The European version of the first TMNT NES game. Same turtles, same adventure in New York sewers and rooftops. Difficult and demanding. The beginning of a successful licensed game saga.
Your verdict
Category
Beat-'Em-Up4 players7+
Description
Adventure game featuring the four Ninja Turtles battling the Foot Clan, European version. Published by Konami, released in Europe in 1990. Four turtles with distinct techniques exploring New York and Foot Soldier bosses. European version of Konami's founding TMNT on NES.
Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles review
3/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Polished"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
2/5
Story
★★★★★
"Classic"
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"Pleasant"
Addictiveness
"Engaging"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Long"
Technical info
💾0,14 MB📅01/01/1990
Published by Konami
Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles (NES) price, value & rarity
The European PAL NES edition of Konami's first turtle adaptation, rebadged 'Hero Turtles' for the PAL market where the term 'Ninja' was censored by the British BBC. The PAL cart is rarer than the US version, and the Europe-only 'Hero Turtles' branding documents a specific regional censorship. PAL boxed CIB in the original cardboard box climbs steadily, sustained by this identifiable PAL singularity.
Better with friends
A mutant-turtle adventure where you pummel the rival clan's goons by switching heroes, each with their own weapon and reach. In multiplayer, the teamwork is savored in crossing the levels, covering each other and alternating characters to fit the situation. Demanding at times, it bonds teams that learn to coordinate, and getting through a tough sector brings a shared satisfaction.
Is Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles still worth playing in 2026?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, also Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles in Europe, is the first NES TMNT game by Konami. The four turtles roam New York sewers and rooftops in a hybrid mixing top-down map, platforming and side-scrolling action. Difficult and imposing, sometimes unfair, the title starts a relatively successful licence saga. Still a historical detour to know today, provided you accept its old-school difficulty.
