Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 - Battle Nexus (USA) Gameboy Advance game

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Battle Nexus

Overview: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Battle Nexus" is a beat 'em up video game developed by Konami, released in 2004. It's the sequel to the previous year’s TMNT game and is based on the second season of the 2003 animated TV series. The game features cel-shaded graphics, supports up to four players, and includes the classic TMNT arcade game as an unlockable bonus.

Gameplay: The game offers a multiplayer mode where up to four players can join in. Each player selects a "team" corresponding to each Turtle, represented by their colors: Blue (Leonardo), Red (Raphael), Orange (Michelangelo), and Purple (Donatello). Teams have unique abilities that help players progress. For example, Blue Team can cut through obstacles, Red Team can push heavy objects, Orange Team can reflect arrows, and Purple Team can operate computer consoles.

The health bar is shared among all players, and characters have "weak" and "strong" attacks, with different combinations performing different moves. Players must complete various objectives to progress, such as reaching a specific point, defeating all enemies, or surviving until the time runs out. Side goals include collecting artifacts and crystal pieces to boost abilities.

Storyline: The game starts with the Turtles battling the Foot Clan and Hun in Oroku Saki’s skyscraper. After defeating them, Master Splinter goes missing, leading the Turtles to a building marked "T.C.R.I." They discover it houses the Utroms, an alien race. The Turtles are teleported to various points across the galaxy, meeting the Fugitoid Professor Honeycutt and getting involved in the war between the Triceratons and the Federation.

The storyline covers multiple arcs from the TV series, including battles against the Shredder, encounters with allies like Leatherhead, and participation in the Battle Nexus Tournament. Key characters like Slashuur and Karai can be unlocked as the game progresses.

Enemies and Bosses: The game features a variety of enemies, including Foot Ninjas, Triceratons, and Federation Soldiers. Boss battles include Hun, Slashuur, Leatherhead, the Ultimate Ninja, and multiple forms of the Shredder.

Battle Nexus Mode: This mode includes four tournaments:

1. Open Brawl: Features waves of enemies like Foot Ninjas and Utroms.
2. Monster Open: Focuses on fighting creatures like Raptors and Leatherhead.
3. Foot Fight: Involves battling the Elite Guard, FootMech Splinter, and the Mega Shredder.
4. Battle Nexus Tournament: The final tournament includes tough opponents like Traximus, the Ultimate Ninja, and Drako.

Reception: The game received mixed to negative reviews. The GBA and PC versions had slightly better reception compared to the console versions. Critics highlighted repetitive gameplay, poor controls, and bad AI. Scores ranged from 1.5/5 by GameSpy to 6/10 by IGN. Despite its issues, the inclusion of the classic arcade game was seen as a positive feature.

Unlockable Content: Players can unlock the original TMNT arcade game by finding a specific artifact in Stage 9-1 and bringing it to April.

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Battle Nexus" provides a nostalgic trip for fans of the series despite its mixed reviews, offering a combination of beat 'em up action and cooperative gameplay.