Here’s a detailed ranking of the NES Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters, in terms of fun and nostalgia:
1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project (1991)
- Fun and Nostalgia: Often considered the best TMNT game on the NES, The Manhattan Project is praised for its engaging gameplay, cooperative mode, and improved graphics. It offered new moves for each turtle and a variety of enemies, making it a favorite among fans who enjoyed playing with friends.
- Nostalgic Value: Released towards the end of the NES’s lifecycle, it captured the essence of TMNT’s popularity during the early ’90s, providing a memorable experience for those who played it during its original release.
2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game (1990)
- Fun and Nostalgia: This game is a port of the popular arcade title and is fondly remembered for its cooperative beat ’em up style. Despite hardware limitations, it successfully brought the arcade experience to home consoles.
- Nostalgic Value: For many players, this was their first exposure to TMNT in video game form at home, making it a nostalgic classic that captured the excitement of the arcade original.
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (1993)
- Fun and Nostalgia: Though not as well-known as other TMNT games, Tournament Fighters offered a unique fighting game experience on the NES. It featured various characters from the TMNT universe and provided a different type of gameplay compared to the platforming and beat ’em ups.
- Nostalgic Value: While it didn’t achieve the same level of fame as other titles, it remains a nostalgic piece for fans who appreciated its attempt to diversify TMNT gaming experiences.
4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1989)
- Fun and Nostalgia: The original NES game is infamous for its high difficulty level and sometimes frustrating design choices, such as the underwater dam level. Despite these issues, it holds nostalgic value as many players’ first introduction to TMNT video games.
- Nostalgic Value: As one of the earliest TMNT games, it has a special place in fans’ memories despite its challenging gameplay. The ability to switch between turtles with different weapons added strategic depth that was appreciated by those who persevered through its difficulties.
These rankings reflect both the fun factor and nostalgia associated with each game. The Manhattan Project often stands out for its polished gameplay and cooperative fun, while The Arcade Game is cherished for bringing the arcade excitement home. Tournament Fighters offers a unique twist with its fighting mechanics, and the original game remains a nostalgic challenge for many longtime fans.
