Genesis

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The HyperStone Heist

It was only a matter of time till those green good guys made their way to Sega and even the most die hard turtle freaks will be completely satisfied when they play TMNT Hyperstone Heist. With graphics and music rivaling the SNES version plus totally new levels and some of the most hilarious 2-play beat 'em up action ever seen will make this game a classic for years to come.

Hey, where is the software scaling of the enemies coming out of the screen? While it would take a bit more work, the wizards at Konami can do anything. At least I thought so. The game plays quite well and the graphics are quite detailed. The only problem I could find is the usual complaint - the game is too easy!

There's not really much else to say. This is the only Turtles title worth getting on the Genesis (skip Tournament Fighters and grab the SNES version; it's vastly superior), and it's fun while it lasts. There was plenty of room from improvement over previous releases, but Konami chose to play it safe. It's unfortunate that they didn't put as much love into Hyperstone Heist as they did most of their other Genesis contributions, but there's not much that can be done about that. If you're looking for the classic beat-'em-up action the series is known for, you won't be disappointed and will get your money's worth. Just don't play Turtles in Time first or a good part of the game will be spoiled for you.

The action is repetitive unless you mix up your attacks, but I do like how you can punch out three goons at the same time. Still, it's lame how defeated thugs simply vanish in a puff of smoke. Occasionally a power-up or exploding barrel will spice up the action, but these are few and far between. Dispatching those endless ninjas is mindless fun, but defeating the bosses requires some actual thought. Until you recognize their attack patterns, you'll go through your lives in a hurry. I love how the bosses blink red when they're about to die - now that's old school! The scenery is none too exciting, and I'm now convinced that sewers are the most boring places on earth to battle in. Other generic locations include city streets, a ghost ship, and Shredder's headquarters. Hyperstone Heist is no prize, but if you haven't been spoiled by the superior SNES game, it's not a bad way to pass the time.