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Ubisoft Confirms TMNT Fighter

by Neal Ronaghan - January 27, 2009, 7:47 am EST
Total comments: 49 Source: Press Release

After a reveal in Nintendo Power, Ubisoft has finally taken the turtle out of the shell and revealed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle: Smash Up from Game Arts.

Ubisoft finally announced the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fighting game that was originally unveiled in Nintendo Power. Their announcement also confirms the involvement of Game Arts, who most recently worked on Super Smash Bros. Brawl, but doesn't say anything about the ex-Team Ninja employees that Nintendo Power mentioned.

The four-player fighting game, called Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle: Smash Up, is notable in that it will be the first Turtles game to not be tied to a TMNT movie, television show, or comic book. It is also part of the "shell-ebration" of the 25th anniversary of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and is slated to ship out in fall 2009.

UBISOFT® CELEBRATES 25th ANNIVERSARY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES® WITH LAUNCH OF NEW VIDEO GAME

SAN FRANCISCO – January 26, 2009 – Today Ubisoft announced that it will launch an all-new, original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles® (TMNT®) video game – the first that is not tied to a TMNT® movie, television show or comic book – which will be a four-player action fighting title. The game is being developed by Game Arts, noted for working on the critically acclaimed Super Smash Bros.™ Brawl for Wii™. Scheduled for release in fall 2009, the video game will be a key event in the year-long "Shell-ebration” of the 25th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles® which, in addition to the video game launch, will include new and exciting products and experiences for TMNT® fans in the U.S. and around the world.

The success of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles® in various media has been sustained over the last 25 years with numerous "bests,” including: the best-selling video game on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in 2007; and in the late '80s and early '90s, the No.1-rated Saturday morning TV show in the US; the No.1-rated daily syndicated animated TV strip for children; the No.1 Nintendo Entertainment System™ and Game Boy™ Advance video game in the world and the No.1 live touring arena show in the U.S.

"We're really excited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first TMNT® comic and we have a number of radical 'Shell-ebration' events planned for 2009," said Gary Richardson, CEO of Mirage Studios. "The awesome new video game that Ubisoft will release in 2009 is an important part of celebrating this Turtles milestone with fans around the world."

"There is no better tribute to the Turtles than the creation of a brand-new game that will help to launch the next 25 years of success," said Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft. "It's our pleasure to partner again with Mirage as part of the worldwide birthday celebration for the Turtles."

More details about the game can be found in the January 2009 TMNT® cover story issue of Nintendo Power magazine in the U.S.

Talkback

Hard to say how much this will have in common with SSB, but as it stands right now, it's the first TMNT title I've looked forward to since I was 12.

Spak-SpangJanuary 27, 2009

I don't know if I like the direction of the adventure mode...but I will get the game if multiplayer is good.

UltimatePartyBearJanuary 27, 2009

They had to put "Smash" in the title.  Is it even possible for Ubisoft to get any more me-too-ish?

EnnerJanuary 27, 2009

You were hoping that they would've called it Tournament Fighters 2?

Nick DiMolaNick DiMola, Staff AlumnusJanuary 27, 2009

I'm not sure if this is true or not, but I read somewhere that this game will not have an increasing damage meter ala Smash Bros, but a decreasing health bar, with the ability to still knock people out of the level. I'm hoping it isn't true, but I suppose we'll see.

Spak-SpangJanuary 27, 2009

Mr. Jack...I have heard the same thing...and actually I am ok with that...I don't want it to be Smash Brothers with the Ninja Turtles...and the idea of having a traditional health bar will help separate the game.

Nick DiMolaNick DiMola, Staff AlumnusJanuary 27, 2009

Yeah, I guess it won't be a huge deal if the pacing is similar. I hope the game does separate itself from Smash will still retaining the fast paced fun that Smash offers.

vuduJanuary 27, 2009

I read in NP that both will be options (much like in Smash Bros).  They didn't say which would be the default method.

Nick DiMolaNick DiMola, Staff AlumnusJanuary 27, 2009

Quote from: vudu

I read in NP that both will be options (much like in Smash Bros).  They didn't say which would be the default method.

Ah, that's actually great news! Options are always a good thing.

GoldenPhoenixJanuary 27, 2009

I am worried the game won't have classic characters from the 80s show since it seems like Mirage is going to have control over the characters. Oh well, it will probably still be great stuff.

I really want this game.
I love me some Turtles...

I'm with GP. The early Mirage stuff was good, don't get me wrong, but the whole first two volumes felt (and continue to feel) discombobulated. I'm hoping that the game is a celebration of the whole 25-year history of the franchise. A little bit from the Mirage series, a little bit from the old cartoon, new cartoon, Archie Adventure Series (Ninjara, anyone?), and even the one-shot Image series.

Maybe multiple versions of "skins" for certain characters to reflect their history? All of the turtles could have their original Mirage look (everyone wears red), the current cartoon look, and maybe the TMNT movie look? Shredder could have the original Mirage look, the old cartoon look, and his current cartoon look.

If we get a review copy of this, I'm calling it RIGHT NOW.

KDR_11kJanuary 27, 2009

Quote from: Mr.

I'm not sure if this is true or not, but I read somewhere that this game will not have an increasing damage meter ala Smash Bros, but a decreasing health bar, with the ability to still knock people out of the level. I'm hoping it isn't true, but I suppose we'll see.

JUMP Super Stars, then?

Nick DiMolaNick DiMola, Staff AlumnusJanuary 27, 2009

Quote from: Halbred

I'm with GP. The early Mirage stuff was good, don't get me wrong, but the whole first two volumes felt (and continue to feel) discombobulated. I'm hoping that the game is a celebration of the whole 25-year history of the franchise. A little bit from the Mirage series, a little bit from the old cartoon, new cartoon, Archie Adventure Series (Ninjara, anyone?), and even the one-shot Image series.

Maybe multiple versions of "skins" for certain characters to reflect their history? All of the turtles could have their original Mirage look (everyone wears red), the current cartoon look, and maybe the TMNT movie look? Shredder could have the original Mirage look, the old cartoon look, and his current cartoon look.

If we get a review copy of this, I'm calling it RIGHT NOW.

Too late my friend, I called this beast the minute I heard about months ago :P.

ARGH! Curse you and your game-calling quickness!

GoldenPhoenixJanuary 27, 2009

Quote from: Mr.

Quote from: Halbred

I'm with GP. The early Mirage stuff was good, don't get me wrong, but the whole first two volumes felt (and continue to feel) discombobulated. I'm hoping that the game is a celebration of the whole 25-year history of the franchise. A little bit from the Mirage series, a little bit from the old cartoon, new cartoon, Archie Adventure Series (Ninjara, anyone?), and even the one-shot Image series.

Maybe multiple versions of "skins" for certain characters to reflect their history? All of the turtles could have their original Mirage look (everyone wears red), the current cartoon look, and maybe the TMNT movie look? Shredder could have the original Mirage look, the old cartoon look, and his current cartoon look.

If we get a review copy of this, I'm calling it RIGHT NOW.

Too late my friend, I called this beast the minute I heard about months ago :P.

Mr. Pants, destroying a staffer's dream every second.

He also kills kittens.

Flames_of_chaosLukasz Balicki, Staff AlumnusJanuary 27, 2009

So Nick kills kittens just because he's allergic to them? FOR SHAME!

Nick DiMolaNick DiMola, Staff AlumnusJanuary 27, 2009

Didn't want to mention it, but I also eat their beating hearts.

Mmmm, beating cat hearts **gargle**

EasyCureJanuary 27, 2009

Quote from: Mr.

Yeah, I guess it won't be a huge deal if the pacing is similar. I hope the game does separate itself from Smash will still retaining the fast paced fun that Smash offers.

Weren't some details released (in the other thread about this game) that said characters would be able to perform moves based on environments, like swinging of ledges (for attacks)?

I think having such acrobatic moves for either offense or defense would differentiate itself SSB enough.

DjunknownJanuary 27, 2009

Quote:

Archie Adventure Series (Ninjara, anyone?), and even the one-shot Image series.

Ah yes, Ninjara most likely our first taste of furry-ness. Back in the day I took her relationship with Raphael at face value, but as an adult...well... :-[

"Too late my friend, I called this beast the minute I heard about months ago"

"ARGH! Curse you and your game-calling quickness!"

In spirit of the game, duel it out to see who gets it?

Spak-SpangJanuary 28, 2009

I think Mirage now owns all the rights to all the Ninja Turtle characters (except guest appears from Usagi and such)  which means we can probably get some form of the classic characters, whether or not they will look exactly the same or have artistic differences is to be seen.

Personally, I am not too worried, and the character roster at all...we should be pleasantly surprised. 

ThePermJanuary 28, 2009

lol if its being made by the smash bros team imagine a ton of things that would be easy to impliment and also things that everyone would think of, that don't get implemented because the team just doesnt think of it despite repeated suggestions...

and Shredder will be a captain falcon clone

King of TwitchJanuary 28, 2009

Doesn't he have a sword? I'd say he's closer to mate a knight

GoldenPhoenixJanuary 28, 2009

Quote from: Zap

Doesn't he have a sword? I'd say he's closer to mate a knight

Shredder needs no sword.

vuduJanuary 28, 2009

Quote from: Zap

Doesn't he have a sword? I'd say he's closer to mate a knight

Didn't stop Ganondorf.

UltimatePartyBearJanuary 28, 2009

Since the original news hit, my frothing demand for this game has increased.  Even if it is a blatant ripoff of Smash Bros. with TMNT, those are still two of my favorite things.

Please be good.

EasyCureJanuary 28, 2009

I saw a screen shot, eslewhere, and I didn't really like the look of the characters having this glowing aura but I can see how it would help keep track of things. I've lost a SSB match one too many times because the camera panned out too far and i couldn't tell who was who. I think i'm pwning my friends and i end up walking of a ledge :(

Luigi DudeJanuary 28, 2009

Quote from: UltimatePartyBear

Since the original news hit, my frothing demand for this game has increased.  Even if it is a blatant ripoff of Smash Bros. with TMNT, those are still two of my favorite things.

Please be good.

Actually I hope this game is a blatant ripoff of Smash Bros because then we know it'll be a great game.  They should just ask Nintendo if they can call the game Smash Bros: Turtle Edition.

With all the potential this game could have, I just want it to be good.  If being good involves blatant plagarizism, then I'm all for it.

Spak-SpangJanuary 28, 2009

The Shedder has used several different weapons...the most iconic is the Staff or Spear he had in the Ninja Turtles Movie. 

However, he has used a sword and more impressively without weapons, which just makes him that much more badass.

Personally, I love Splinter only using his walking stick as a weapon...he is very much like Yoda in that regard. 

April O' Neil will probably fight with a single sword...and hopefully Casey Jones will have a full assortment of Sporting equipment, but most likely he will only have his Hockey Stick, which is too bad, because he needs to have his Cricket bat, Golf Clubs, Dual Baseball Bats, and finally Hockey Stick to be complete. 

I expect there to be several different variations of the Turtles...or at least Raph will get two versions, the movie vigilante with the ball and chain and his Sais. 

NinGurl69 *hugglesJanuary 28, 2009

These forums are lacking a true hero.

We need someone with a Casey Jones avatar.

ZACH'S DREAM TEAM - UNFINISHED

1. Leonardo
2. Raphael
3. Donatello
4. Michaelangelo
5. Splinter
6. The Shredder
7. Armaggon
8. General Traximus (Triceraton)
9. Ninjara (Archie series)
10. Cyborg Donatello (from the Image series)
11. Future Raphael (from the Archie series)
12. Karai (transforms into Lady Shredder like Samus)
13. Krang (in his bodysuit, of course)
13. War (Archie series)
14. Hun (new animated series)
15. Casey Jones
16. Baxter Stockman (robot form--not the stupid fly!)
17. Null (Archie series)
18. April O'Neil (in Ninja outfit from TMNT)

Unlockable characters from other series/franchises:
Venus de Milo
Usagi Ujimbo
Savage Dragon

Spak-SpangJanuary 28, 2009

Halbred:

Very awesome list: 

I would like to add some to your unlockables:

Miyamoto Usagi (just a name correction)
Murakami Gennosuke (Rhino from Usagi)
Jei (Usagi Villian)
The Prince from Prince of Persia
Baxter Stockman (Fly Version)

Bebop and Rocksteady.
Tokha and Rahzar (sp?). Some other silly cameos from the movies (not the third one). Keno or whatever that Asian pizza guy's name was.

NinGurl69 *hugglesJanuary 28, 2009

Master Tetsu
Vanilla Ice

Spak, I'm only including crossover characters in my unlockables. Usagi has shown up in the original Mirage series and the new cartoon. Savage Dragon was in the Image run, and Venus was in the terrible live-action cartoon. By the same token you could include Ceberus, who popped up in the original Mirage series, too.

GoldenPhoenixJanuary 28, 2009

No Bebop and Rocksteady will make me very mad.

Spak-SpangJanuary 28, 2009

Quote from: Halbred

Spak, I'm only including crossover characters in my unlockables. Usagi has shown up in the original Mirage series and the new cartoon. Savage Dragon was in the Image run, and Venus was in the terrible live-action cartoon. By the same token you could include Ceberus, who popped up in the original Mirage series, too.

In that case Murakami Gennosuke appeared in 2 episodes of the Ninja Turtles cartoon show.  One when Leonardo is pulled into Usagi's universe...and another with the battle Nexus battles.  So he is still in...by your rules.


I added Jei as a personal favorite of mine, and because he would make a great villian for the series.

Bebop and RockSteady definitely need to be hidden characters, and since they made a inside joke reference to Bebop (I think) in Fast Forward who knows what is possible.


For hidden character, you don't just want fan favorite or obscure Turtle characters, you want real surprises like Snake or Sonic would have been in Brawl.  You want bigger more fun crossovers.  The Prince would be great.  So would a Rabbid for a crazy character...or Rayman.


GoldenPhoenixJanuary 28, 2009

Quote:

Bebop and RockSteady definitely need to be hidden characters, and since they made a inside joke reference to Bebop (I think) in Fast Forward who knows what is possible.

They did one of Rocksteady with the Rhino guy (forgot his name). I think people forget that Bebop and Rocksteady were pretty intimidating when they first appeared on the old 80s show. They weren't nearly as comedic as they were later on.

Spak-SpangJanuary 28, 2009

They were made comical later...but the first few seasons it was like oh CRAP, Bebop and Rocksteady are there.

Really The Hun kinda took there place as the hulking servant enemy to The Shedder. 

GoldenPhoenixJanuary 28, 2009

Quote from: Spak-Spang

They were made comical later...but the first few seasons it was like oh CRAP, Bebop and Rocksteady are there.

Really The Hun kinda took there place as the hulking servant enemy to The Shedder. 

That makes me sad. Can't stand him. ;)

Spak-SpangJanuary 28, 2009

He was annoying in the first season...as it appeared he was more intimidating than Shedder at times (Not really, but you get my point) the Turtles seemed to always have a hard time with this henchman, that you questioned how they could ever face the Shedder...or his mystical elite guard....which need to be added on the list of playable characters. 

I must say I like what they did with The Hun for Back to the Sewers that he broke off and got his old gang back. 

ThePermJanuary 29, 2009

donny
ralph
mikey
leo
shredder
bebop
rocksteady
toka
razar
slash(i know slash is basically the same as razar)
metal head
baxter(classic)
leatherhead
genghis frog
napoleon bonafrog
ray fillet
mondo gecko
April
foot soldier
casey
rat king

hell just make them all! I'm just looking at all the toys they have on ninjaturtles.com

"I'm just looking at all the toys they have on ninjaturtles.com"

I could tell. I think I had all of those toys.

Spak-SpangJanuary 29, 2009

Most of those toys are from the old series, which I do not believe will be the primary focus of the new game.  I see this game taking its art direction from the CGI movie more than anything else.  I see the CGI movie and perhaps the first few seasons of the newer cartoon series as being the focus for this game. 

GoldenPhoenixJanuary 29, 2009

I hope not, I'd love to see some newer models of classic characters from the 80s show as well!

Spak-SpangJanuary 29, 2009

So do I...I am just being a realist.

I do believe there will be some of the classic 80s cartoon characters (as I believe this game will be a celebration of all things Turtles) but I do not believe the obscure characters will be in the game...rather only the truly classic 80s characters.

Luigi DudeJanuary 29, 2009

One thing I'd like to point out is don't expect too many characters in this game.  This is only the first game in what could be a series.  The first game in most fighting series usually only have a roaster around the mid-teens.  And since we have 5 characters confirmed right now, that only leaves room for around 10 more characters, or maybe even less.

Now there could end up being more character but right now it's best to keep expectations realistic since this is how the majority of fighting games start out.

Spak-SpangJanuary 30, 2009

Quote from: Luigi

One thing I'd like to point out is don't expect too many characters in this game.  This is only the first game in what could be a series.  The first game in most fighting series usually only have a roaster around the mid-teens.  And since we have 5 characters confirmed right now, that only leaves room for around 10 more characters, or maybe even less.

Now there could end up being more character but right now it's best to keep expectations realistic since this is how the majority of fighting games start out.

This is not always the case though...many games have had several characters from the beginning, and I believe this game has plenty of characters to choose from without the well going dry.

This game should have 20 characters...if it doesn't I will be upset.

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