Back when they had the video game license for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the late 80's and early 90's, Konami knew what to do to make a fun game. They kept it simple, sticking with the Turtles' individual tactics and yet still focusing on kicking some Foot Soldier butt in their quest to bring down the all-powerful Shredder. This fun lasted through a few home games, as well as the two arcade game releases, which I felt were the most fun because they allowed you to work side by side with your friends while still keeping a competitive edge in terms of score. And I wish I were still playing the arcade game now, because, even twelve years later, it's more fun than Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Melee could ever be.

Mutant Melee thankfully takes a step away from last year's horrendous Battle Nexus combat game, but as a result, takes a misstep in where it wants to go. This time around, the focus is on a party atmosphere, where you battle against other friends and foes in a series of mini-games and scenarios. This is basically split up into two general sections of the game- Melee Mode and Adventure Mode. Unlocking things in Melee Mode can be done in Adventure Mode, although you probably won't be far up to task once you learn how old the game quickly becomes.

In Adventure Mode, you pick your character (you start with 10, but can unlock more) and then proceed through 100 different mini-segments within the mode. They aren't really linked that well together, and a great Ninja Turtle tale isn't told as a result, but it moves along. It starts with the basics, putting you through training and essentially putting real foes into the picture, like those bothersome Foot Soldiers or even your fellow turtles. Eventually, it leads to some big showdowns, including the Shredder. But that's if you have the patience to stomach how boring the game gets.

The main problem is that it really doesn't put forward any kind of effort to win over fans of this type of game. With something like Super Smash Bros. Melee, Nintendo and HAL did their homework and produced a top-notch effort in every category, especially replayability and multiplayer. Here, it seems like an afterthought. The controls, set up with basic attacks, signature moves, dodges and shurikens, don't really rise to the occasion, coming across as bland little attacks. It's not even totally responsive, although I will admit it's still a step up from Battle Nexus' poor control scheme. But that's like saying a game handles better in honey than it does in molasses- the control still feels average at best.

The presentation doesn't get anywhere fast either. The graphics, while solid in some parts, really don't scream next-gen and have basic designs in both modes. The Melee Mode doesn't really offer any complex stages or anything, just street corners, apartment settings, or some other places where the action takes center stage. Atmosphere counts for nothing, I guess. Sound fares no better, with a typical rock soundtrack backing the sound effects and constant, annoying sound samples from the show once again blaring in my ear. Man, can't the Turtles just shut the hell up and fight for a change? Is that too much to ask?

The game's not completely lacking in value. There's plenty to unlock here, and, despite the game being slapped with a "Teen" rating, it's actually a fun beat-em-up multiplayer effort for kids who just have Turtle power flowing through their blood (not literally- who wants a kid with green blood?). And at $20, at least Konami's keeping it honest and not trying to take anyone for a ride like they did with Battle Nexus.

But Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Melee seems to come across like a real turtle itself. Sure, you may see the appeal of the purchase and imagine the hours of fun you'll have with it, but soon you'll see how slow-moving and uninteresting it is, longing instead for the rabbit that is Super Smash Bros. Melee. Konami seriously needs to re-examine this franchise and put the cowabunga back into it.