Now when this game came out it was considered the best ninja turtles game. Mainly because it was a port of the arcade game called turtles in time, and unlike the port of the original this one came pretty dang close. While there are a few graphics’ and sound differences from the arcade this game has definitely got the feel of the original arcade game.

Story.
Krang and Shredder have managed to rip of the statue of liberty (a crime to do this day I thought could only be done by Carmen Sandiago but then that's another game series) and the turtles are out to get it back. Of course half way thorough the game the turtles are thrown back in time thanks to shredder and have to battle there way back to the present.

Graphics
The graphics in the game where pretty good for the time, the animation is pretty smooth and the turtles and the other characters look like they do in the series. There are a couple of special fx that showed off the new at the time SNES power. For example you can throw enemy's straight up at the screen, in fact it's a key to beating a boss. There are also a couple of sight gags that are could for a chuckle, gags like the turtles spinning like tops, or grabbing there feet and yell by toe.

Konami also puts an extra spin on things by letting you change the looks of the turtles from what they looked like on the animated series, to what they look like in the comic books in the options menu. There's not much of a difference other then the colors are just a bit different from turtle to turtle.

Sound.
Well can you say remix of the ninja turtle theme in a lot of the stages. There's some pretty good battle music in the stages that don't feature a remix. There's also a few tunes out of the ninja turtle music album coming out of there shells. There are also a few voice clips where they say things like Cowabunga, and of course the infamous shell shock.

Gameplay.
The gameplay is a step up from what they where in 2nd and 3rd outings for the turtles. The goal is simple beat the heck out of the army of foot soldiers. Except this time your able to pull off combos by hitting them with the attack button. There are also combos that you can do while running and jumping do. These are good because it takes more then the 2 hits required on all the nes turtles games to kill a foot solider.

The turtles.
You get to choose between one of the 4 turtles at the beginning of the game and every time you use a continue. The differences go between the speedy but short range Raph, to the slower then a turtle (yes bad joke intended) but long range Donatello. Leonardo and Micalangelo are in between. Each of them also have a special move all to there own, however these aren’t has special has you might thing. Leonardo and Rapheal both stay in the same place and spin. Dontello and Micalangelo both leap into the air.

Challenge.
This game does has an adjustable challenge level, which is great for kids. The only differences between the modes are the amount of enemies you face, and the ending. While each mode does get harder I do have to say that even in challenge mode the game is still just a bit on the easy side. While people not old enough to remember the ninja turtles having there own rock group, might have some trouble on the challenge mode. However people like me who have been playing video games since the first ninja turtles series premiered will be able to get pretty far if not beat the challenge mode in there first or 2nd try.

Other modes.
There are other modes in the game other then the arcade game though that helps with the replay value.

Time trail.
Battle through 3 stages each with randomly picked scenes in the game to see what your best time is. It's good practice and it might give you a few minutes of fun with your friends but that it.

vs mode.
This is a double dragon type mode where you pick two turtles and go against each other. It's fairly enjoyable mode that might give your friends a mild distraction.

Final recommendation.
While it's a bit on the easy side, but with graphics like the arcade, 2 other modes to play and adjustable challenge settings it's an enjoyable game to play.


Recommended: Yes