TMNT

About TMNT (GBA)

TMNT is a side-scrolling beat-em-up developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft for the Game Boy Advance. Released in North America on March 20, 2007, it is based on the 2007 computer-animated TMNT film, and it is a very different game from the 3D action versions released on home consoles. Where those versions leaned on acrobatic platforming, the Game Boy Advance version goes back to the classic arcade brawler style.

The story follows the film’s setup: after years apart, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo must reunite to face the Foot Clan and ancient stone creatures awakened in New York. Some stages lock you into a single turtle for story reasons, but most let you choose your favourite hero. It is a short, punchy throwback that deliberately echoes Konami’s early 1990s Turtle brawlers.

Detailed Gameplay

TMNT on Game Boy Advance is a single-player brawler spread across seven acts, each lasting roughly five to ten minutes. Between acts you return to the turtles’ sewer lair, which acts as a hub for upgrades, trophies and training challenges.

Four turtles with distinct stats

• Leonardo is the balanced leader, strong in both attack and defence.
• Raphael is powerful but slower, hitting hard up close with his sais.
• Donatello reaches further with his bo staff and controls space well.
• Michelangelo is fast with his nunchaku, ideal for quick hits and crowd work.

Combat, bosses and enemy behaviour

• Enemies try to surround you and pin you in corners, so keep moving and do not let them flank you.
• Weapons, crates and other objects in the environment can be picked up and used against foes.
• Bosses cannot simply be battered down: you must wait for an opening, strike, then back off and wait again.
• Each act ends with a different boss, from Foot Clan leaders to the film’s stone generals.

The sewer lair hub and upgrades

• Gold collected from defeated enemies can be spent on stat upgrades, extra lives and new moves.
• Trophies are earned for feats such as defeating large numbers of Foot Soldiers or collecting set amounts of gold.
• A training area lets you practise moves before the next act.
• April O’Neil and Casey Jones host combat challenges that test specific skills.

Game Highlights

• A true arcade throwback: A 2D brawler in the spirit of Turtles in Time, unlike the 3D console versions.
• A film story with a wider cast: The movie plot plus supporting faces from the 2003 animated series.
• An upgradeable sewer hub: Spend gold on stats, lives and moves between acts.
• Distinct turtles: Power, speed, defence and stamina differ, so your choice changes how each act plays.

Controls

On the Game Boy Advance, TMNT uses a simple two-button brawler layout. - D-Pad: Move your turtle left, right, up and down, and climb ladders where present. - A Button: Attack with your turtle’s weapon, and repeat for combos. - B Button: Jump, and combine with attack for jumping attacks. - L and R Buttons: Use special moves and partner assists when available. - Start Button: Pause the game and view your current act and options. - Select Button: Open the lair menu options between acts.

Tips and Strategies to Win

TMNT rewards patience more than button mashing, especially against bosses. - Spend gold on speed and defence early, since surviving crowds matters more than raw damage. - Never stand in a corner: dash through gaps and attack from the side of a group, not its centre. - Against bosses, watch for their attack pattern, strike only during openings, then retreat. - Use thrown objects and breakables to thin crowds before engaging the strongest enemies. - Practise in the lair before a hard act, and switch turtles if one stage keeps overwhelming your current pick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the Game Boy Advance version of TMNT the same as the console version? A: No. The console versions are 3D action platformers, while the Game Boy Advance version is a completely different 2D side-scrolling beat-em-up in the style of the classic arcade Turtle games.

Q: How long is TMNT on Game Boy Advance? A: The main campaign is about two hours across seven acts, with extra time for trophies, upgrades and higher difficulty runs.

Q: Can I play TMNT online for free? A: Yes, you can play TMNT online for free in your browser here, with no download or installation needed.