released: 2003
platform: game boy advance
company: konami
genre: side scroller

We had a pretty good late 80's styled side scrolling beat-em-up based on the 2007 TMNT movie for the game boy advance(one of the last gba games ever released), as well as several other ninja turtle games...but since the 2003 relaunch of the brand, to me it was the Fall 2003 Ninja Turtles game release for the GBA by Konami that really impressed me. Next to the seriously awesome 2003 series and Dreamwave Comics 7 issue series, TMNT based on the animated series for the Game Boy Advance is by far one of my most favorite modern 2d side scrollers.

The era of rad is upon us circa 1989, as the ninja turtles are back and badder than ever in 2d side scrolling beat-em-up form. With a kick ass new anime-ish series, manga comic, and toy line it was the perfect time to come out with new TMNT games. While nothing can come close to the endless concerto of violent sluttyness that is the GameCube version, the game boy advance title has it's own unique flavor to warrant a buy. And while that game captures more of the multi player mayhem of the original 1989 arcade smash, this has a lot of retro gaming charm. TMNT gba can be best described as The Ninja Warriors and Rolling Thunder meets Ninja Gaiden and Final Fight(with a bit of ExciteBike and Gyruss homages thrown in for good measure)

The game follows the plotline and feel of the new animated series and comic, with an interesting twist on beat-em-up mechanics. I was very happy with the fluidity of the controls, as well as the sprite animation itself. I was finding myself being constanty surprised by the moves, even if just by accident. The game is definately an epic, front the swers and city streets to industrial cyber factories and high rises(the site of a turtle dueling it out with a giant mouser in a Manhattan skyline illuminated penthouse lab was quite cool)

There is a real adrenaline rush playing through this game, as each turtle has it's own fun characteristics. But it's the little things that matter here, as each turtle has his own very distinct and innovative gameplay. Raphael is in total berzerker mode ala Ken or Wolverine, with some slutty combos of his own and the ability to climb walls with his sais(a very cool effect) Michaelangelo is a total goof ball(if you just stand still, he'll start eating a bag of chips) Another of the little details I liked was how well the wacky subtle humor and chemistry of the show is conveyed really well. From Michaelangelo and Leonardo's straightman/funny man routine to Raph's puzzling enigmatically charged nature, it's all displayed quite well.

The few complaints I have is that there is no Vs. mode or head to head, as well as the game is a malankey wee bit too short. The Splinter and Casey Jones mode, as well as the alternate costumes and unlockable stages add some extra replay value to the game, though I just wish a few extra notches had been stacked up.

So while Konami has dumped their old school logo in favor of some lame new one(tips a 30 code fowty in remeberence), it's good to see the TMNT back in action!(refuses to use the overused "kicking sHell" cliche)