The re-release of this popular TMNT game shows one thing, I’m still a sucker for the Ninja Turtle games. This beat’em up plays just like the other TMNT Arcade game that’s already been out on XBLA, smash your way to the end boss. The difference between the two is this new “re-shelled” version has a graphics upgrade, the ability to attack in 8 directions, and more options to play around with.

With the original TMNT 1989 Arcade game out on XBLA, your game was simple - pick how you wanted to play (single or multiplayer, local or Xbox Live), your turtle, and finish the game. With the newer version, you still get all the same options but alot more this time around. You can select a level of difficulty, there’s a survival mode, leaderboard statistics, and I found it easier to invite friends into the game. Re-shelled beats out it’s older counterpart by a long shot with all these enhancements.

The game is not without flaw though. Much like the TMNT 1989 Arcade version, the game can be beaten in one sitting. I hate to use the word shallow but it’s hard to find another word to describe how quick the game is over. A few of the bosses have a couple of cheap moves that will aggreviate you. When more turtles join the fight, the game becomes messy and it’s hard to tell what’s happening. There isn’t a slow down rate but sometimes when the screen is cluttered with turtles and enemies you lose track of your character.

Overall the game is fun. I enjoyed playing it just like I enjoyed playing the 1989 Arcade version. I do like the upgraded graphics and additional options that were added but I miss that old school layout the 1989 Arcade version had. If you were a fan of the original, you’d like this re-shelled version.

I give this game 7 out of 10 Cowabungas.