Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Developer
- Konami
- Publisher
- Konami
- Genre
- Action
- Players
- 1 - 2
- Rated
- Everyone
- Released
- 10/21/2003
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
If any of you ever paid consistent visits to the now-defunct arcades of years past, then you'll be instantly privy to the side-scrolling classic, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The game, based on the various films, spawned a few sequels and enjoyed great success on systems like the SNES and is forever remembered as a coin-op that loved to eat away quarters. After many years of hiding, Konami has finally resurrected this venerable franchise to every console come mid-October. Titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the game will retain its action-focused gameplay and maintain the awesome multiplayer action, all while making the jump to 3D. As in the past, the controls will remain simplistic and newbies and veteran-players alike will have no trouble familiarizing themselves with the fighting. Its time to hop into the half-shells of our favorite turtles all over again.
Cel-shading has been accused of being an overused fad in gaming, but in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the style fits the bill perfectly. Plus, since this new version is derived from the new Fox kids cartoon, the cel-shading technique is all the more appropriate. But the visuals aren't to be applauded just for sticking true to the show's aesthetics; the Turtles look fantastic. Perhaps the screenshots can identify the noteworthy character models, but pictures alone cannot bring justice to the brilliant animation. It’s refreshingly cool to see a game that can easily be associated with a real cartoon. To further the comic-book feel, fitting text like 'CRASH!!' occurs on-screen as an enemy is smacked. Besides the graphics, the rest of the presentation is very solid. The voice-work is done by the actors from the Fox cartoon which, while not amazing, is good. Of course, some fans looking for nostalgia may be turned off by the new casting; but nevertheless, someone doesn't play TMNT for the audio experience. They play for the action.
TMNT essentially boils down to the brawling and doesn't leave any room for serious puzzle-solving. The game's producer, Kengo Nakamura, wanted the fighting to be fast-paced, deep, and equally easy to pick up and play. Thus far, it’s safe to say that he has come through on these intentions. Even though combat only requires two buttons, light and heavy attacks, there is definitely some strategy involved. Since each character has specific strengths, it’s up to the player to use that effectively. Raphael is all about brute-force, but he is the slowest of the group. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Leonardo, whose attacks and speed are the quickest, while power isn't as noticeable. Third is Michelangelo, a fairly balanced fighter with the ability to go airborne by spinning his trusty nunchaku. And last is Donatello, who can reach farther than the rest to pummel enemies. Speaking of opponents, it’s cool to see the return of some traditional baddies. The Foot Clanninjas will make a triumphant return as worthless cronies only programmed to get in the way, and of course, the showdown with the infamous Shredder looms. Many of these characters can be added to the combatant roster in multiplayer versus mode. Levels here are thankfully well-presented, with inventive locations such as the top of a rushing truck. The second multiplayer mode, co-op, allows a friend to join in on the fun at any time. Sadly, only two players total can battle against each other or play alongside one another at a given time.
All said and done, its looking like the newest Turtle title will appease both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The transition to 3D hasn't hurt that 'pick up-and-play' feel in combat a bit, which is fortunate. Konami seems to be pulling out all the stops on this modern rendition of a proven classic, which is especially evident in the presentation. Gamers who like their action titles fast and entertaining need to keep an eye out for this one. Expect to see a review of TMNT within the next month. Until then, you can always catch up on Raphael and the crew on Fox kids. Or, keep checking up on Toocubed for updated impressions and new movies and screens.
- George Giacone
Click here to view SSX3 video 3!
This E3 2003 video shows off the TMNT intro video.
Total time: 1:02 / Size: 6.33 MB
If any of you ever paid consistent visits to the now-defunct arcades of years past, then you'll be instantly privy to the side-scrolling classic, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The game, based on the various films, spawned a few sequels and enjoyed great success on systems like the SNES and is forever remembered as a coin-op that loved to eat away quarters. After many years of hiding, Konami has finally resurrected this venerable franchise to every console come mid-October. Titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the game will retain its action-focused gameplay and maintain the awesome multiplayer action, all while making the jump to 3D. As in the past, the controls will remain simplistic and newbies and veteran-players alike will have no trouble familiarizing themselves with the fighting. Its time to hop into the half-shells of our favorite turtles all over again.
Remember these old critters? We bet you do, they appeared in the arcade version!
Cel-shading has been accused of being an overused fad in gaming, but in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the style fits the bill perfectly. Plus, since this new version is derived from the new Fox kids cartoon, the cel-shading technique is all the more appropriate. But the visuals aren't to be applauded just for sticking true to the show's aesthetics; the Turtles look fantastic. Perhaps the screenshots can identify the noteworthy character models, but pictures alone cannot bring justice to the brilliant animation. It’s refreshingly cool to see a game that can easily be associated with a real cartoon. To further the comic-book feel, fitting text like 'CRASH!!' occurs on-screen as an enemy is smacked. Besides the graphics, the rest of the presentation is very solid. The voice-work is done by the actors from the Fox cartoon which, while not amazing, is good. Of course, some fans looking for nostalgia may be turned off by the new casting; but nevertheless, someone doesn't play TMNT for the audio experience. They play for the action.
TMNT essentially boils down to the brawling and doesn't leave any room for serious puzzle-solving. The game's producer, Kengo Nakamura, wanted the fighting to be fast-paced, deep, and equally easy to pick up and play. Thus far, it’s safe to say that he has come through on these intentions. Even though combat only requires two buttons, light and heavy attacks, there is definitely some strategy involved. Since each character has specific strengths, it’s up to the player to use that effectively. Raphael is all about brute-force, but he is the slowest of the group. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Leonardo, whose attacks and speed are the quickest, while power isn't as noticeable. Third is Michelangelo, a fairly balanced fighter with the ability to go airborne by spinning his trusty nunchaku. And last is Donatello, who can reach farther than the rest to pummel enemies. Speaking of opponents, it’s cool to see the return of some traditional baddies. The Foot Clanninjas will make a triumphant return as worthless cronies only programmed to get in the way, and of course, the showdown with the infamous Shredder looms. Many of these characters can be added to the combatant roster in multiplayer versus mode. Levels here are thankfully well-presented, with inventive locations such as the top of a rushing truck. The second multiplayer mode, co-op, allows a friend to join in on the fun at any time. Sadly, only two players total can battle against each other or play alongside one another at a given time.
Multiplayer will offer a Co-Op mode where players can beat their way through the entire campaign mode.
All said and done, its looking like the newest Turtle title will appease both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The transition to 3D hasn't hurt that 'pick up-and-play' feel in combat a bit, which is fortunate. Konami seems to be pulling out all the stops on this modern rendition of a proven classic, which is especially evident in the presentation. Gamers who like their action titles fast and entertaining need to keep an eye out for this one. Expect to see a review of TMNT within the next month. Until then, you can always catch up on Raphael and the crew on Fox kids. Or, keep checking up on Toocubed for updated impressions and new movies and screens.
- George Giacone
Click here to view SSX3 video 3!
This E3 2003 video shows off the TMNT intro video.
Total time: 1:02 / Size: 6.33 MB