The PK 27 -- Game No. 20

Ah, yes; I'm putting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time in/on the PK 27 (because I can, and because it was a stellar game for its time).

Now, this game, released for the Super N.E.S., should not be confused with the Teenage Mutant Turtles: Turtles in Time arcade game, which was basically the same thing, albeit with superior graphics and sound, not to mention the fact that you could have four players jumping into the action, as opposed to the two-player limit imposed upon the home version.

The arcade game should be mentioned, at least in passing, because it was developed first, and it was the version that got me interested in acquiring the console version. It should also be noted that I was introduced to the arcade game while on vacation to Niagara Falls and, by extension, the, hmm, greatness that is Clifton Hill. That it cost me two(!) Canadian quarters per credit befuddled my silly American sensibilities, but nonetheless it was worth every coin spent.

It should also be mentioned that the game appeared at approximately the same time as the second TMNT film, Teenage Mutant Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, was released in the United States, and regardless of one's opinion of the franchise itself, what can be agreed upon is that North America was in the kung-fu grip* of Turtle Mania.

Go ninja, go ninja, GO!

Needless to say, the arcade game was a success, and it was only natural for an adaptation to follow. Konami selected the Super N.E.S. to host the party, and the choice was a shrewd one indeed. Nintendo's (then) cutting-edge console allowed it to faithfully recreate the arcade version's vibrant imagery and music, and while there were sacrifices made, the developers made up for it by adding an extra level and several new bosses. Some stages were significantly altered to take advantage of the Super N.E.S.'s scaling technology as well, and the turtles themselves were more distinct in their respective abilities.

All in all, TMNT IV was one of the best ports of the 16-bit era, as well as a spectacular entry into the beat'em-up genre.



* Ninja grip?