Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

"Turtles on the half shell.....turtle power!"

Remember way back when the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) were the best cartoon on T.V? I do, and it was in fact my favorite show growing up, along with the Flintstones. Since the TMNT cartoon show was so popular, as well as lots and lots of toys, game developers decided to release a video game staring our favorite turtles. While the first game was decent, it was very difficult. However, at the time, gamers everywhere were just glad to have a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video game to play at home.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a bit different than the arcade games that were made after this one was released. The game is actually a side scroller, and the turtles use the same weapons that they use on the show, as well as sub weapons. The gameplay wasn't really that difficult to master. Simply chose a turtle, and make your way threw the streets of New York. The great thing is that you can switch from one turtle to the next at any time. This is something that should be kept in your mind since each turtle has a full life meter. The game is very difficult. There a lot of tricky jumps all over the game, plus some of the enemies do a ton of damage. That's not to mention the underwater swimming level that gives you a time limit to diffuse several bombs. Another thing to factor in is the fact that there is an over world map like seen from the Legend of Zelda series. You can ride the turtle van which is fun, but if you go on foot watch out for the steamroller which can flatten your turtle in one shot. This only adds to the difficulty. One more thing is the control. Just like in the earlier Mario, Mega Man, and Castlevania games, it is kind of tough to jump from one platform to another.

The story however changes from level to level. First you will have to save April from Bebop and Rocksteady. Then you'll have to save the Hudson River by diffusing the bombs that are in the river. Then you'll have to save Splinter and finally, go after the Shredder. Graphically the game looks decent. The turtles, April, Splinter, Shredder, Bebop, and Rocksteady all look pretty cool, but the rest look very odd including the Foot Soldiers. The music is well done, but the classic turtle theme isn't present. I must say that the underwater level has some truly awesome music, along with the boss battle music. All in all, the music and graphics are decent and acceptable in my book.

All in all, this game was pretty cool to have before I got Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 for my NES. However, it took me several years to beat it. All in all, the game was fun, but it is somewhat hard, and it is very easy to get lost on the over world map screen. And that underwater level is HARD! However, the game is pretty fun, but the arcade style games are a bit better. If nothing else, this game gives you the chance to attack and destroy the Technodrome all by yourself. That certainly gives it some votes in my opinion.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 03/08/06