There have been many Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games released over the years, ranging from excellent to downright terrible. With the recent release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate, there is no better time to take a look back at some of the best and worst TMNT games of all time. This reader-ranked list is based on each game’s User Rating in the Nintendo Life database, which means that the rankings are subject to change in real-time.
Back in 2022, Dotemu and Tribute Games’ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge reignited our love for the heroes in a half-shell. The release of Konami’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection further fueled our nostalgia for these beloved characters. However, not all TMNT games have been as well-received. Ubisoft’s attempt at a 3D beat ’em up with TMNT: Arcade Attack fell flat with critics, and it marked the last Turtles game the studio produced.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, based on the 2014 Michael Bay-produced film, offered players the chance to play as any of the four turtles, each with their own special abilities. While the game stayed true to the classic TMNT gameplay and atmosphere, it suffered from shallow and repetitive gameplay. Ubisoft’s TMNT game based on the 2007 movie took inspiration from Prince of Persia and featured rooftop platforming and the ability to play as any of the Turtles. However, the handheld versions of the game were significantly downgraded compared to the console releases.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Melee offered a unique take on the fighting genre, with 22 playable characters and various game modes to keep things interesting. The game was inspired by the 2003 TV reboot and provided fans with a fun and engaging experience. Developed by Shantae studio WayForward, the 2012 TMNT game helped bridge the gap between seasons two and three of the TV show. With references to the NES game and a solid soundtrack composed by Jake Kaufman, this game is a must-play for TMNT fans.
While some TMNT games have been well-received, others have fallen short of expectations. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the Nintendo 3DS, based on the 2012 Nickelodeon show, was considered lower-tier fare by many players. The game focused on a darker and edgier tone for the Turtle brothers but failed to deliver a truly memorable gameplay experience. Battle Nexus, a stealth-focused action-platformer, featured storylines from the 2003 animated TV series but failed to impress with its solo and four-player co-op modes.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has seen its fair share of highs and lows in the world of video games. While some games have captured the essence of the beloved characters and provided fans with memorable experiences, others have missed the mark entirely. With the release of new TMNT games like Splintered Fate, there is hope that the franchise will continue to evolve and deliver exciting gaming experiences for fans old and new. As the rankings of TMNT games continue to change based on user ratings, it’s clear that there is still much to explore in the world of the heroes in a half-shell.
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