen revealed to the publication that the 2020 comic book series TMNT: The Last Ronin will be fully adapted into a AAA title and is already in development. In addition, Rosen also revealed that the game will draw heavy inspiration from another extremely popular action-adventure franchise: God of War.
For the time being, the actual development studio’s identity is not being revealed. However, Rosen did state that the title will draw heavily from the original source material instead of being a straight original story. The Last Ronin is mostly notable for having the two original creators of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reunite; Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It was the first time the two worked together since 2000 when Eastman sold his shares of the franchise to Laird, who in turn sold it to conglomerate Viacom in 2009. The story of The Last Ronin tells the story of one of the titular turtles who goes on to seek revenge against the Foot Clan for killing his brothers.
The graphic novel, which spans five volumes, is in a much darker and more adult tone than what the turtles are usually perceived as in the media. This harkens back to the original comic book days of the series when Eastman and Laird wrote the story to be more catered to an older audience. As for the new IP, Rosen tells Polygon that the eventual release is “a few years off” and that the title will focus on the titular Ronin turtle, although he did not rule out other turtles appearing in flashback segments. Either way, we’re very excited to hear that one of the best graphic novel stories told in the last few years is getting a video game adaptation, and we can’t wait to find out more about it.