Pushing The Limits: Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles

Given the popularity of the cartoon, could the humble Spectrum handle this behemoth franchise?

Learn how Probe Software squeezed Konami’s NES game onto the Spectrum

The short answer is ‘yes’; and the challenge was taken on by the hands of just two men. Not just any old duo, of course: it was now game industry legends David Perry (Earthworm Jim) and Nick Bruty (MDK) who handled this version of our green heroes’ first foray in the world of computer games.

What these two coders have managed to achieve here is incredible. Though it lacks a soundtrack, in terms of looks and size, this is a game that mirrors that of even its NES counterpart. All of the levels you find from the other versions, from navigating the streets, to the action of the sewers and escapades underwater, are all here for you to enjoy.

There are many missions for you to complete, including rescuing various kidnapped friends and accomplices, namely news reporter April O’neil and your master Splinter, along with undoing other attempts to take over the city. You’ll probably guess that the Turtles’ main enemy Shredder is behind these, with his sidekicks Bebop and Rocksteady on hand to do the dirty work, along with his Foot Clan.

The game is split into two main parts: a top-down view where you navigate your way around the area to find various sewers and warehouses to enter, and then upon entering each room or sewer, you have a side-on view of the action. You’ll find a lot of goings on in the sewers as you take your first plunge underground with many mutations to be avoided, from giant eyeballs, oversized bees and some angry looking giant frogs. You’ll need to be quick with your Ninja reflexes to avoid getting caught.

This is an aesthetically pleasing game, with its large sprites and scrolling animation. It really is an achievement that its 48K limit somehow hasn’t restricted it and it proves the Spectrum can do amazing things in the right hands. And don’t be mislead because of the kid-friendly subject matter here: Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles is as good-looking as it’s going to get on the Spectrum, and it runs as smooth as the underside of an amphibian. If you were lucky enough to pick this game up in its original box release, you will remember getting a set of stickers, badge and poster for free, too.