Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Nintendo, 1989)

I got this game solely on the fact that I figured it would be just like the older TMNT games - holding an arcade combat style, with many enemies in a variety of levels that culminate in boss battles at the end. Once I played through the game, though, I realized that only half of what I wanted came true. True, this game has you play as your favorite turtle through a variety of levels. True, it does follow the format of the old games, but it still falls short. The graphics are cel shaded, looking much like they came straight from the cartoon. The controls are fairly easy to learn. The game's levels are too long and you can't save until you complete an entire chapter, which could take FOREVER. The action isn't as fun as the old games and much of what made the TMNT popular isn't present. If you're an older fan of the original series, looking for a repeat of the past...you'll be disappointed. This game follows the new series which doesn't have the same characters of the original series. The charatcers in this game are pretty boring and fairly unimaginative. In fact, this game follows the exact episodes of the new cartoon series! The fact that the levels are long could get bothersome because you'll end up dying and getting frustrated because you're losing lives that you'll need for the other levels of the chapters - remember, you can't save in the midst of a chapter. So if you die at level 3....it's back to level 1. This game was poorly executed and really didn't have any boss battles other than the final battle with Shredder. If you're a younger fan of the new series, you might enjoy this game. If you're an older fan of the original series, you should just overlook this game and find something else instead. Also, the two player mode...well...it's just terrible and makes the game even more boring than it already is.

This game was different yet similar to the originals for the nes in more ways then one. One, the graphics, which is a given after all its on a much more powerful and newer platform. Second this game has voice acting which can get on ones nerves at times, considering the turtles only have 3 or 4 different catch phrases every time you attack any enemy. However that obstacle can be remedied...by turning down or off the volume to the voices in the options menu at the start of the game.
The game design to the levels however were very similar and set up the same way, and the new game even gave you a handy arrow pointing you in the right direction, for the levels in this particular game are more complicated (because of its 3D graphic)and versatile making it easier to get simi-turned around with out the helpful navigators.
I myself enjoyed this game even though the characters and and storyline are nothing like the original 80's series (other then Shredder and the foot clan full of foot ninjas) that I grew up with and loved, but I also love the new series and the makeovers the turtles received for the new series in 2003.
The controls on this game are rather simple to learn unlike the 3rd game on the gamecube "TNMT mutant nightmare"...the controls on mutant nightmare were rather difficult to learn because of all the unique special single and joint attack(s). Over all I give this game a 9.5/10(the annoying catch phrases are the only thing that drove me crazy).
If you do not like the newer series and/or cartoony look then this game isn't for you. But if you do and your like me who can appreciate all the turtles and their glory then by all means go for it...bid/buy away.

Based on the hit cartoon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has players go up against Shredder and his Foot Clan followers. Leonardo's weapon are the Katana Blades, which makes it easy to strike far and fast. Raphael carries a Sai in each of his three fingered fast hands. His striking range is short but a little more powerful than Leonardo. Michaelangelo uses Nunchuks, and Donatello, a master of the Bo has some serious reach and power though he is a bit slow to strike. Unlike most games, rather than just give the plot at the beginning, here the story unravels throughout the adventure. First Shredder gets Beebop and Rocksteady to capture the Turtles friend April O'Neal. Once April is rescued it turns out that Shredder has set eight bombs around the local dam. The dam though was a ploy to lure the Turtles away from their lair so that Mechaturtle, another of Shredder's minions, could kidnap Splinter.

I bought this game for my eight (8) year old son. I really liked this game for several reasons: 1. It is reminiscent of the TMNT game that was around when I was young; 2. The characters are animals and not humans; and 3. It is a good vs. evil game, rather than a generic points for violence game.

I don't allow my son to play many of the current and popular games sold these days, but he really loved it and I don't mind playing THIS game with him either.

Many thanks!

I really love this game! It reminds me of so much the old Konami beat-em-ups in the arcade of Turtles. Only this time, there are cool voices and video from the tv show! The turtles are back with lots of levels and you can fight shredder at the end! You will really love this game for gamecube, I highly recommend it! It has everything and it's not just for kids it's for everyone!