Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game Review

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game, developed and published by Konami, brought the beloved arcade beat ’em up experience to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1990. Following the divisive reception of the first NES TMNT game, this title aimed to deliver a more faithful and enjoyable adaptation of the popular cartoon and arcade hit. This TMNT II: The Arcade Game NES review explores how it became a cherished classic.

Gameplay: Side-Scrolling Beat ‘Em Up Bliss

TMNT II: The Arcade Game on the NES is a classic side-scrolling beat ’em up. Players choose one of the four turtles – Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, or Raphael – each with their own unique weapon and attack speed. The goal is simple: brawl your way through hordes of Foot Clan soldiers and other iconic villains to rescue April O’Neil and defeat Shredder.

The game’s controls are intuitive, allowing for basic attacks, jump attacks, and a powerful special move that sacrifices a small amount of health. The inclusion of two-player co-op multiplayer was a major selling point, allowing friends to team up and tackle the Foot Clan together. The game also added two exclusive levels not found in the arcade version, providing extra content for home players. The consistent supply of pizza pickups to restore health kept the action flowing.

• Classic side-scrolling beat ’em up action
• Play as all four Turtles with distinct styles
• Excellent two-player co-op mode
• Added exclusive NES levels
• Intuitive controls and satisfying combat

Graphics and Sound: Arcade Authenticity on 8-bit

For an 8-bit console, TMNT II: The Arcade Game delivers impressive graphics. While scaled down from the arcade original, the character sprites are large, colorful, and instantly recognizable. The environments are vibrant and varied, taking players from burning buildings and city streets to the depths of the Technodrome.

The sound design is equally strong. The iconic character voices, though limited, are present, and the catchy 8-bit renditions of the cartoon’s theme song and in-game music are fantastic. The sound effects for punches, kicks, and weapon impacts are satisfying, adding to the visceral feel of the combat.

Story and Villains: A Familiar Foe

The plot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game is straightforward: Shredder and his Foot Clan have kidnapped April O’Neil, and the Turtles must fight their way through various stages to rescue her and ultimately confront Shredder, Krang, and their forces. The game features a roster of classic villains, including Bebop, Rocksteady, Baxter Stockman, and the mighty Krang in his Android Body.

Legacy: A Beloved NES Classic

TMNT II: The Arcade Game is widely considered one of the best beat ’em ups on the NES and a significant improvement over its predecessor. Its faithful adaptation of the arcade experience, combined with the added content and excellent multiplayer, made it a huge success. It remains a nostalgic favorite for many retro gaming enthusiasts and a testament to Konami’s skill in developing licensed titles.

Is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game on NES Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game on the NES is still a blast to play, especially with a friend in co-op. Its timeless 8-bit action, charming graphics, and iconic soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the Turtles and classic retro gaming. It’s a true gem that perfectly captures the spirit of the cartoon.