Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Preview

"Everyone's favorite heroes in a half shell are back!"

Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo. The only four names that could make the dreariest of Saturday mornings come to life. This wasn't just any group of crime fighting brothers. These were the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Fans watched eagerly as the group grew, developed, and kicked major ass over the years. The hit television series helped push all sorts of TMNT merchandise off the shelves. This included action figures, comics, toothbrushes, bed sheets, and video games! The company Konami took arcades by storm when they released their TMNT arcade machine, Turtles in Time, into the masses. However, that was nearly a decade ago.

Now that the TMNT have crawled back into our hearts with their new television show, it's only fair that we get a new game to help the "boys in green" rid New York of evil. And with Konami's help once again, the turtles will be back to their old Foot Clan stomping, pizza crust chomping ways in no time. However, this isn't the happier, more kid friendly group of Ninja Turtles that you most likely grew up with. The brothers have a darker edge about them, with more emphasis on action rather than humor. Take a look. You may be surprised at what the fab four have evolved into.

"All for one, and one for all!"

If you have watched any of the new episodes, you'll note the significant changes in the animation and action compared to its older counterpart. This will translate over to the game by ways of cel-shading and comic book like pop-ups similar to "boom", "bang", and "crash" when you strike an enemy or an object. In keeping with the realism of the show, the same group that creates the music for the show will lend their talents for the game music as well. Together, this will give gamers a sense that they are literally running through an episode of the show.




While the music and animation of the game may be very reminiscent of the show, being able to control the turtles and make your own little episode escapade is what it's all about. Walking around in the environment is quite easy thanks to the analog stick. A tap of the button will allow your turtle to let out a fierce punch in the direction you're facing. Don't want to run the risk of cracking a hand over a Foot Clan ninja's head? No problem. That's why you have feet too. Other moves such as jumping, ducking, and blocking can be performed just as easily thanks to newer controllers having a lot more buttons to assign movements to. These new attacks and movements will help bring the turtles to life when fighting groups of enemies.

"I loooove being a turtle!"

Like the previous TMNT games, the main objective is to rid each level of all enemies by any means necessary. Your colors and weapons will depend on which turtle you pick. Leonardo sports twin katanas and wears the leader colors of baby blue. The more intellectual turtle of the group, Donatello, wears the color purple and is a fighting master with his bo staff. Rash and rude Raphael will cut any enemy down to size with the use of duel sais and the malevolent stare that lies beneath his red bandana. And lastly Michelangelo, the wisecracking turtle of the group, wears his orange color proudly, all while putting the likes of even Bruce Lee to shame with masterful control of his nun-chucks. Together with their learned abilities in the ancient ninja art form, Ninjitsu, the TMNT are all geared up and ready to kick ass.




However, the crime lord Shredder sees matters differently. This isn't the same Shredder who would just as easily send in his old goons, Rocksteady and Bebop, than fight the turtles himself. This new Shredder is more of a businessman, with colder and more calculated attacks on the fearsome foursome. Speaking of Rocksteady and Bebop, don't expect to see their goofy mugs in the game at all. With the new show being based on the old comic, you won't be seeing a lot of the more recognizable enemies such as Krang, Ghingis Frog, Chrome Dome, or Slash. Although most fans will recognize the likes of Casey Jones, April O Neil, Baxter Stockman, and Splinter as they inevitably grace your television screen in 3d form.

"Ah, I love the smell of pizza and justice in the morning"

While the game sports a killer two player story mode, playable with all four turtles, gamers can also expect a sweet two player VS. Mode to hone their skills in. But this time the TMNT won't be the only available characters to fight with. Expect the likes of Splinter, Shredder, Casey Jones, Baxter Stockman, and even April to join the battle. Each character will have their own strengths and weaknesses. While Raphy may be the strongest turtle, he'll be the slowest out of the group. Donatello may lack the brawn of his other green brothers, but he makes up for it in brains. Leo is a good balance of both, but a master of either. And poor Mikey may be the baby of the group, however, his speed and agility will make him the fastest turtle.

With each turtle behaving and attacking differently, Konami will be able to convey a sense of controlling a new turtle every time you choose a different character to play with. Thus, prolonging the game experience for gamers who have beaten it with one turtle already. Konami has stated that many secrets can be unlocked throughout the game. Some of these secrets include new characters, new skills, new levels, and art sketches. One thing is for certain, this game is quickly mutating into a radical beat-em-up for fans of all ages. And there's only one way for us at GWX to describe it, Cowabunga!

Preview by Erik Waters