Why did the game get such low scores? I can only shake my head in wonder. Maybe the game wasn't revolutionary enough for them. Maybe it didn't redefine the genre so therefore it didn't deserve a good score. I could say the same thing about the updated versions of sports titles regurgitated each year, but those still receive high marks. One site that irked me in particular even went so far as to say, and I quote, "this just goes to prove you can't do a beat 'em up in this day and age". That statement is patently false. Beat 'em ups are some of my favorite games! I've been relying on my GBA to give me that fix for a long time. But at least Konami had the vision to release the TMNT titles for the various gaming console platforms.

To give you an understanding of the game, let's say it's kind of like TMNT meets Super Smash Bros. But, that is really an inaccurate statement because it is still quite different from Super Smash Bros. and retains its own amount of uniqueness. All your favorite turtles are there, as well as cast members from the recently (relatively speaking) resurrected cartoon show. There are a TON of characters to unlock. I looked at the character select screen on the back of the game case and my jaw dropped in excitement! I was surprised at the amount of un-lockable content the game had to offer. Not only were there a ton of characters, but by playing the Adventure mode, you earn moola to unlock content in the "Library" section of the game, as well as earning new stages to play on. But, I'm getting ahead of myself here.

Let's do a recap on my TMNT history. I was a huge TMNT fan in the 80's when the original hype hit the big time. I watched the old cartoon show religiously, and purchased all the toys I could get my mitts on. I also had a sizable stack of TMNT comic books. Now, if you're thinking that TMNT is too "kiddie" for you, let me tell you right now; you're wrong. Obviously, you never read the original TMNT comic books, which were quite bloody and brutal. Violence for the win!

At any rate, I was a huge TMNT fan. And, I'm not ashamed to admit that I still am. But don't let that make you think I'm biased towards TMNT: Mutant Melee for a minute. The game deserves honorable mentions based on its own merits. I honestly don't know why it got the low scores it did. But let's move on.

When you first boot up the game, you're treated to an intro that is a mixture of clips from the cartoon and footage from the game. After this, you're presented with a menu of choices. The main modes of game play are the Adventure and Melee modes. Adventure mode is where you play through various stages and mini games to unlock characters, levels, and earn cash you can spend in the Library section, as I already stated above. The Library section is actually quite interesting. It has a detailed history of TMNT creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, and their long road to success in the early days to their current state of fame. The TMNT franchise has been quite the money maker for them, and for obvious reasons. Nothing quite like it has ever been made before and since. Oh, other comics tried, but they failed miserably to capture the charm and spirit of TMNT.

The other mode, Melee Mode, is where the game derives its Super Smash Bros. comparison. Up to four players can compete in a brawl to see who can get the most K.O.'s. If you don't have 3 other friends to play with, you can choose to play against 3 CPU opponents. This is also where most of the characters to unlock are presented. There were up to 22 characters that I could count in Melee Mode (though some were different versions of the same character). I was surprised to notice that it started out with a good roster of characters to choose from, including all the turtles, as well as Shredder (and more)! I was pleasantly surprised that Shredder was a standard character to choose from, so guess who I picked first? ;)

The graphics are done in the awesome cel-shaded style that all the current TMNT games are using. I simply love the cel-shaded graphics! It's like you're playing in the cartoon or comics! They are nicely done and well animated. The sounds are also quite good as well. All the characters have various catch phrases and I didn't really notice them repeat too much as to be annoying. There's a good mix in there.

The controls are very tight, allowing you to easily pull off your standard moves as well as your character's signature moves. The best part though about Melee mode is the power-ups and weapons you can get. There is a ton. Everything from bats and axes, to my personal favorite - the ROCKET LAUNCHER! Mwahaha! There is something very satisfying about blasting your opponent in the face with a big 'ol rocket. Melee mode is a real good party game to pick. The controls are easy enough to pick up and play without a manual and it's downright fun! May the best Turtle win!

In conclusion, there are some fundamental facts about the game that remain constant. If you simply just can't stand the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, then this game is most likely not going to convert you, but you if turn away from it for this point alone you'll miss an excellent fighting game. If you are a TMNT fan, then you will most definitely get a kick out of this game for sure! And if you are a fan of party games, I'm sure you'll find that TMNT: Mutant Melee will fit the bill. As stated numerous times, I honestly can't conceive of why this game received such low scores from various sites around the web. But that's what makes gamersinfo.net unique; we actually sit down and PLAY the game and review it on its own merits. So what if it's not Halo 2. That's not the point. The point is that TMNT: Mutant Melee is a good four player beat 'em up game that delivers the pizza.