Teenage Mutant TurTles

Maps, reviews and more of the cool green foursome from the editor

aming Insurrection is a huge sup- porter of the Teenage Mutant Ninja G Turtles. We believe that the lean green machine is one of the best fran- chises to come out of the 1980s. Gaming Insurrection presents a half- shell of coverage: We break down re- views for nine of the old-school games that put the TMNT on the map. We also share our thoughts about the movie portion of the franchise. Check out our Strip Talk episode for more of our ruminations in Strip Talk on our website, www.gaminginsurrec- Lyndsey Hicks, editor-in-chief tion.com Classic Focus: inside TMNT REVIEWS COLUMNS Cry of War ...... 3 Beat.Trip.Game ...... 3 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles …...... 4,5 Gaming From the Dungeon...... …..3 Strip Talk …...... 11 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game ...... 6 Insurrection took on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Manhattan Project ...... 7 lean green THE STRIP machine in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time ...... 8 Property review: 1Q2011 issue. TMNT………...... 11 Property review: TMNT III Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Hyperstone Heist ...... 9 …...... ……..12 Property review: TMNTII: Secret Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles GameBoy quick hits ...... 10 of the Ooze………....………..... Top 5 on The Strip: Shredder ...... …...... …..12 quotes ...... …..13

2 special section editorial

A green guide Sometimes, I love being a Turtle fan to TMNT t was 1989, and everything was right in my world the country) there pay the ultimate tribute to my Turtles through my brains: when I discovered the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. would be a correlating I wrote, produced and cast a play entitled “Teenage game sound I was riding the bus home from school everyday, jump in merchandise Mutant Ninja Turtles: A Turtle in Love.” I have no idea I walking to get the house key from my older brother and tie-ins. Because f there’s ever a soundtrack that won’t now why I thought it would be a good idea to gather the go away and reproduces quickly, it’s who worked part-time at the old Pizza Hut a block from I loved video games, other neighborhood children to make a play based on my house. This usually meant I had Pizza Hut for dinner I knew there would the backing for Teenage Mutant Ninja Leonardo falling in love with longtime friend April O’Neil. I Turtles games. Seriously, these game every day as well. What kid doesn’t love pizza … for free be something for Auditions were held on my front porch but no play was … every day? the NES, and I was soundtracks are the kind that won’t ever performed because of casting and budget difficul- die. It was a time of great rejoicing because as a third- right. At the same ties. The best?: TMNT IV: Turtles in Time. grader, I had plenty of afterschool privileges. One of time, there came the Trust me, though, in the end Leonardo saves the day Toe-tapping catchy delights make up the those was letting myself in the house, fixing a snack and Lyndsey Hicks movie. And TMNTII: and gets the girl. score for the final entry before everything watching cartoons. It was through this rite of passage as The Arcade Game. I thought I knew it all about the TMNT. But then a about the series a latch-key kid that I stumbled upon the TMNT. CRY OF WAR And the action figures. started falling I was instantly intrigued by the lean, green fighting And I can’t forget the funny thing happened: I grew up. I put my love for TMNT apart. All of the machines. They had several factors going for them: They original comics. Short of selling my soul to my mother, I on the backburner and moved on to other things in life. themes go with the were turtles, they had weapons and were ninja and they begged and pleaded to have the original comics delivered But a moment of my childhood came roaring back when, game and sound were teenagers. To an 8-year-old tomboy, that was magic to our home. I used the excuse that it was something new a few years ago, I saw my favorite green foursome had TMNT-like, even of the highest order. They were the “bigger kids,” despite to read, so I got it without much of a fight. I also got a their original cartoon, the one that I ran home every day the obnoxious Lyndsey battle theme that being cartoons, who had responsibility and could do lunchbox and a Trapper Keeper. And a movie poster or for years to watch, on DVD. I bought it, popped it in my Hicks teenage things I couldn’t. Nevermind that, at the time, two. DVD player and immediately remembered the theme you will hear 10 BEAT.TRIP.GAME times. At least I didn’t know what were, I had never wielded a My love for the Turtle boys didn’t really fade so much song word for word. it’s consistently weapon and I had a long way to go before I was a teen- as I matured. When the second movie, Secret of the As I sang along about Leonardo leading and Donatello obnoxious. ager. Puberty hadn’t yet hit but I knew that I was going to Ooze, came to theaters, I was right there. It was the first doing machines, my ex-husband Jamie had this strange The worst?: Anything on the GameBoy. enjoy roaming around the city fighting crime and dodg- movie that I was allowed to see by myself as a “big kid.” look in his eye. I ignored him and sang my green-loving This is by no means an indictment of the ing the Shredder as a Turtle fan. I was 9 years old, I was a big girl and I was a Turtle lover. lungs out. beautiful brainchild of the brilliant Gunpei So these lovable four freaks of nature, as Shredder It didn’t get much better than that or so I thought. But my Sometimes, I love being a Turtle fan. Yokoi-san but some things were just not put it, had captured my heart. What now? What would I penultimate TMNT moment hadn’t yet arrived. meant to be portable. TMNT falls squarely do with my love for Leo, Don, Mike and Raph? Simple. I was 11 years old and thought of myself as a genius Lyndsey Hicks is editor-in-chief of Gaming in that category. The music is small, tinny I realized that with the explosion in popularity of TMNT playwright and scribe. In what I can only describe now as Insurrection. She can be reached by email at and barely recognizable as belonging with (it was huge at my elementary school like most across a brief era of sheer ludicrousness, I decided that I would [email protected] the TMNT universe. A blight if you will. The rest? Serviceable at best. At its best is TMNT II: The Arcade Game in the 8-bit realm. It has the best and most The Teenage Mutant Ninja strangeness recognizable tracks of all of the games. At was sitting on a friend’s front porch Other Strange- sky to dine on them, but go back to their and talk about your favorite plots that the its worst, are the 16-bit Genesis games. These make me want to cry, they are so getting a crash course in RPGs ness, I decided it normal lives after the danger has passed. Turtles have encountered. If you played bad. If you’re going to copy from an arcade I because they needed a fifth man. We was better if each You must have at least one re-occurring the original TMNT RPG, I would suggest version, have the decency to do it right. played games all weekend. We played GM could created nemesis that you want to stop as bad as thinking about all the games that you’ve Nothing is more frustrating than hearing RoboTech mostly until my friend’s father their own green they want to stop you. What if the Shred- played since then, and search for any the game equivalent of a bad house remix came home and became the GameMaster machines. I feel der mentored another being — let’s call plots you could use now or that you want of late ’80s power rock. for my first look at the TMNT universe. It Jamie like I just wouldn’t him the Blender for now. Let’s say that the to expand on. If you’re going on sheer creativity, look at Turtles in Time. Chances are the zaniness was 1987 and filled with strange creatures Mosley do them justice by Blender has created an army of mutated The thing about the Turtles universe is that just wanted to fit into the world. But giving them scores. animals with humanoid features and of the game will provide something viable FROM THE that anything can happen, so nothing is for your ears. Otherwise, be forewarned that at that time, I couldn’t get into them that So I want to focus emotions. It is possible that your band over the top. I mean, the Turtles traveled if you’re not a fan of the green foursome’s much. At that age, I cared more about DUNGEON on the elements of may break away from the army because in time and met alternate versions of eponymous 1987 cartoon, you will not running around with my imaginary ninja your game if you of moral conflicts. Maybe your group themselves. It really is up to your imagi- enjoy the majority of the sound you’re clan than trying to help four turtles stop choose to create your own Ninja Turtle met your world’s version of the Teenage nation and the imagination of the group about to be assaulted with. You can’t miss some kitchen utensil from taking over the clan. Mutant Ninja Turtles and they convince also. I am sure with just these simple that theme since you’re pounded over the head with it every time some TMNT-related world. That’s right! I didn’t have just one Now, there are a few elements that need you to change your evil ways. Maybe your ideas your group can play for years or imaginary friend; I had an entire ninja to be in game settings before you intro- group is the cursed Turtles. You get the media is produced. Thankfully, it’s held up until you reach Dimension X, whichever even after 20 years. clan. Ninjas were huge in the ’80s. duce your shell-backed heroes. The game idea. It is really up to you and the group. comes first. I was going to discuss how to make must take place in a huge city that strange Now for ideas about your games. I Lyndsey Hicks is editor-in-chief your own green machines for your games, happenings are the normal. A place where would think that this would most likely Jamie Mosley is the former of Gaming Insurrection. She can but since Palladium Books published the people run for their lives when the be the easiest for hero fans of all ages associate editor of be reached by email at The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and giant fire-breathing moth comes out of the to come up with. You can watch, read Gaming Insurrection [email protected] special section 3 It’s cool that that the classic Teen- age Mutant Ninja Turtles sound is present, but once you get into the actual stages, the music tends to get worse. I hated most of the music in most of the stages. The music just didn’t do anything for me and it came across as annoying, disap- pointing and overall just plain off of the game’s theme. If you can’t listen to the music or enjoy the graphics, the least the game could do is have good controls, but it can’t manage to do that either. Controlling the Turtles in the game is rather simple with one button for jump and the other to swing your weapon, but simple design mistakes keep it from being the slightest bit fun. Why is switch- ing weapons a chore? You’re forced to go to the menu screen then switching around the weapons. I guess that’s the only way that it can be done, because of the limited amount of buttons on the NES con- troller, but it’s still ridiculous. There is no replay value in TMNT. To say that this is the most chal- lenging of all of the games in the NES series would be a bit of an understatement. The basic game play design that the game runs on means it will be challenging, mainly because the game requires a quick trigger finger and brains to figure out some of the more Bad on the half shell complex stages of the game. This wouldn’t be so bad if not for the Original TMNT entry an awful experience fact that sluggish controls and poor design gets in the way of execu- tion. And on top of all of the non- By Jamie Mosley believe that, while the game itself is have been kidnapped! Shredder around in the game, and this one sense you run through in the game, Gaming Insurrection horrible, it inspired the others later. must have taken them, so your section is the example of what not none of the bosses were even good. While the other Teenage Mutant mission is to save Master Splinter to do in a game. It’s also the exam- They’re all a pain to deal with. I The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ninja Turtles were more action- and April O’Neil! The game really ple of why the game is so bad. mean, you have to fight the Tech- will always remain an enigma in oriented as side-scrolling beat-em- presents itself with exclamation The graphics are rather interest- nodrome itself, for crying out loud. my childhood memories. I have ups, this was more of an adventure points so I thought this would be an ing, to say the least. I did like some, Who actually wants to do that? always been very fond of them, game. It has its good moments, but appropriate way to tell my story the but not all, of the graphics. I didn’t If you completely ignore the fact whether it be from their delightful overall I don’t get it. Maybe it’s just same way. It isn’t the most unique like the overall look, especially that this is nothing like the other television show or cartoon videos — the type of game, maybe it’s the story, but it’s actually better than when you compare it to the fran- games in the series, you may end even the regular videos were pretty boredom, maybe it’s the fact I want what I expected it would be. chise’s other offerings on the NES. up liking this game a lot more. The cool — to the comic books, there to throw this game out a window The game’s stages are rather The backgrounds were especially fact of the matter is I have never was something for everyone when ever time I see it; I don’t know. revolutionary as there are no real disappointing; I had a rather tough really been a huge fan of TMNT and it came to Teenage Mutant Ninja Take everything you knew about set stages. Instead, you start off in a time seeing the enemies because never will be. I expected the game to Turtle merchandise. the other Teenage Mutant Ninja city map walking around avoiding they were blending in with each be fun, but that never came into the One of the main plans launched Turtles games and throw them out Foot soldiers and until you stage. equation. Disappointment struck at the height of the Teenage Mutant a window. The gameplay is not fun. find an open sewer. You then can go While the backgrounds are per- the entire time I waded through it, Ninja Turtle fad was a move into Most of it consists of fighting little into the sewer to complete the sew- haps the main fault of the game and there was no fun to be discov- the video game market. Konami purple guys that hardly resemble er portions. You will not spend the when it comes to graphics, they ered whatsoever. decided to release a bunch of TMNT Foot soldiers at all. The bright spot whole game in the sewers, though, are certainly not the only flaw. The There are some good aspects to games during the years, mainly for of it all was the fact that you could as soon you will be swimming enemy or character designs also it, but mostly you’ll be too busy be- the NES and SNES consoles. Their switch Turtles at any time. underwater, trying to detonate weren’t up to snuff. None of the ing amazed at the mediocrity and first effort was a game of the same There really is no story if you bombs. That was the most fun I had enemies even look close to their laughable design. I won’t call it the name for the NES in 1989. This was think about it, but you can watch in the entire game, as it was fun to series counterparts, and some of worst game ever made because it not a success. the short scenes before the game try to swim around while avoiding the enemies are head-scratching certainly is not, especially with crap Let me state for the record: I love begins to find out all about it. The electric coral. NOT! There is nothing inclusions that make wonder why like Silver Surfer and Total Recall the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I Turtles are returning home from a fun about trying to detonate bombs, they’re even in the game to begin running rampant. However, I can’t loved the other games in the series, pizza run when they discover that avoid being shocked and fighting a with. recommend it, especially for those but the original Teenage Mutant someone has broken into their current and time limit all at once And while the graphics are caus- of you who are expecting a gaming Ninja Turtles game just failed to precious sewer! They enter and see in a game where you control worse ing you to have nightmares, the experience like the TMNT arcade capture the spirit of the others. I Master Splinter and April O’Neil than Mario Bros. It’s a pain to move music is nothing special, either. games. Run far away from this.

4 special section First is the worst: Stay away from first TMNT game on NES By Brandon Beatty overhead view normally found in RPGs and first in action games, unless you have the ons such as Gaming Insurrection switches between that and a side view simi- Turtle Van, Foot soldiers, and various Foot throwing stars keep with the TMNT theme, lar to that of The Legend of Zelda II. clan but do very little to save this game. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles started our Full control — a la four-man tag-team — is vehicles will overcome the toughest turtle This game shows what we at GI do for you: favorite heroes in a half-shell on their to- allowed of all four Turtles, each with their and his awesome weaponry. review any game and suffer any horrible tally awesome journey in the gaming world. signature weapons and personalities as they The graphics were an example of how hor- torture it brings to save not just your money However, this was also Konami/Ultra’s first fight to rescue April O’Neil and Splinter. At rible Konami’s dedication to this game’s suc- but your sanity and time. game based on a popular franchise that not the same time they must seek out Shredder cess was. I could not, in the first mid-stage The consolation for TMNT fans is that Kon- only came and his infamous Technodrome fortress. battle, tell the difference between Bebop and dangerously close to failure, but also As a TMNT fan, I was enthusiastic about April, thinking they were brother and sister. ami did learn from this game and improve nearly cause the lean, green machine to be the green machines’ video game debut. The controls were simple but did not do their treatment in further TMNT games and banned from all things fun. However, I soon learned firsthand that even justice to the Turtles as they were limited to other property-related games. Released in 1989, TMNT is based on the with the hottest toy/comic property around, back flips, upper and lower attacks, which But as a learning experience: Do. Not. Buy. 1987 TV series, but keeps with the style of it does not guarantee a great video game. took away the traits that make them ninja. This. Game. You’ll be greatly disappointed the comic book series. TMNT starts with an While the RPG overhead screens were a Power-ups such as pizza and special weap- even if you are the biggest TMNT fan around. special section 5 Totally shell-shocking

but it looks better than the NES experience version. The sprites look good, the levels look great and even the fire By Jamie Mosley four friends on Xbox Live with full effects look hot. Gaming Insurrection voice support or create rooms to The music is fitting for this type invite friends to. One-player mode of game. It uses voice work from Editor’s note: This review is for the arcade (local) allows you to learn the the actors that did the cartoon, or version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: so it would seem. Even the sound The Arcade Game, which is featured in the game with unlimited continues. Xbox Live Arcade. It is different than the NES It’s an exact port of the original effects are good with explosions port. arcade game with no tampering and what not. Had to give a high to the music or visuals — a rarity score on this. Everything from TMNT. These four letters have today, but it’s something I appreci- when they say “Pizza time to Rock- spawned a slew of games for ate. It makes you feel like you are steady and Bebop’s bad mouthing one of the most popular cartoon playing an episode of the original is all like the show itself and how television shows in the ‘80s and animated TV show. can you ever forget the best theme ‘90s. If you have never heard of song ever? or played this game, then let me GAME MECHANICS tell you what you’re missing and STATE OF PLAY what makes Teenage Mutant Ninja The idea behind the game is run Turtles II: The Arcade Game a to- to the right and kill all of the en- Achievements are not necessar- tally tubular game. emies and then kill the boss. The ily a breeze to get — you can only April and Splinter have been tak- variety of enemies might be lack- unlock them in public matches, en by Shredder and it’s up to our ing because of color changes but not private. Some require you to mutant turtle friends to save them. they also gain different weapons, complete the game in local mode Yeah, the plot is thin but this game so it does keep things interesting. trol is simple and responsive. for me that they weren’t included and you to actually beat the final is old and was an actual arcade The four turtles don’t play exactly Because of its popularity, I’m sure in this release of the game. boss to unlock them. There is also title. It does, however, fit with the alike because of their weapons but most people have played this game a secret achievement; I suggest you basic theme of the cartoon, which it is close. I think Leo is a stronger in one form or another. It’s only WORTH YOUR TIME? try and figure it out on your own; it was based upon. all-around character but I prefer got five stages long, which may it is much more fun that way! Now, you have to consider that Don over Raph and Mikey. In on- seem shorter to some but that’s This game is a must-have. From One of the best-ever arcade we are talking about 1989 here. line matches, you tend to get stuck because the NES version had two destroying the to show- games has finally came to the Thus, you have the famous 2D side- with the weaker characters unless extra stages. On the NES, after the ing the evil Shredder who’s boss, Xbox Live Arcade, and I must say scroller with all of the colors that you are the host of the game. sewer level you go to an exclusive TMNT II is actually a really fun you shouldn’t miss out on the you would see when watching your Control-wise, you have a basic level called The Snowfield and the game to play. Even eating the chance to play this sweet game. favorite green machines Saturday two-button scheme, one for jump- boss is a bounty hunter polar bear turtles favorite Italian dish gives If you are one of those people morning. All-original animations ing and the other for attacking. named Tora. Also after the Rock them a little sliver of health. The who remember only the theme were included in the arcade game. Pressing the two together allows Quarry level, after beating Lieuten- boss battles are fun to play as you song and can’t remember that The cooperative play is fun and you to perform a special move that ant Granitor, you enter another will encounter the likes of Bax- much about the show, or you’re challenging even with a limit on will damage your foes even more. NES-exclusive level called The Dojo ter Stockman, Rocksteady, Bebop, just itching for some TMNT action, continues (19 continues … $5 in Movement is handled with the and fight a samurai named Sho- Shredder and more. Graphic-wise, add this game back to your collec- quarters … you literally get what analog . There is no real hard gun. These two were my least fa- the game is very clean. Yeah, it’s tion. It’s worth the price of nostal- you pay for). You can play with learning curve here, and the con- vorite levels, so it was no great loss old so it isn’t overly impressive gia.

6 special section TMNT 3 a glowing learning curve

By Brandon Beatty Gaming Insurrection

I showed no mercy to the first TMNT game; I was more than willing to smash that pa- thetic offering to our heroes in a half shell into unrecognizable pieces. However, Kon- ami redeemed themselves with the TMNT faithful by releasing a third game that has our favorite green heroes fighting not just for justice this time but for their hometown from Shredhead’s iron-fisted hands in Teen- age Mutant Nina Turtles III: The Manhattan Project. In this third Turtles project on the NES, the heroes and their sensei enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation on the beaches of sunny Florida. While watching April O’Neil’s latest report, the green quartet sees Shredder taking over the news program, taking April hostage and turning New York City into a floating island while challenging the Turtles to stop him. Manhattan Project is, without a doubt, a true beat-em-up game that honestly fits with the comic and TV show better than first game and with more flexibility in its mechanics. Instead of having all four turtles at once, you can choose your individual turtle in one- or two-player mode. Moves include the jump kick from the arcade game and also the ability to toss on-screen enemies into each other. Each turtle has a specialized attack such as Mike’s kangaroo kick and Leo’s 360-degree turbine spin, which will be helpful though all eight levels. While playing, I did notice some things that were a minor pain with the special attacks such as using energy for the move unless you are down to one en- ergy bar. Also, in cooperative mode, there the potential to hurt each other, unless you choose an option that will keep friendly fire to a minimum. While no special weapons are available, the usual pizza powerups are on-hand. The usu- al rogue’s gallery of TMNT is still intact with Foot solders, Mousers and Rock soldiers, but more villains from the comic and TV series are introduced such as Dirtbag, Slash and old favorites . Also Super Shredder, Tokka and Rahzar from the second TMNT movie, Secret of the Ooze, make cam- eos. Konami did learn from the first TMNT game not to take the franchise’s fans for granted. This lesson served them well in this game and also future TMNT-related games and other popular franchises where staying true pleases the fans. After playing this, I recognized that Konami has arrived to the fact that quality, not just quantity, will sell a game. Excellent, Konami. Excellent. special section 7 Time to discuss best-ever beat-em-up

By Lyndsey Hicks although there is an option to Gaming Insurrection change to a gritty dark comic book tion and short length. Despite its 10 style. It was a wise decision to let levels, it’s really a lot of the same: The best game in the series. players move into the world of the Fight forward to the end of the Unparalleled beat-em-up action. TMNT, even when they’re time stage. It’s easy to beat the game in SNES standard for side-scrollers. It traveling. one sitting and that’s on all diffi- is, indeed, Teenage Mutant Ninja While you’re moving through the culty levels. Turtles IV: Turtles in Time. Despite different locales pursing Shredder, It’s made more fun when you a lack of sophistication, this is a the music makes the action come have a buddy to back you up, but must-have in any TMNT collection. alive all on its own. The stages are aside from the story campaign, You can’t be a TMNT fan and not memorable and the voice samples, there’s little else to keep you en- play this version of the four green though recycled from the Turtles’ dudes’ tale of saving their beloved previous arcade entries, are clear gaged. There’s time trials and a New York City from the clutches of and lively. Using the trademark versus mode but they don’t unlock Shredder once again. surfer slang of the four gives the anything so it’s kind of a waste if The story is as simple as the title identity and firmly entrenches you aren’t into speed runs. So you’ll previous sentence. Shredder, it in the franchise’s canon. be plodding through that story and their minions as well as rivals The game even manages to use campaign, like it or not. Despite have taken to terrorizing New dialogue from other Turtle proper- the minor annoyances, TMNT 4 is York City once again. You don’t ties. For instance, Tokka and Rah- a must-own for the Super Ninten- need much more than that and zar, two mutants from the second do. As a part of the Turtles’ legacy, the game isn’t going to work hard movie, are introduced with their this is the definitive version of to give you much more than that. quote “Master say have fun. Have their struggle with the Foot Clan The game plays out much like any fun.” Longtime fans will recognize TMNT 4 is the pinnacle of pre- by large groups that will take pot and Shredder. episode of the 1987 cartoon. the attention to detail. And as far cise control from a company that shots, but you can fight them off in As a part of the legacy of beat- The 10 levels of the game are var- as unforgettable lines go, Shredder brought you the first Castlevania. a variety of ways. The new catapult ied and interesting, transporting has one of the most famous in his The Turtles move with fluidity and throw makes creatively good use of em-up sidescrollers, this is the the green dudes to different epochs pre-battle quote “Tonight I dine on grace, which isn’t easy when you’re the Super NES’ Mode 7 capabilities cream of the crop. Solid playability, of time to fight their way back to turtle soup.” Tell me if you know surrounded by enemies. That quirk and the body slam multi-throw is great music, gorgeous backgrounds home for a final showdown with which season and which episode of older beat-em-ups isn’t present a good way to clear the screen for and a healthy nod to its history the Shredhead. Bright and color- that came from. as much as it could be, thank- a little breathing room. Where the — it’s everything that a franchise- ful palettes make up the scenery, The gameplay is nearly perfect. fully. You can still be surrounded game falters slightly is its repeti- based game should be. 8 special section Hyperstone Heist struggles mightily

Liberty being stolen. That’s about it. Nothing Genesis port of really important. There will be fights against some random bosses from the franchise classic steals much who really have no point in the game — Slash, we’re looking at you — and then you from source material face off against Shredder. That’s it. At least it was fun and looked prettier on the SNES. By Lyndsey Hicks Several immediate questions came to Gaming Insurrection mind as I trudged through the levels. First of all, who approved this? They should have Let’s put this out in the open: The Sega been sacked immediately. Second, after Genesis version of Turtles in Time is Hyper- playing through the first bonus stage, I ask: stone Heist. Nearly everything in the game is Why are the Foot soldiers jumping out of the same as Turtles in Time. While plot-spe- the water like synchronized swimmers or cific details are different, Hyperstone Heist schools of fish? Third, did someone think is basically Turtles in Time with the names this was cute? And actually play the game and order of the stages changed and a few all the way through? Finally, was anyone bosses in different spots. The other major informed of the fact that a better port exists difference is the pirate ship background. But on the SNES? basically it’s the same game, if not worse. My major gripe overall is the obvious lazi- The sound quality is awful on the Genesis. ness that went into the port. I mean, it’s The voice samples are scratchy, and the music sounds are muffled. Even though the clear that Genesis owners needed a TMNT files are pretty much the same as the Super game to match what SNES owners received Nintendo version, the translation from the game that recycles backgrounds. Take, for the stage, such as cars that back out sudden- but it seems that Konami shouldn’t have arcade version of Turtles in Time distorted instance, the streets of New York stage. It’s ly and run over your Turtle, didn’t improve bothered if what they’re going to put out is a them. Quick, someone give these Turtles a clearly the second stage of TMNT IV because it. TMNT has never been at the top of the sub-par product. throat lozenge. it uses the same streets motif, yet it looks heap for graphics and this nonsensical port If you have a choice in versions, do your- And where the music suffers, the graphi- horrible on the Genesis. The colors are doesn’t move the franchise ahead. self a favor and buy the SNES version. Stay cal quality also takes a hit. I have never washed out and the definition and detail The storyline is basically Turtles in Time away from poor imitations that do nothing seen more muddy and dreary graphics in a that was there is gone. Also, adding things to as well with a stone in place of the Statue of to move the TMNT franchise along. Tournament Fighters doesn’t win points for originality

Editor’s note: This is a review of the Super to take on their varied foes and to get hurt. Nintendo version of the game. This version is friends in a tournament. That’s all While the game doesn’t neces- significantly different from the Genesis port. there is to the story. The game has a sarily look horrible, it ain’t pretty, story mode and a versus mode, but either. There’s color but it looks By Lyndsey Hicks other than that, there isn’t much to washed out and doesn’t have the Gaming Insurrection the offerings. Getting to meat of the richness or clarity of its predecessor game: The fighting game portion Turtles in Time. While the back- If Street Fighter II is the example of a fighting game template from isn’t very good. It controls worse grounds are slightly imaginative, which to steal, Teenage Mutant than old-school Street Fighter II but the animation isn’t particularly spe- Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fight- better than you’d expect a knock off cial. The shining moment for this ers is the product of mediocrity to work. By the time this title hit is the attention to detail. While the Nothing about this game does ment Fighters just doesn’t do that that you leave alone. Tournament the streets in 1993, SFII was hit- coloring is odd, the backgrounds do anything remarkable in terms as a TMNT spinoff or as a fighting Fighters is basically SFII with ting its stride, so Konami should have a certain level of finesse. The of boosting the TMNT franchise. game in a market that required TMNT characters and backgrounds have known better. The moves ripples in, for instance, the Turtles’ slapped onto it. It’s not bad, but it’s aren’t precise and what you put in limbs and Shredder’s clothes actu- That’s probably a lot of pressure elbow-room. The question that not good, either. There’s nothing motion-wise isn’t necessarily what ally look fairly good. It’s just that, on Tournament Fighters but if you begs to be asked is this: Why play a worse from a game than obvious you’re going to get. It’s like attempt- for a 16-bit title, the graphics are can afford to make a fighting game Street Fighter II knockoff with bor- laziness, and TMNT Tournament ing to play Sports Bowling while boring. That’s a shame because it spinoff from your franchise, it ing graphics and imprecise controls Fighters barely manages to achieve drunk and with the original Wi- could really use something to make needs to do something more than when you could play the real thing? that. imote: not a good combination by it stand out in the crowd of fighting look semi-pretty; it needs to bring Inquiring Turtles fans really would In a nutshell, the TMNT have any means, and somebody’s bound games for the Super Nintendo. something to the table. Tourna- like to know. special section 9 GAMEBOY QUICK HITS TMNT: FALL OF THE FOOT CLAN As far as left-to-right side-scrolling action plat- formers go, this isn’t particularly good. It has prom- ise as a GameBoy title but falls short with awful, tinny music and sad graphics. Storyline-wise, it follows the plot of its console big brothers wherein the Turtles must fight hordes of the Foot, face off against Shredder and Krang and finally save their friend April O’Neil. The controls, while simplified, leave a lot to be desired. Jumping is chore and with multiple enemies coming from all sides, it’s hard to attack and not be attacked. Unfair hits will happen.

Rating: 1.5 out of 5

TMNTII: BACK FROM THE SEWERS If you thought Fall of the Foot Clan couldn’t get any worse, along comes the Turtles’ second game for GameBoy. It’s a lot of retread and the graph- ics only slightly get better. Most of the bosses even return, with Krang again serving as the game’s final boss. The music is still not that great and the premise is still go here, rescue this person, don’t get captured. The controls are still flighty but it’s no worse than what you’d expect from a platformer on a handheld. Get this only if you feel the need to have all of the Turtles’ adventures on one system.

Rating: 1 out of 5

TMNT III: RADICAL RESCUE

At this point, the Turtles are really stretching the cred- ibility of the franchise. Nothing new is added here. So Konami decided to change the play style a little bit by making you roam around in a large cave to fight bosses? That still doesn’t change the fact that the handheld Tur- tle games are singularly some of the worst the Game- Boy has to offer. While the graphics have again slightly improved, they still aren’t up to par with even the NES offerings. The music is still bad, and to make matters worse, the controls seem to have downgraded. In addi- tion to the lack of advancement in the series, the physi- cal act of forcing players to run around a large confusing map with limited health is one of the most egregious crimes you can commit in a side-scrolling platformer. This is quite possibly one of the worst games ever made.

Rating: 0 out 5

10 special section Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Animated heroes, ad juggernaut New Line Cinema, 1990 rolled into giant package

he Teenage Mutant Turtles TMNT movie origins great have dual personalities, quite frankly. They are T among the few, if not the only, animated characters way to start franchise to have multiple versions within the consumer’s grasp that make ulling from the comics to them seem like the same old tell its origin story, Teenage Turtles dressed up in the same Mutant Ninja Turtles does old stories with different looks to Lyndsey Hicks P the franchise proud in its them. No one can dispute the jug- first stab at the movie business. gernaut that was and still is the STRIP TALK With a few changes to some key TMNT. Sure, they’re nowhere near off with witty writing, superb voice elements, the movie Turtles still as prevalent as they once were. acting and plots that made a lot manage to convey the never-say- Nowadays, you can’t walk down of sense. The show worked hard die attitude of the teen amphib- the street screaming “Cowabunga, to establish a base with children, ians. Crucial fights and subtle dude!” without getting laughed at though the seemingly innocuous humor are thrown in with great or possibly being evaluated for Bull writing is even risque for cartoons character development. The casting is superb mostly. Street or Patrick B. Harris. No, you these days. Where else can a vil- can’t say you love being a turtle Judith Hoag was excellent as the Photos courtesy of TMNT.com lain call a heroine of the show a The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles take on Shred- anymore without accusations of plucky April O’Neil, and her pair- bimbo? der with the assistance of April O’Neil and Casey being stuck in a 1980s timewarp. ing with Elias Koteas’ Casey Jones Jones in the first feature film. But there was a time in America Both pieces of the TMNT tale left was enjoyable and believable. where it was hip to be a lean, a lasting impact. There’s a genera- Shredder was menacing and im- green, turtle-loving pizza-eating tion of grown folks that sang along posing as well as his bodyguard, machine. Those were the days with the opening theme of the Tatsu (a movie only addition). The when TMNT was king. ‘87 show. Millions of “children of costuming looked great and so did HOW WE GRADE The franchise seemingly came the ‘80s” sink back into a coma of the Turtles. Jim Henson’s Crea- We score the prop­er­ties in three cate­ ­gories: Cast­ing (or voice acting­ in cases of ani­ out of nowhere with the comics nostalgia now and then as they re- ture Factory pulled out the stops mated), plot and sim­i­lar­i­ties to its source mate­r­ial. Each cat­e­gory receives points out of book in 1984. It was as if there was member getting home from school, to make the suits for the Turtles, the max­i­mum of 10 per cat­e­gory and 30 over­all. The per­cent­age is the final score. nothing and then there were the throwing off an acid-wash denim and it shows. Our only quibble Turtles. They were serious, starkly with the characterization was the drawn characters who would fight jacket, fixing a snack and plopping down in front of a TV to watch the inclusion and creation of April’s cartoon) are featured and kill just as soon as they would boss and his son. They weren’t be teens on the streets of New York four green dudes from Brooklyn throughout, helping the wholly necessary to the story, looking for a little action. These take on a ninja master who “never movie firmly ground and while they set up interesting are the classic times of the TMNT, has to look for a can opener” before itself as a sci-fi kung-fu subplots for the core group, they where you could get a little blood tackling multiplication and long- didn’t really add to the movie. flick. This is a must- mixed in with the culture of a division problems. own for the children gritty 1980s New York City scene In fact, it seems they dragged it I am a child of the ’80s and I was of the ’80s crowd who rife with crime. And then it all down in parts. once upon a time a pre-teenage exploded. We particularly enjoyed the fact remembers the days mutant ninja turtle. Cheesy on the one hand, wildly that by the time the first movie when Turtles fought popular and inappropriate on the was released, the cartoon was in with honor. other, the 1987 animated show hit Lyndsey Hicks is editor-in-chief full swing, thus making the movie of Gaming Insurrection and one of possible. While the movie works the scene and made mincemeat Like the comics: 7 out of nearly every other franchise. the biggest Teenage Mutant Ninja to distance itself from the cartoon Casting: 9.5 The Turtles gained individual char- Turtles fans on the planet. She can quite a bit, it still retains elements acteristics and with them came an be reached by email at from it to draw in the younger Plot: 9 increase in popularity that hadn’t gicomics@ crowd. Subtle nods to the fran- been anticipated. The show took gaminginsurrection.com chise’s two origins (comics and Overall rating: 8.5 special section 11 Photo courtesy of TMNT.com Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III saw the re- turn of Casey Jones. Photo courtesy of TMNT.com Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were aid- ed by their new friend Keno in TMNT II: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III Secret of the Ooze. New Line Cinema, 1992

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret Of The Ooze New Line Cinema, 1991 Boldly go where no Turtle should really ever go One-liners add hilarity hackneyed plot and poor special effects make the A third TMNT film the worst HOW WE in the bunch. There isn’t much that could save the franchise to Turtles’ movie sequel from going downhill with the third GRADE movie. The plot of the Turtles time We score the prop­er­ties in three hat’s not to like about the lent tale for the Turtles. Also, is it traveling literally doesn’t make cate­ gories:­ Casting­ (or voice acting­ sequel to one of the most too much to ask that Vanilla Ice much sense, and the first time that in cases of ani­mated), plot and successful independent HOW WE should have been toned down? Lyndsey saw it in the theaters, she simi­ lar­ i­ ties­ to its source mater­ ial.­ W movies of all time? Not True, he doesn’t show up until claims to have spent 20 minutes Each cat­e­gory receives points out much. Everything that made the of the max­i­mum of 10 per cat­e­gory the end, but really, Ninja Rap? It trying to make sure she was in the first film a year earlier successful GRADE right movie. and 30 over­all. The per­cent­age is the is back, though with a few chang- was odd and disconcerting as a final score. We score the prop­er­ties in three child seeing him and that hasn’t The acting is garbage, the story es. First, there’s no Casey Jones. cate­ gories:­ Casting­ (or voice acting­ is utter nonsense and has noth- And the actress playing April was changed in the 20 years since the in cases of ani­mated), plot and sim­ ing to do with the TMNT universe, changed. And there’s the addition movie’s release. He does absolute- some of the strange plots from the ilar­ i­ ties­ to its source mater­ ial.­ Each and there’s no mention of previous of Ernie Reyes Jr. as the Turtles’ cartoon universe weren’t expanded cat­e­gory receives points out of the ly nothing for the film, and his villains or characters that made friend Keno and villains Tokka max­i­mum of 10 per cat­e­gory and cameo is beyond stupid. But, at on, such as the Utroms or Rock- 30 over­all. The per­cent­age is the an impact on the Turtles’ adven- and Razhar. But other than that, least the Turtles got to dance. steady and Bebop. If the movie the Turtles are still the Turtles. final score. tures. The bright spot in it all is the Overall, watch the sequel if not can introduce samurai that we’ve There’s more action and more casting and return of Elias Koteas for a laugh at the now-ancient as Casey Jones. He, despite some never heard of, the least the writ- one-liners. And the return of ers could do is include mutants Shredder makes it a little bit more cartoon. fashions of the day, but for the ham-fisted acting, is a beacon of that we have heard of. This is one believable that he’s a major villain Character development was ramped up humor that comes hope in a movie that is far from sewer tale that should have stayed for the Turtles than the com- handled in the first movie and from creating a sequel for a TMNT shimmering. underground. ics would have you believe. It’s not too much is dwelled on here. movie. There is nothing here that really not very plausible that Shredder We wish more was written about resembles the TMNT universe save would be a one-note villain who Keno and why he was so profi- the abandoned train system home Like the comics?: 0 Like the comics?: 5 only appears in a movie to try cient in martial arts and insistent that the Turtles found in Secret Casting: 2 to kill the heroes, so it’s obvious upon helping the Turtles. His lack Casting: 8 of the Ooze and Jones. We had Plot: 2 that his role was increased here, of explanation sticks out like a Plot: 7 trouble understanding the point of tying in the various games AND sore thumb in an otherwise excel- Overall rating: 6.5 adding the scepter and why even Overall rating: 1.5

12 special section TOP 5 ON THE STRIP — SHREDDER QUOTES EDITION

Oroku Saki. Villain. Genius. Comedic mastermind? The 1987 animated version of the Shredder was crucial to the mood, tone and popularity of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Whether it was James Avery’s classic quick delivery or the timing of a well-placed oral jab to those Turtle boys, Shred- der always seemed one step ahead in his plans and his verbal jousts. Here are five of the best one-liners from “guy who never has to look for a can opener.”

“Tonight I dine on turtle soup.”

The penultimate quote has made its way into the 1987 animated 1 show, the comic and the games.

“Blast that grotesque “Sayonara, you shell-backed ganglion!” simpletons.” 4 A nice way to refer to Krang. Shredder was capable of 2 big words that required viewers to think. It’s nice to This insult, thrown out to the Turtles as Shredder was getting have an intelligent super villain who could make you away for the millionth time, made Lyndsey pause a VHS and ask laugh while hatching world domination plans. her mom: 1. What is a simpleton? 2. What does sayonara mean? and 3. Why is Shredder so awesome? Educational and inspiring.

“I borrowed your Alien Express card. I never leave the Technodrome without it.” “Creatins,” “Blasted turtles,” 3 Referring to co-conspirator Krang’s ability to “Fools,” “Wretched reptiles,” pay for technology, Shredder evoked modern advertisement to explain how he gets away with “Idiot(s)” borrowing stuff and never paying for it during the seven seasons he wreaked havoc on New 5 Shredder’s favorite words to describe his help, his York City. nemesis and his help. In that order. Watch a video of his quotes on YouTube and these will show up quite often. special section 13 TMNT codes lives, leave switch on. Player 2 starts with 75 lives BACK FROM THE SEWERS 82A6-4FA4 Automatic and infinite TMNT (NES) 7E044A50 P1 RFWA-C6VL-9VWA-DGKN-KFWA- Infinite energy continues ZENOATGO Pick up 10 weapons only 7E04BA50 P2 CABR 001-B6B-3BE FD86-4F00 Matches are 10 sec- ZUNOATGP Pick up 50 weapons When Action Replay is switched on, Player 2 starts with 100 lives Start with 3 energy points onds [leave menu option on 60] GXSOUAST No damage from most health is restored. RFWA-C6VL-9VWA-DGKN-XFWA- 033-65E-D5A F986-4F00 Matches are 15 sec- enemies 7E00820X Start from any level. Use CABR Start with 6 energy points onds [leave menu option on 60] SXVZGSOO No damage from non- 0 in place of X for level 1,1 for level Infinite Lives (Player 1) 063-65E-D5A 4D86-4F00 Matches are 20 sec- killing seaweed 2 etc. ADCT-CAGC Start with 9 energy points AEOOGTZA Full energy from pizza 7E044A56 Infinite health Infinite Lives (Player 2) 093-65E-D5A onds [leave menu option on 60] slices ADFA-CAB2 Pizza raises energy by only 1 5986-4F00 Matches are 75 GPUOLNZA 20 missiles on pick-up GAME GENIE CODES Both players invincible 0E8-BD8-802 seconds [leave menu option on 60] TAKOPYLA Double rope on pick-up 892F-0DD7 Protection against RHST-C6YG 018-BE8-D57 DDC1-1D03 Energy bar doesn’t go SXVXTLVG Never lose rope most enemy attacks Deadly attack uses no life points Pizza increases energy by 6 down over time DDAC-6F67 Infinite lives (Player 1): BXYA-CA2G 0E8-BD8-802 D4C1-1D03 Energy bar goes 26C4-640F Enable Round Select Deadly attack uses no life points 068-BE8-D57 down twice as fast TMNT II: When using the start with lives codes, (Player 2): BXYT-CA2G Pizza increases energy by 9 don’t change the lives setting on the Untouchable 0E8-BD8-802 For the following codes, do not ARCADE options screen ADST-CPEG 098-BE8-D57 combine with “After an ultimate attack, Start with 1 life PEOIAPZA DD28-67D9 Start with 1 life All characters flash Pizza completely restores energy energy bar goes to about ? codes.) Start with 6 lives TEOIAPZA D028-67D9 Start with 5 lives ADST-CS42 0E8-BD8-802 Start with 9 lives PEOIAPZE DB28-67D9 Start with 10 lives You can highlight two players 0C8-BE8-D57 DFCA-44A3 Ultimate attack can be Infinite lives AAEAULPA 4028-67D9 Start with 25 lives RVHT-C9PN Start on act 2 3E3-8AE-6EA/013- done any time bar isn’t empty More powerful weapon PEXTKZZE 0B28-67D9 Start with 50 lives All turtles have Leo’s weapon 8BE-E66 F0CA-44A3 Ultimate attack can be More powerful ‘jump + attack’ 5028-67D9 Start with 75 lives ASCT-CAYT Start on act 3 3E3-8AE-6EA/023- done with about 1/4 energy PEOVKZGE BB28-67D9 Start with 100 lives All turtles jump fast 8BE-E66 46CA-44A3 Ultimate attack can be Weaker ‘jump + attack’ ZEOVKZGA AX6T-CAWW Start on act 4 3E3-8AE-6EA/033- done with about 1/2 energy More powerful kick PEXTEZLE Enemies get hit near Donatello 8BE-E66 7ACA-44A3 Ultimate attack can be Weaker kick PEXTEZLA AXRT-CAWY Start on act 5 3E3-8AE-6EA/043- done with about 3/4 energy TMNT: Start with ?? lives modifier 8BE-E66 In two-turtle mode, when one player ??TT-DAEY Start on act 6 3E3-8AE-6EA/053- For the following codes, do not com- is revived the other player’s spare life HYPERSTONE ?? = lives when you start. 8BE-E66 won’t get used up Player 1 starts with 1 life AF - 12 Lives bine with “Ultimate attack can be done SXEAPZVG-SZUAYZVG RFWA-C6VA-9VWA-DGKC-ABWA- BK - 32 Lives RADICAL RESCUE any time the bar is ? codes.) CABE AK - 68 Lives Game Genie codes F0C3-4463 After an ultimate attack, Player 1 starts with 10 lives Start with ?? lives modifier (Alternate) Infinite Health energy bar goes to about 1/4 TMNT III: RFWA-C6VA-9VWA-DGKC-BFWA- ??TT-DAE0 FA3-99D 46C3-4463 After an ultimate attack, CABE ?? = lives when you start. energy bar goes to about 1/2 MANHATTAN Player 1 starts with 25 lives DB - 22 Lives Gameshark codes 7AC3-4463 After an ultimate attack, RFWA-C6VA-9VWA-DGKC-EVWA- GB - 23 Lives Infinite lives energy bar goes to about 3/4 PROJECT CABE CB - 33 Lives 0103FAC0 AENKLZPA Infinite lives Player 1 starts with 50 lives EB - 42 Lives One hit kill boss Character mods AEOAALLA Start with 1 life RFWA-C6VA-9VWA-DGKC-KFWA- BB - 44 Lives 0100CDC0 IEOAALLA Start with 6 lives CABE AB - 55 Lives The following codes do not work in AEOAALLE Start with 9 lives Player 1 starts with 75 lives Activates stage select story mode and can’t view ending. AAESYXAA No energy loss from RFWA-C6VA-9VWA-DGKC-RVWA- AB1T-CN5A TMNT: using turbo attack CABE DCCA-1405 Leonardo is replaced by ALUGVYAG High jump Player 1 starts with 100 lives TOURNAMENT Rat King AZUGVYAK Super jump RFWA-C6VA-9VWA-DGKC-XFWA- TMNT D8CA-1405 Leonardo is replaced AZUGVYAG Mega jump CABE FIGHTERS by Karai SXNSKKVK Infinite continues Player 2 starts with 1 life GAMEBOY F6E9-3D25 Both players start with DCCA-14A5 Raphael is replaced by PAUZOGLA 1 continue RFWA-C6VL-9VWA-DGKN-ABWA- 1/4 health Rat King PAUZOGLE 9 continues CABR FALL OF THE FOOT CLAN 7DE9-3D25 Both players start with SLXUTXVS Infinite energy Player 2 starts with 10 lives 017-B6F-E6A Turtles never get 1/2 health D8CA-14A5 Raphael is replaced by SLKXPKSO RFWA-C6VL-9VWA-DGKN-BFWA- captured 06E9-3D25 Both players start with Karai CABR *=After 1st Turtle 3/4 health DCCA-1705 Donatello is replaced Player 2 starts with 25 lives 027-AAF-C4A *Start with 2 energy DDB1-CF60 Start with no continues by Rat King TMNT IV RFWA-C6VL-9VWA-DGKN-EVWA- units [leave menu option on 3] D8CA-1705 Donatello is replaced PRO-ACTION REPLAY CODES CABR 047-AAF-C4A *Start with 4 energy D4B1-CF60 Start with 1 continue by Karai 7E1AA00X P1 Player 2 starts with 50 lives units D0B1-CF60 Start with 3 continues 7E1AE00X P2 RFWA-C6VL-9VWA-DGKN-KFWA- 067-AAF-C4A *Start with 6 energy D1B1-CF60 Start with 5 continues Codes are courtesy of X= Number of lives. For unlimited CABR units D6B1-CF60 Start with 7 continues gamehacking.org

14 special section