November 1^st, 2005 (2:24pm) - Konami has announced that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3: Mutant Nightmare (TMNT3) for the PS2, Xbox, GameCube and Nintendo DS has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. Introducing a wealth of unique features to the TMNT Universe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles3: Mutant Nightmare includes - for the first time in the history of the franchise - characters that evolve and abilities that improve as players progress through the game. Additionally, TMNT3 introduces a new experience point system, improved fighting control and more advanced multiplayer capabilities. As a special bonus, old-school Turtle fans will be able to unlock one of the original TMNT arcade games in the console versions of the game, the great Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3: Turtles in Time!

The console versions of TMNT3 focus more on teamwork, character development and control than any other Turtles game to date. Gamers can play as their favorite Turtle -- alone or with up to three friends -- earning experience points as they slash and bash Foot Ninjas and other powerful foes. These experience points allow players to improve and evolve their Turtles’ traits and abilities for more varied, powerful attacks and moves. Another new feature on TMMT3 is the Ninja Scroll System, which allows players to select which ninja scrolls to use, enabling them to utilize the Turtles various abilities strategically.

Cooperative play lies at the heart of TMNT3 and gamers who team up with friends for multiplayer action are rewarded with exclusive features such as Cooperative Attack. The effect of this attack changes depending on the number of players working together (between 2-4 players). For greater control, TMNT3 features a new combat system called the Target Attack system that lets gamers play more strategically. With the Target Attack system, players will be able to lock onto specific enemies and block, dodge or counter attack for more maneuverable combat. Story Mode can be played with 1-4 players. When there are less than four players, the other Turtles will still be at your side, controlled through AI.

TMNT3 for the Nintendo DS utilizes the unique features of the handheld system for an exciting TMNT experience. A side scrolling melee action game with 50 action-packed stages, it features the Turtles battling a nightmarish enemy in an effort to save the world from destruction. The emphasis of the game is strategic teamwork. Through each level, players will not only need to defeat enemies, but they will also have to explore and solve challenging puzzles. Playing alone or with friends, gamers will use the touch pad to get help from other Turtles and utilize their unique abilities to overcome obstacles and traps. Players also have the ability to solve different puzzles and, during fighting phases, play out epic battles that take place. Additionally, gamers can team up with friends via the Nintendo DS’ wireless multiplayer functionality.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3: Mutant Nightmare is rated "E10+" for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube versions and rated "E" for the Nintendo DS version by the ESRB. The game has an SRP of $29.99.