TMNT: These Heroes Run on Turtle Power

With the return of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the big screen, it was only a matter of time before a new video game featuring the heroes in a half shell followed. Using the computer-animated movie's format, Ubisoft's TMNT is in some ways an extension of the movie, with added depth and back stories.

TMNT uses a single-player format despite featuring all four turtles. Sometimes you can switch from one turtle to another, but generally the turtle you start with is the turtle you finish with during each level.

The main theme is martial arts, and there are plenty of opportunities to use them. Each level contains interactive environments, including the jungles of South America and the streets of New York. Either you're using your ninja abilities to get to where you need to go -- climbing, jumping, running -- or you're fighting a gang of bad guys.

The game gets old quickly. Despite frequent changes in environment, you're either running or fighting. When you're alone, you know you're on the run. If you see a bunch of bad guys, you know it's time to fight.

The look is authentic to the movie, especially on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii. Controls in the game are smooth and easy but can get repetitive. You move with the left thumb stick and attack with two buttons (one for kicks and one for using your weapon). Another button lets you call another turtle for help.

Even with two attack buttons, the fighting and kicking moves are true to martial arts form, whether it's a spin kick or the use of weapons. Tapping the buttons repetitively while being attacked by multiple opponents will unleash moves that are fun to watch.

Playing on the Wii requires a slightly different approach; you swing the controller to fight and kick, but that, too, gets tiring after a while.

Overall, TMNT is a solid take on the movie. It's repetitive at times but fun, especially for younger gamers.

-- David Betancourt

TMNT Everyone 10+; PS2, PSP ($40); Nintendo DS, PC ($30); Xbox 360, Wii ($50) Ubisoft