Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Simple, unimaginative action brawler extends the TV show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
What's It About?
Based on Nickelodeon's computer-animated television show of the same name, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES from Activision is an action-heavy brawler that has you fighting against numerous enemies -- such as Shredder, Fishface, and countless human and robotic minions -- using familiar weapons (katanas, staffs, throwing stars) and hand-to-hand moves. Playing from a third-person perspective with many side-scrolling elements, you can choose which heroic turtle to play as. Also, the game offers multiple gameplay modes, including local cooperative ("co-op") for up to four gamers, with drop-in and -out support, on the console versions of the game (Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360). A handheld version is very similar; the game is playable on the Nintendo 3DS or 2DS.
Is It Any Good?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is OK, but it really doesn't offer much depth, replayability, or ingenuity. The main campaign has about 15 levels, which is adequate, but the simple gameplay mechanics and many animated cut-scene sequences grow thin after a short while. Sure, you can change up who you're playing as -- each character has his own unique moves -- but compared to other action games, this one grows tiring quickly. Its saving grace, perhaps, is the four-player co-op mode on the same television, which might prove fun for young siblings and friends. Unless you're a huge fan of the Nickelodeon series, wait until this one hits the bargain bins.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Why do most TV show- and movie-related video games not fare as well critically or commercially? Is it because the best development studios are working on their own IPs (intellectual properties)? Are they rushed to come out in time? Are they really just part of the overall marketing engine?
What is it about action games that draws you to them?
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo 3DS , Nintendo Wii , Xbox 360
- Skills : Collaboration : cooperation , teamwork , Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , decision-making , strategy , Self-Direction : goal-setting , work to achieve goals
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Activision
- Release date : October 22, 2013
- Genre : Arcade
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate