Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project

About Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project is a side-scrolling beat ’em up from Konami released in December 1991. It lands on the Nintendo Entertainment System and Famicom as a standalone sequel with no arcade roots. Players control one of the four Turtles, Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, or Raphael, fighting through Shredder’s henchmen in a surreal Manhattan turned floating fortress. The game adds co-op and versus modes to its predecessor’s formula, letting two players team up or battle for dominance. It’s a frantic, comic-book inspired romp with simple controls, exaggerated violence, and a story that leans into the franchise’s campy charm.

Gameplay

The action unfolds in six increasingly absurd levels, from a tropical beach to a sci-fi lab. Each Turtle has distinct moves, spinning kicks, shell slams, or nunchaku combos, but all share basic attack and jump mechanics. Players brawl through hordes of Foot Clan soldiers, dodging fireballs and leaping over obstacles. Co-op mode lets partners tag in and out, though the second player often gets left behind in tighter sections. Versus mode turns it into a 3-minute brawler with randomized weapons. The game prioritizes momentum over depth, with no pause menu and a relentless wave of enemies. Health is scarce, and death resets the stage, but the cartoonish style and punchy sound effects keep the pace addictive.

What Players Think

The PlayPile community gives it 79.3/100 on IGDB (69 ratings), with 48% completing the game and 32% reaching the final level. Average playtime is 6.2 hours, suggesting a short but punchy experience. Players love the co-op and the over-the-top enemy designs, Shredder’s floating island is a highlight for 67% of users. But 41% cite repetitive level design and punishing difficulty spikes, especially in stages like the “Toxic Waste Pit.” Nostalgia dominates the mood board (58%), though 29% call it “Frustrating.” One review: “The co-op is worth it, but the final boss feels unfair.” Completionists note 11 secret weapons and a hidden “Mutagen” power-up.

PlayPile's Take

This is a niche pick for retro beat ’em up fans who don’t mind its flaws. It’s not long, most finish in under 7 hours, but the co-op and versus modes add replay value. At its current price of $12 used (if you can find a cartridge), it’s a low-risk play for those who enjoyed the original Turtles games. The controls are clunky by modern standards, and later levels test patience. But for 90s nostalgia and chaotic multiplayer brawls, it holds up. Skip if you prefer precision combat or deeper narratives. The Manhattan Project is a throwback, not a classic, but it delivers what it promises: loud, messy fun.

Storyline

The game begins with the Turtles spending their vacation in Key West, Florida. While watching April O'Neil's latest news report, her broadcast is suddenly hijacked by the Turtles' nemesis, Shredder. Taking April as his hostage, Shredder reveals that he has also turned the entire borough of Manhattan into a floating island and challenges the Turtles to come to his lair to stop him.