Timed exclusivity really sucks, you know what I mean? Like, you have this brand new game that is coming out, it looks so cool and fun, and you can’t wait to get your hands on it to play it for yourself… but then you find out it is exclusive to a console that you don’t have, and you have to wait even longer for them to release it to the console that you actually have. It is a real kick in the nads to be sure, and what’s crazy about this is that this has been a practice that has been a part of the industry for quite a while. For example, back in the days of the NES and SNES, Nintendo had a strict grip on their titles from third-party developers, requiring them to be exclusive to their systems for a year or so before they can be ported over to any other system (yeah, bet you thought they were only shitty towards their customers, didn’t ya?). However, there have been several cases over the years when developers have managed to find loopholes around this rule, managing to bring their games over to other systems while altering them just enough to where they won’t be upsetting the big N, such as the case with today’s game, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hyperstone Heist.

For those of you who are aware of this game, then you would also know that this game is, in the most technical sense, the Genesis version of Turtles in Time. A lot of the game looks and plays exactly how that game does, but again, due to Nintendo being the spoiled child of the video game industry, Konami had to change A LOT of the game around, which in turn pretty much made it its own completely original game. Because of this, I had debated for a long time whether or not I should actually play the game for myself, because if it was essentially just another version of Turtles In Time, then why would I even bother? However, I looked into it more extensively, realized how different the game is from the original, and figured I would go ahead and give it a shot anyways, and I’m glad I did, as I thought it was pretty good for the most part. Is it better than Turtles In Time? HELL NO, but on its own, it is still a really good TMNT game that was fun to run through, and as an alternative for those who couldn’t get Turtles In Time back in the day, it does a great job at bringing the feel of that game over to this system.

The story is somewhat altered from the original game, where this time, instead of just the Statue of Liberty being taken away by the Shredder, the entirety of Manhattan is taken away, and the Shredder himself looks JACKED AS FUCK, so it is up to the turtles to set out once again, take down the Shredder and other foes, and save Manhattan, which is just about as ridiculous of a set up as the original game, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The graphics are pretty good, looking just about on par with the original game in terms of the general visuals, animations, and character designs, making it still very pleasing to look at, the music is great, with plenty of great tunes to be heard throughout, but a lot of the tracks are pretty much just lower quality versions of the original game’s tracks, so needless to say, I would much rather be listening to this over this, and the gameplay/control is what you would expect from a TMNT game as before, being just as action packed, fluid, and fun as ever, even if you have less options then before in a multitude of areas.

The game is your typical arcade style beat-’em-up, where you take control of one of the four Ninja Turtles, go through a set of five different levels themed around many different locations you would expect from this kind of game, cut your way through many different enemies such as Foot Soldiers, Pizza Monsters, The Thing from Marvel (obviously), and so on, using whatever ninja skills and tools that you have at your disposal, gather plenty of different pizzas that can not only heal you whenever you need it most, but it can also give you a temporary special attack so you can show those foot soldiers what’s what, and take on plenty of familiar faces as bosses, who can give you a hard time unless you have played Turtles In Time as much as I have, in which case, they aren’t exactly much of a threat. You know the drill by now, it is your typical TMNT experience, where you beat up dudes, eat the cheesy good stuff, and make the Shredder cry for his mommy, it comes with the territory, but it still manages to be fun regardless, and somewhat refreshing for those who were much more familiar with the original game.

Let me tell you, as someone who has been playing Turtles In Time for years up to this point, it was WEIRD going into this game, because despite how similar it is to that original game, it changes things up dramatically in several ways. Rather than focusing on a bunch of short, yet fast levels, the game only has about 4 and a half really long levels, which is an interesting change, as it not only excludes several levels from the original version, but it also combines several levels together from that game and the previous TMNT arcade game, which was neat to see. Not to mention, with these new levels comes with new bosses, with some obviously returning from the original game, but then you got new ones like a human version of Baxter Stockman, and even Tatsu from the live-action TMNT movies, both of which are… slightly annoying to fight, but it was cool to take these guys on regardless. Oh yeah, and you can also switch between different styles for the turtles themselves, which is a neat little feature, for those of you who care about that kind of shit.

But regardless, the game is still a TMNT beat-’em-up, which means you know exactly what to expect, which can cause those who are getting tired of these TMNT beat-’em-ups to groan and move onto something else, but it is perfectly fine for the rest of us. The game still manages to have satisfying combat, a good sense of speed with how you move about and take down your foes, and with a friend to join you by your side, you will be able to have a great time with this as you would with any other version of the game. It does kinda suck that some things did have to be omitted from this version, such as the fact that you can’t throw enemies at the screen, but hey, even with all that was lost in this version, what was left over and added onto it still makes for an experience that is well worth going through.

However, not everything about this game managed to live up to the original game, as there was one level of the game that I did not enjoy at all, which would be the fourth level of the game, The Gauntlet. Not only is the level itself really short, but it is also really boring, not having too much going on, and instead, it just leads you right into a boss rush, which not only feels completely unnecessary for a game as short as this, but also manages to piss me off specifically, as the guy who hates most boss rushes with a burning passion. Yeah, there is the Baxter Stockman boss at the end of it all, which is fine and all, but that doesn’t make up for most of this level being a repetitive slog that acts as a stain on an otherwise perfectly fine revision of a beloved arcade classic.

Overall though, despite The Gauntlet needing to go fuck itself, The Hyperstone Heist will never quite outshine Turtles In Time in terms of overall quality, but it still manages to be a really fun and very well done version of the game regardless, bringing you the same fast and fun gameplay of the original, new features and stages that were neat to see in action, and a great co-op experience if you have the right buddy to go on the journey with ya. I would recommend it for those who are big fans of Turtles In Time, as well as those who are big fans of beat-’em-ups in general, because while it may not blow you away, it still manages to be an entertaining romp through and through, and isn’t that what really matters at the end of the day? I’m just glad that I finally managed to play this game after so long, so I can get that demon off of my back for the foreseeable future. Although, now that I think about it, since I did play through this now, I suppose now I’m gonna have to play TMNT Re-Shelled at some point, aren’t I?......................... uhhhhhhhh………… don’t worry, I’ll think of some way to get out of playing it, just give me some time…

Game #582

Eh, this one is just okay, obviously reused assets galore and that's what brings it down. But they still bothered to make some new things like Tatsu from the movie as a boss and such, and the new stuff is pretty cool. It's not bad game but it's just ok, quite the downgrade compared to the other games, this is one place with Konami where Genesis didn't do what Nintendon't for me. But it's not really Konami's fault as they didn't really have any time to make a whole new game but that doesn't change the fact that the game is just...eh, okay.

Infinite Lives cheat used.

[Cowabunga Collection]

Following on from my first play through of Turtles in Time arcade was my first play through of Hyperstone Heist. The combat and character movement felt instantly more satisfying and the difficulty level was far better balanced. The story was very brief (but I’m fine with that to be honest) and it did feel a little like a cut and paste of assets from previous games, but I enjoyed it and will play through again on Hard to see the better ending (I did this and it was nothing special). I can see myself returning to this instead of the arcade Turtles in Time for sure.

This one's an odd duck to say the least. A slightly remixed version of Turtles in Time made for the Genesis trying to pass itself off as an original game, Hyperstone very awkwardly recycles assets from Turtles in Time and includes original assets of markedly inferior quality, particularly the bosses. The game also generally has weaker progression with a very underwhelming final two stages. Sound and visuals also take a bit of a dip in quality. The main thing that saves this game is the excellent play control, with a smoother feel and noticeably faster gameplay putting it closer to the arcade original Turtles in Time than the SNES version in that regard. Having a dedicated dash button also makes the dash attack moves much easier to use, though the Cowabunga Collection does kind of undermine this upgrade. It's definitely a fun game, and a different enough experience that I'd say fire it up from time to time, but the overall package falls pretty short of either version of Turtles in Time.

Minor Introduction
Finally, I am now here. I am ready to tackle the two highest acclaimed TMNT games of all time and I am so fucking excited! First for the list, it’s the sega genesis game: The Hyperstone Heist. Welcome to the sixth review of the marathon, courtesy of the cowabunga collection. Let’s get this shit started, cuz I am so hyped!

First Impressions
Oooooh yea baby, that’s what I’m talking about! This is pure quality right here! What we have is a partial reskin of turtles in time, one with many changed aspects and honestly…I think it is great! It has very very minor shortcomings, but it is a damn good time throughout and i’m genuinely so happy we’re back to the turtles in time formula, and it’s executed so well in this semi-port on the genesis!

Gameplay
The combat is exactly like turtles in time and oh my god it feels so goooood!! It is fast, it is fluid, it has more fun and satisfying combos than NES, combining for a gameplay loop that feels so much better to go through than previous games! The special attacks are nerfed a lot in terms of usefulness, but I don’t personally mind. There are also other factors that contribute to the fun gameplay, like the fair enemy designs and the energetic presentation! The bosses are the best so far (even if they’re mostly rehashed from turtles in time) with clear patterns, fair attacks and understandable attack windows that doesn’t feel at any point like the game cheaps out on killing you. The biggest QoL addition has gotta be a health bar system for the bosses, making it so much easier to keep track of how close you are to finishing the boss and plan out your moves. The level variety remains largely the same as other tmnt games, with a surfing level, two sewer levels, two cave levels, a level on the streets and the technodrome, but there are some highlights due to the omission of time travel from the story, such as a ghost ship level and shredder’s hideout, which serve as welcome additions and are visually very distinct from previous level designs in the series. The number of levels is reduced from turtles in time, but the present levels are extended just enough that they never feel like they drag at any point, which is a fair compromise. Plus they all look good on genesis hardware.

Story
The story concept is a lot of fun. Once again, Strangely More Muscular Than Usual Shredder interrupts April’s broadcast, except instead of kidnapping April…he decides to shrink Manhattan as a weird flex of the hyperstone that he possesses. The turtles have to show him why constantly interrupting april’s broadcasts may not be such a good business and world domination choice in the long-run and beat him to save manhattan and the world. The presence of cutscenes and “text cards” for intermissions is still welcome and the story and its usual progression allows for the two interesting environments I mentioned above (the ghost ship and shredder’s hideout). It’s yet another standard tmnt plot that is a very enjoyable addition.

Presentation
The presentation in general is top-notch and surprisingly faithful to the arcade (specifically in spritework and animation), but with a slightly darker artstyle to fit with the genesis market that still looks great. The spritework and animation for the characters and enemies is amazing, the backgrounds are great, the sound effects are kickass and the soundtrack is also what you would expect from a genesis game: freaking awesome! It combines for one of the best looking TMNT games and it still looks great even today, with smooth performance to boot! Long live 16-bit sprites I suppose.

Negatives
My only complaints are that the game is amongst the easiest of all tmnt games, even on its hardest difficulty…basically the entire way through. It’s in large part due to the predictable patterns of the bosses and the small number in enemies. It tries to compensate by making them hit like trucks whenever they strike you…but it also happens that I wasn’t hit as often. The game is also strangely shorter than I expected, as I managed to clock in 45-50 minutes to beat it (most of the others took me 1 hour or above to beat). I don’t personally mind it, since it makes it highly replayable to me, but something to keep in mind. But those are my sole complaints.

Final Thoughts
Overall, I absolutely fucking loved my time with this game! It’s a great “remix” of turtles in times that makes itself just distinct enough that it is worth experiencing on its own. It’s better than the manhattan project, but falls slightly lower to snes turtles in time. Still, this comes highly recommended, it is just so much fun for the many reasons I mentioned above! Final rating: 8.5/10, please check it out!

Uma bela alternativa para quem jogou Turtles in Time e busca mais um TMNT qualidade igual, curioso que eram games que lançaram para apenas a plataforma do outro lado.

Beat em Up clássico, OST muito boa e 4/5 fases são ótimas. Uma ressalva vai para a fase de BOSS RUSH (Scene 4), ISSO É HORRÍVEL PAREM.

Achei os bosses bem fáceis também, o Destruidor (Scene 5) no final chega a ser rídiculo, sofri mais no Tatsu (Scene 3) por ser um chefe que exige ficar derrotando seus minions enquanto lança flechas e se movimenta.

Hyperstone Heist is the second time Konami has brought the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle arcade machine to a home console, this time the Sega Genesis (or Mega Drive if you grew up in Europe). At first glance, it also feels like an identical game. However, the gameplay differs a bit and level-wise it's very different from its SNES brother. In this version, the time travel gimmick is completely missing, which results in the levels not being as varied. Instead, you fight your way through the alleys of New York, across the sea and into a cave to the hideout of our arch-enemies. Unfortunately, the diversity and richness of detail of the levels fall flat due to the always grey caves and sewers. The very first level and the last one look like a rehash, if not identical. The enemies in Hyperstone Heist are much more aggressive, for example, especially in the last half of the game, Foot Soldiers jump into the picture again and again with their feet outstretched or Rock Soldiers rush in so that you hardly have a chance to dodge or counterattack. The roster of opponents is basically identical between the games. Some bosses also feel identical, while others are completely new. In any case, you also feel more aggression here when they suddenly charge or lash out without warning after a few of our attacks. Nevertheless, they are still manageable and well-designed, even if the charm seen in Turtles in Time is somewhat lacking. As far as the gameplay goes, the controls and movement feel a bit more snappy. Here, too, we dash swiftly through the stages, kicking and punching everything that hasn't fled out of the screen on the count of three. In this version, running is even on a dedicated button, which makes everything feel more controlled. Instead, the fantastic feature of throwing Fool Soldier into the camera is missing. The game is basically just as much fun as the SNES game but doesn't feel as good because of the simpler level designs. Those who want more Turtles action are welcome to pick it up. But in general, it's enough to play Turtles in Time.