Welcome to TMNT Month 2! Yes, I know that's it's only been a few months since the first one, but I didn't quite get all the Turtles games that I wanted to review in there. This includes the home console ports of the arcade games I reviewed. We're starting with this because it's the port of the first arcade game. (hence the name) So without any more delay, let's review Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game. (I'm calling it TMNT 2 from this point forward.)

Graphics
     To be honest, I was somewhat disappointed with this game's graphics. The sprites are smaller and no where near as detailed as the arcade game. Now, I guess I should cut it some slack because I'm pretty sure the NES might not be able to handle that game's graphics. The animations, while good are not as fluid as the arcade, are still pretty good. However, if there's one neat feature about this game, it's that when you pause in the first level, the fire continues its animation. I don't know why I find that interesting, I guess it's just uncommon. One enemy that I feel got harder because of the smaller sprite size are those robot things that shoot lasers at you and try to electrocute you. Their hit boxes have become smaller, so they are harder to hit. I won't say the graphics are bad, just definitely not the best thing ever.

Sound
     The soundtrack of this game is pretty good, but to me it's not really the best soundtrack on the NES (I'll save that for another series that I plan on reviewing soon) The first song you hear is an 8-bit version of the 80's show's theme song, which was already pretty darn catchy. I don't really have that much to say about this soundtrack, I suggest listening to it yourself just so you can form your own opinion on it.

Addictiveness
     To be honest, I hardly ever go back to this particular version of the game, it's got to be the original arcade release that I go back to more often. However, if you feel like having a bit more of a challenge, then this version is definitely for you. There are one or two more levels in this version than the arcade version, but it doesn't give me much reason to go back to this version when the arcade version is superior in every other way. You may come back to this version, but with the arcade version available on Vizzed for everyone to play, I'd suggest doing that instead.

Story
     The story is explained throughout the game, but to try and sum it up, April gets kidnapped so you have to go rescue her. You then learn that Shredder is plotting something evil again and you have to stop him. It's like the Sonic series, it gives you just enough to give you some motivation to continue playing the game. It's not much, but at least it's something.

Depth
     The only depth difference between this and the arcade version is that there's a couple more levels in this version than the arcade. Other than that, it's a pretty short game, not too strong, but no where near being long. The levels are laid out pretty much the same way, so it's honestly not too drastically different. I'm sure that if you're good enough, you can beat it in about 2 hours, maybe less. If you're new to the game, maybe 4-5 hours depending on how quickly you're able to learn the controls.

Controls/Gameplay
     I've decided that unless the difficulty played a large role in the game's score or overall enjoyment, I'll just cut to this section to save you some time. The controls are simple, use the d-pad to move, the A button to jump and the B-button to attack. You can also attack from the air, which can be really helpful in taking out certain enemies. The only problem I have is how heavy the Turtles all seem to be (or at least Leo, but I'm sure this applies for the others as well). I find that I fall to the ground a bit faster in this Turtles game than any other Turtles game, including that awful one, also available on this console. Also the reduced sprite size has made certain enemies harder to hit.

Overall, while I think this game is fun, especially considering it was probably the first good home console TMNT game. But at the same time, I don't think it's aged particularly well. It's somewhat like the original Zelda game. Yeah, it was great back when it was first released, but over time, it's become a bit of a chore to play, but it's still somewhat fun from time to time. With decent graphics, a pretty good soundtrack, and decent gameplay, I give this game an 8 out of 10. Join me next time for TMNT IV: Turtles in Time for the SNES.

Nice. It is not my style, and it is not like other people's reviews, so that means you have your own style, and this good. Not bad.

However, I am not much into the retro games, except for the ones I used to play. Regardless, very nice review. Keep it up, and you might be able to Site Staff: RGR Game Reviewer one day.

Nice review. I like your very opinionated stance that you take rather than just pointing out all the game's flaws or good parts. Keep it up Your review is a different format from others, which can be a little weird to get used to, but it's well-written. 

I'm really glad I read this review. This looks like the classic Turtles game from my childhood that I've been looking for, but haven't managed to find yet. Actually what made me realize it was the game I was looking for, was the animated fire during the pause sequence that you mentioned. Lol Apparently had a pretty a profound effect on my memory as well. That said, nice view here, man. Well written, and just overall good stuff. Of course I'm sure you know that. lol Still, it's always nice to get some positive feedback.