
	Platform NES Genre Side-scroller Developer Ultra Games Publisher Konami Year Released 1989
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

teenage mutant ninja turtles

We’re all aware of the constant battle between the forces of Good and Evil. Not all of us are aware of the battle between a bunch of mutated turtles (and their giant rat sensei) and armies of robotic ninja warriors of the Foot Clan led by a walking can opener named Shredder. While the conflict may sound a little more complex than simply the fight between Good and Evil, it’s not.

The cartoon series on which Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) is based ingrained itself in the psyche of everyone that lived through the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. The series, so very loosely based on the Eastman and Laird comic book creation, spawned a cornucopia of merchandise, some feature films, and a live action TV show. TMNT marked the first turtle game and although it wasn’t as bad as some games based on TV shows, it wasn’t a breakthrough game.

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Basically, the Foot Clan is up to no good and April, TV reporter extraordinaire, has been kidnapped. It falls to Leonardo, Donatello, Michalangelo, Raphael, and their intrepid leader, Splinter, to save the day. So, it’s a modern day “Save the Princess” quest with big turtles.

Graphically, TMNT is really showing its age although in 1989 I actually remember commenting on how good the graphics were – the only downside being that

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the characters are on the small side. The only distinguishing features to differentiate the turtles are the color of their bandanas. (Come to think of it, the same can be said of the cartoon.) However, there are characters easily recognizable such as Rocksteady and Bebop. Each turtle uses their signature weapon, each with his pros and cons. (Donatello’s bo staff has great reach but is slow, while Raphael’s sais are quick but without the reach.) Switching turtles is simple to do and is necessary. When Leo’s health bar is dangerously low, it’s a good idea to switch to another turtle then wait until you find some pizza, switch back to Leo and regain some health. The system works well, and it beats being “caught” when the turtle’s health runs to zero.

Gameplay is split into two areas: above ground and the sewers. Above ground is a ¾ perspective, where instant “death” awaits and access to the turtle van is possible. The bulk of the action takes place in the sewers (or in buildings) using the classic side-scrolling view. Also classic is the control scheme – one button jumps, one button attacks. No high-tech physics model either. Jumping feels more like floating. Besides the standard weapons, there are power-up weapons available as well such as throwing stars. The action is straightforward and you should never have a problem figuring out where you should be going. On the challenge side, TMNT is right up there. Some areas swarm with enemies and losing turtles isn’t uncommon. (You can rescue them if they do get caught, but you have to find them.) While the game is winnable, you certainly have your work cut out for you. In short, TMNT is old school (but that’s not necessarily a bad thing).

Everyone who watched more than three episodes of the cartoon should have the theme music playing back through their subconscious. The same can’t really be said of the game. Sound effects and music are typical for the NES – it catches the general sounds and tunes of show.

15 years from now TMNT will probably experience a revival and TMNT for the NES will suddenly become a hot seller at flea markets. Until then, you should probably steer clear – it’s an old game with little to offer the “modern” game, unless you really want that jolt of nostalgia and marketing that was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

- Omni


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