Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game

About Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game (NES)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game is a beat-em-up developed and published by Konami for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It is the NES port of Konami’s 1989 arcade hit, released in Japan in December 1990 and in North America the same month. Unlike the first NES TMNT game, which was an original adventure, this one brings the arcade formula home: walk right, smash the Foot Clan and fight a boss at the end of every level.

April O’Neil has been kidnapped again and Shredder’s Foot Clan controls the streets. Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael fight through New York and beyond to reach the Technodrome and rescue her. With two-player co-op, a memorable soundtrack and a far friendlier difficulty curve than the first NES game, it became the TMNT game most players remember fondly.

Detailed Gameplay

This is pure arcade beat-em-up action: move right, defeat waves of enemies, grab pizza and beat the boss.

Two-player co-op beat-em-up action

• One or two players fight side by side, each choosing a turtle at the start.
• Enemies approach from both sides, so co-op partners must watch each other’s backs.
• Friendly fire is not a problem in the usual sense, but crowding a partner can still get you both hit.

Weapons, throws and special attacks

• Each turtle uses his signature weapon, with different reach and speed shaping how you fight.
• Pressing jump and attack together performs a special flying attack that hits enemies around you.
• Foot soldiers can be thrown overhead and slammed into other enemies or walls for extra damage.

Levels, pizza and power-ups

• Levels run through city streets, sewers, a snowy road, a parking garage and the Technodrome approach.
• Pizza restores health and is the most important pickup in the game, so grab it before a partner does.
• Bonus stages and hidden items reward players who smash everything instead of rushing forward.

Boss fights

• Each level ends with a boss, including Bebop and Rocksteady, Baxter Stockman and his mousers.
• Later bosses include ground and air threats that force you to jump, dodge and reposition constantly.
• The final battle takes you to Shredder himself inside the Technodrome.

Game Highlights

• The arcade hit at home: Konami’s beloved 1989 arcade beat-em-up, faithfully adapted for NES.
• Two-player co-op: Fight the Foot Clan side by side with a friend, just like in the arcade.
• Pizza-powered survival: Health-restoring pizza and smashable scenery keep every level tense and fun.
• Bosses fans love: Bebop, Rocksteady, Baxter Stockman and Shredder in one classic run.

Controls

On the NES controller, the arcade action needs only movement, jump and attack. - D-Pad: Move your turtle left, right, up and down through each level. - A Button: Jump over enemies, attacks and obstacles. - B Button: Attack with your turtle’s weapon and throw enemies when close. - Start Button: Pause the game. - Select Button: Use on menus and option screens where prompted.

Tips and Strategies to Win

Co-op or solo, this game rewards teamwork, positioning and pizza discipline. - Do not let one player grab all the pizza: share health pickups so both turtles survive boss fights. - Use the jump-plus-attack special when surrounded, but sparingly, since it can leave you open. - Throw Foot soldiers into groups to damage several enemies at once instead of fighting them one by one. - Keep moving and attack from the side, because enemies that get behind you are the most dangerous.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is TMNT II: The Arcade Game the same as the first NES TMNT game? A: No, the first NES game is an original single-player adventure with overhead exploration, while TMNT II is a port of the arcade beat-em-up with two-player co-op and linear levels.

Q: How many players can play TMNT II on NES? A: Two players can play together in co-op, each controlling a different turtle, while solo players can also enjoy the full game alone.

Q: Can I play Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game online for free? A: Yes, you can play Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game online for free in your browser here, with no download or installation needed.