The Best TMNT Games You Need to Try!
Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo have been the iconic fearsome foursome since 1984 when their comic books made their debut to bookshelves all over. Shortly after, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles took the world by storm once the animated television series premiered in 1987. It wasn’t long before fans - both children and adults, were eager to play as their favorite ninja turtle in a video game. And then, in 1989, the very first TMNT game of many was born.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Arcade) - 1989
The very first TMNT arcade game was released by Konami in 1989. It’s an arcade classic beat-’em-up game that truly helped to create the foundation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles future success. Four players were able to choose one of the four turtles, as they fight through the influx of Foot Clan soldiers to rescue their friend April O’Neil and mentor Splinter. Donatello has slower attacks with a longer range, Michelangelo and Raphael have fast attacks with a shorter range, and Leonardo offers a balanced combination of average range and speed.
To no surprise, this game has the perfect vintage TMNT vibe. From the colorful, detailed graphics to the catchy upbeat soundtrack - this is an arcade game you must try if you love the iconic TMNT characters and franchise. It will surely take you right back to the 80's.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES) - 1989
This was the first NES game in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. It is a side-scrolling action platform game. The storyline follows the turtles as they must stop Shredder's evil plans and save helpless April O'Neil. You can choose between any of the four turtles to play as, each coming with their own weapon and unique fighting style.
This classic single-player NES TMNT game consists of various levels and timeless TMNT locations - each with their own set of challenges and enemies. There is a good amount of variety with the gameplay, from timed underwater missions to exploring the sewers of the city. But don't underestimate this retro game - players have said that despite how old it is, it still puts up quite the challenge for modern day gamers.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game (NES) - 1990
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game, released in 1990, is a popular beat-'em-up that serves as a port of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game released by Konami in 1989. This game follows a similar storyline to the arcade version, where the turtles must battle through various stages to save April O'Neil and thwart the plans of their arch-nemesis, the Shredder. The plot involves the turtles battling their way through the faithful Foot Clan and other villains to restore peace in New York City.
If you loved the arcade version or never got to try the original arcade version - this is the game for you. It's timeless retro gameplay and arcade vibe will surely make you feel nostalgic as you slay tons of hellacious enemies.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fall of the Foot Clan (GB) - 1990
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fall of the Foot Clan is a classic game that involves the turtles battling against the Foot Clan, who have once again kidnapped April O'Neil and are wreaking havoc in New York City. Players can choose to control any of the four turtles. Each turtle has a specific weapon, and players can switch between turtles at specific points in the game, each with their own strengths.
TMNT started off strong with this as their debut game for handheld consoles. This game features monochrome graphics with simple, yet effective design. The visuals are clear and represent the TMNT characters and environments reasonably well for the Game Boy console.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project (NES) - 1991
Just when the turtles thought they could take a vacation in Key West, they check the news and to no surprise - April O'Neil has been taken hostage by Shredder during her live news broadcast! Shredder then uses his special technology to move the island of Manhattan to a floating position. The turtles set off to stop him, thus beginning The Manhattan Project.
Similar to the previous games, the player chooses between one of the four turtles. Each turtle comes with his own unique weapon and special attack move. A majority of the enemies the turtles face are the Foot Soldiers, all color-coded to indicate their attack patterns and weapon of choices. You can also expect to face off against skilled bosses in fun locations ranging from the ocean to the subway.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (SNES) - 1991
In this Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles classic, Krang steals the Statue of Liberty, so naturally the turtles go to stop him. But - in their attempt to save the day, Shredder sends them back in time to the age of dinosaurs. So, the turtles must use their outrageous ninja abilities to find a way back to the present day. This is another awesome beat 'em up style game coming from the franchise, full of killer humor and fun locations.
Jam packed with gorgeous pixel art environments and catchy background music - this game will absolutely fill your heart with all of the nostalgic joy. It's a one-of-a-kind game with a unique storyline and unforgettable retro graphics.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Back from the Sewers (GB) - 1991
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Back from the Sewers is the second TMNT Game Boy title and the sequel to Fall of the Foot Clan. Much like Fall of the Foot Clan, this game allows players to switch between turtles before starting each stage. Like previous games, each turtle has unique strengths and weaknesses - Donatello uses a long attack range but is a bit slower, Raphael is quick with a short attack range, and Leonardo and Michelangelo offer a balanced combination of both speed and range.
If a turtle is defeated, they are taken by the enemy - with the game ending once all turtles are captured. After finishing a stage, players have the chance to rescue any captured turtles. If no turtles have been captured, the player progresses to bonus stages instead. This makes the gameplay addictive - knowing you have three other turtles that have your back if one gets taken.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hyperstone Heist (Genesis) - 1992
In this 1992 classic, April O'Neil is reporting from Liberty Island until a flash of light causes Manhattan Island and the Statue of Liberty to shrink. The evil Shredder hijacks the broadcast, claiming he is demonstrating the Hyperstone’s power. With the precious Hyperstone, he threatens world domination, forcing the turtles to stop him.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hyperstone Heistclosely mirrors the gameplay of Turtles in Time, including similar controls but with a new dedicated dash button and the removal of the screen-throwing mechanic. It features an exciting mix of new levels and retro ones inspired by the original arcade game and Turtles in Time.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (SNES) - 1993
Here we have one of the first ever Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fighting games! The turtles enter a fighting tournament to show everyone, especially Shredder, who's boss. In this game the player gets to show off the turtles' martial arts skills and radical combos. It's an instant classic, especially for those of you who enjoy a good ol' down and dirty fighting match similar to Mortal Kombat.
Alongside the main and versus modes, this game includes a story mode where the Turtles must save April O'Neil and Splinter from Karai's captivity. So, if you're looking for a TMNT game with a little bit of everything - you can't go wrong with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Radical Rescue (GB) - 1993
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Radical Rescue is the third Game Boy release for the TMNT franchise, following Fall of the Foot Clan and Back from the Sewers. It's a scrolling action packed adventure game with raw thrills as you navigate the aftermath of Shredder's latest twisted plan - who is now Cyber Shredder, coming back with vengeance.
Unlike the previous game for the Game Boy - you start off playing as Michelangelo, who fell behind during a pizza run and now has to embark on a solo mission to rescue his friends. So, if Michelangelo is your favorite turtle character from the fearsome foursome, you will surely appreciate this game.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (GBA) - 2003
At last, we have reached the 2000's! This TMNT GBA game is based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated TV show that aired in 2003. Right off bat, the game greets you with fresh graphics and vivid colors - a warm welcome into the world of the new Game Boy Advance. Once the player selects one of the turtles, each with a unique special ability, we begin our journey through a series of four action packed adventures.
If you're fortunate enough to still own your retro GBA or GBA compatible Nintendo DS, it is worth finding a copy of this game. It's a nostalgic classic with groundbreaking gameplay that ushered us into a new world of portable gaming consoles.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (GCN) - 2003
The turtles have finally made it to 3D graphics on the newer consoles in this game! Players can choose to play as Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, or Raphael, with each turtle having a distinct set of levels. The game features a story mode for one or two players and a versus mode where two players can battle each other. In versus mode, players can choose from all four turtles, as well as Splinter, Casey Jones, Hamato Yoshi, Turtlebot, Hun, Oroku Saki, and of course, Shredder.
With a dope mix of upbeat music and hilarious dialogue, this game is perfect if you want to either follow the story or show off your own skills in the versus mode against your friends.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Battle Nexus (GCN) - 2004
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Battle Nexus is a game mainly inspired by the second season of the 2003 animated TV series. Unlike the previous 2003 TMNT game, you can play with up to 4 players! Players can choose a "team" color-coded to represent each Turtle - Blue for Leonardo, Red for Raphael, Orange for Michelangelo, and Purple for Donatello. Each team has their own special abilities that help you to progress further into the game.
Although you are playing multiplayer with different teams, you only share one health bar - so if one of you goes down, all the other turtles go down! It's a fun game with intense combat. Not to mention, it's perfect for when you want to play something with your friends or family.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge - 2022
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is a side-scrolling brawler game that is just all around a good time. It's one of the best TMNT games to date. With timeless classic brawling mechanics and gorgeous pixel art environments, this game takes you right back to where it all started. It offers you that old school feel of the retro Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games, but with gnarly game design that feels fresh yet effortlessly nostalgic.
You can tell this game was developed with attention to the details that made the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles a household name. Between the characters witty humor and super fresh mechanics, you're bound to fall in love all over again. With hardly a bad review in sight, trying this game out just makes sense.