Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game

Game Overview

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game is a side-scrolling beat ’em up developed by Konami and released for the NES in December 1990 (published by Ultra Games in North America). It is a home conversion of the hit 1989 arcade game, retitled with “II” in the West to distinguish it from the earlier 1989 NES platformer.

Shredder has once again captured April O’Neil and is plotting with Krang. The turtles battle through the streets of New York, sewers, a snowy Central Park, a parking garage, a freeway, a skateboard factory, and finally the Technodrome. Players select one turtle at the start; each has a unique weapon and slightly different reach and speed. Controls are simple: attack, jump, jump-kick, and a powerful special attack performed by pressing both buttons. Pizza restores health, and extra lives are earned by defeating enemies.

The NES version adds two exclusive stages not found in the arcade (a snowy Central Park featuring the new boss Tora and a dojo/factory stage with the robotic samurai Shogun), extends several original levels, and replaces one boss encounter with Baxter Stockman in his mutated fly form. Simultaneous two-player co-op is fully supported, making it a classic couch multiplayer title of the era.

Quick Specifications

• Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game
  
• Also Known As: TMNT II: The Arcade Game
  
• Platform: NES / Famicom
  
• Developer: Konami
  
• Publisher: Ultra Games (North America), Konami (Japan / Europe)
  
• Release Dates: Japan – December 7, 1990; North America – December 1990; Europe – November 14, 1991
  
• Genre: Beat ’em up / Action
  
• Players: 1–2 (simultaneous co-op)
  
• Playable Characters: Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Donatello
  
• Stages: 8+ (arcade stages expanded + 2 exclusive NES stages)
  

Key Features

• Simultaneous two-player cooperative play
  
• Choice of all four turtles, each with unique weapons and attributes
  
• Faithful arcade-style side-scrolling beat ’em up action
  
• Two exclusive NES-only stages and new bosses (Tora and Shogun)
  
• Extended versions of several original arcade stages
  
• Simple but effective controls including jump-kicks and special attacks
  
• Pizza for health restoration and extra lives from scoring
  
• Memorable bosses including Rocksteady, Bebop, Baxter Stockman, Krang, and Shredder
  

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Is this a port of the arcade game?

Yes. It is the official NES conversion of the 1989 Konami arcade beat ’em up, with additional exclusive content added for the home version.

How many players can play at the same time?

Two players can play simultaneously in cooperative mode, each controlling a different turtle.

What new content does the NES version add?

The NES version includes two brand-new stages (Snowy Central Park and the Dojo/Factory area) with original bosses Tora and Shogun, plus extended versions of several arcade stages and a different encounter with Baxter Stockman.

Can you switch turtles during the game?

No. You choose one turtle at the beginning of the game (or each player chooses one in co-op) and stick with that character for the entire playthrough.

Is the game difficult?

It is more approachable than the original 1989 NES platformer. Continues are available, pizza restores health, and the special attack is very effective against regular enemies, making it one of the more accessible TMNT titles on the system.