Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time delivers classic side-scrolling beat ’em up action that never gets old. Players choose one of the four turtles—Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, or Raphael—each with unique weapon reach and attack speed. The controls are tight and responsive, allowing for satisfying combos, throws, and special moves that feel appropriate for a game born in the arcade era. Chaining hits into a powerful spinning attack or slamming Foot Soldiers into the ground provides a visceral thrill that keeps you coming back for “just one more stage.”

The level design takes you on a whirlwind tour of history, from colonial America to pirate ships and even the depths of Dimension X. Enemies never feel stale: Foot Soldiers swarm in waves, while mutant bosses like Tokka and Rahzar pose distinct challenges that test your reflexes and strategy. The pacing is expertly balanced, with brief breathing rooms between frantic encounters giving you a chance to grab pizza and health power-ups before diving back into the fray.

Co-op play is where Turtles in Time truly shines. Teamwork elevates the experience by allowing turtle-to-turtle combos, tag-team throws, and synchronized special attacks. Friendly fire woes are minimal, so you can focus on coordinated assaults rather than accidentally knocking your buddy off the screen. For solo players, the AI partner is competent but not game-breaking—though nothing beats having a friend at your side to carve through Shredder’s army.

Graphics

For its era, Turtles in Time looks fantastic. Vibrant, colorful sprites bring the turtles and their adversaries to life, capturing the charm of the animated series. Each level boasts detailed backgrounds that seamlessly scroll as you move, from the bustling streets of New York City to the eerie swamps of the prehistoric age. Parallax scrolling layers add depth to the action, making it feel like you’re truly battling between dimensions.

The animation frames are smooth, giving weight to each punch, kick, and special move. Enemies react convincingly when you land a blow—staggering, being knocked off-screen, or falling in dramatic fashion. Boss characters are larger and more animated, ensuring that each showdown feels like a climactic encounter rather than just another enemy wave.

Subtle effects, such as sparks flying when weapons clash and HUD elements that flash when health is low, enhance the presentation without cluttering the screen. Even in the heat of multiplayer chaos, the art style remains clear and readable, so you always know where your turtle is and how much life you’ve got left. On modern re-releases, pixel-perfect scaling preserves the game’s retro charm while accommodating widescreen displays.

Story

The premise is simple but effective: Doesn’t this Shredder dude ever take a break? After he kidnaps the Statue of Liberty and flings it through a time portal, the turtles are sent hurtling into the past. From there, Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo must battle through waves of Foot Soldiers, mutant wackos, and increasingly outlandish foes in order to rescue Lady Liberty and send Shredder packing—straight into Dimension X.

Storytelling is largely conveyed through brief cutscenes between stages and colorfully captioned introductions. While not deep, these interstitials establish context and keep the momentum high. Each level has its own narrative hook, whether it’s battling samurai in feudal Japan or chasing Shredder aboard a pirate ship. It’s a breezy setup that perfectly complements the fast-paced gameplay.

Fans of the TMNT franchise will appreciate nods to comic lore and the animated series. Cameo appearances by familiar characters—April O’Neil offering intel, Casey Jones swinging his hockey stick, and even a cameo from the mischievous Krang—add flavor without derailing the core adventure. The story may not be epic in scope, but it’s more than enough to justify your turtle-powered rampage through time.

Overall Experience

Turtles in Time stands the test of time as one of the best beat ’em ups ever made. Its blend of accessible controls, varied level design, and cooperative chaos makes it a go-to title for retro-gaming nights. Whether you’re replaying the SNES classic or diving into a modern remaster with online co-op, the core experience remains as fun and frantic as it was decades ago.

The game’s replay value is high: hidden bonuses like the singing “Barbecue” song mode, alternate routes, and unlockable boss rush challenges give you reasons to revisit every stage. Plus, mastering each turtle’s moveset and discovering secret pizza slices for extra lives keeps hardcore fans engaged long after their first playthrough.

If you’re in the market for a timeless brawler that captures the spirit of the Saturday morning cartoons while delivering satisfying action, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time should be at the top of your list. It’s an essential experience for both TMNT devotees and anyone who loves couch co-op mayhem. Go, Turtles! Kick some shell and save us!

Retro Replay Score

8/10