May 15^th, 2003 (12:00am) - Leading video game publisher Konami of America, Inc., a subsidiary of Konami Corporation revealed the highly-anticipated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) games, which will be released in October 2003 on the Sony PlayStation 2, Xbox video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo Game Cube, Game Boy Advance and PC CD-ROM. Chock full of arcade-style kick-butt action, the next-generation console debut of Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael will feature all of the fun and energy that made the original TMNT games legendary.

"This game lets players step into the action-packed world of the popular TMNT animated TV series," said Erica Mason, Product Manager at Konami of America, Inc. "Fans of the original games have been clamoring for the return of the ’heroes in a half shell’ and this game delivers with a punch." Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brings the full cast of characters – including Splinter, Casey Jones, April O’Neil, Baxter Stockman, The Shredder and more – to a thrilling game that will delight players young and old. Cell-shaded graphics, an engaging storyline and an unbelievable variety of moves make for a super-fun gaming experience. The games will also feature character voices from the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV show airing on 4Kids Entertainment’s FOX BOX on Saturday mornings.

In the Story Mode, up to 2 players must use ninja moves and hand-to-hand combat to defeat a barrage of enemies, including The Shredder and his vile band of Foot ninjas. Cinematic sequences move the story forward, while gamers – playing as their turtle of choice - punch, kick, slice and dice their way through six hard-fought stages and over 35 levels. As they progress, they will collect scrolls to unlock new attacks and special effects.

As players become fighting masters, they will want to check out the VS Mode to challenge their friends or AI characters. These battles not only allow for play as one of the Turtles, but also give players a chance to step into the shoes of some of the game’s villains.

The TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES were created in May 1984 when Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman published a 40-page, black-and-white comic book. The original TMNT animated series debuted in 1987, going on to become the #1 children’s television show throughout the late 1980’s and early ’90’s. TMNT merchandise licensees, including Konami and Playmates Toys, were enormously successful, reportedly selling over $3 billion in toys, video games and other merchandise within all product categories worldwide to date.