Based on the new movie, TMNT brings the four heroes in a half shell back into the spotlight, where they show off their Ninjitsu moves and bust bad guys. Mutated from toxic waste and raised by the sage-like rat named Splinter, the four turtles (named after notable Renaissance artists) hit the streets to uncover a huge plot, comic book style.

The new TMNT offers a slightly more serious tone than the turtle games of the past. Since the last game, Leonardo's on a spiritual journey to South America. In his absence, the angst-ridden Raphael dons a metallic costume and fights crime with extreme prejudice as a vigilante named Nightwatcher. Michelangelo and Donatello, on the other hand, have set up a small business entertaining children at parties. With the family split up, players must work to get everyone back together in order to confront the latest scheming criminal mastermind.

Very little distinguishes TMNT from any other platform game. Players get to run up and down walls, quickly crawl across ledges and jump from place to place, all the while collecting coins and stopping to battle with minions. The end of every level tallies up a score based on how much damage was received in combat, how much time it took and how many coins were picked up. Better scores unlock special levels and earn points to unlock bonus materials, like art and movie clips. Timed matches would have added replay value, but the system matches the straightforward gameplay for the most part.

Each turtle features his own unique fighting style. Donatello, for example, benefits from the long reach of his bo staff, though his attacks might be the slowest of the four. Conversely, Michelangelo unleashes an extremely fast flurry of attacks on his foes. Each character also comes equipped with a unique style and "special ability" to get them through the different missions. Leonardo uses power of meditation mind over matter to pass through bars and fences.