Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters is a classic NES game that offers exciting fighting gameplay. The game also has a version for the Sega Genesis, which uses a standard three-button controller. In the Genesis version, there are only two buttons for attacking, namely punch and kick. To perform stronger punches or kicks, players must hold the directional pad towards their opponent while pressing the attack buttons. The third button in the game is used for taunting.
One unique feature of the game is that certain stages have destroyable scenery. Breaking these objects grants players and their opponents access to new areas within the stage, adding an additional layer of strategy to the fights.
In addition to regular moves and attacks, each character in the game has a special "killer" attack. This powerful move can only be accessed when the character is close to death and the red part of their life gauge starts flashing. To execute the killer attack, players must press the Taunt button while performing a specific D-Pad motion. These moves can deal massive damage and often nearly empty the opponent's life gauge completely.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters features a diverse roster of playable characters. Of course, the four iconic Turtles – Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael – are included. Players also have the option to play as Casey Jones, whose role differs from the versions of the character seen in other TMNT games. Additionally, April O'Neil, usually known for her role as a reporter, can also be selected as a playable character. Ray Fillet, a character from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures comics, and Sisyphus (Musha Beetle in the Japanese version), an original character, round out the roster.
Before entering battle, players have the ability to adjust the power and speed of their chosen character, allowing for customization based on individual playstyle preferences.
The music in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters is another standout feature. Renowned video game composer Miki Higashino collaborated with Masanori Adachi to create the game's soundtrack. With their combined talent, the music enhances the overall experience of the game and adds to the excitement of the battles.
In conclusion, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters for the NES is a thrilling fighting game that allows players to engage in epic battles with iconic characters from the TMNT universe and more. With its unique destructible stages, killer moves, and diverse roster of fighters, this NES classic provides hours of fun and entertainment for fans of the turtles and fighting games alike.
