When the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first arrived on the comic book scene in 1984, no one could have predicted their meteoric rise. What started as a playful spoof of Daredevil, crafted by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, quickly caught the imagination of readers everywhere, leading to a flurry of offers to bring their world to life through toys and television. Over 40 years on, these beloved heroes have become a staple of pop culture, continually reinvented for new audiences. Each new rendition brings with it a slew of video games, eagerly snapped up by fans.
Since 1989, there have been more than 50 TMNT games, each adding its own flavor to the legacy. Though the reception has been mixed, several entries have become treasured classics among fans. And there’s no sign of the Turtles retreating from their gaming exploits anytime soon. The year 2025 has already seen exciting developments for the Turtles in gaming, and it promises even more action-packed adventures on the horizon.
Recently, the Turtles made a surprising entrance into “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6,” raising the bar for crossovers. At around $20 each, players can grab Operator skins based on the four heroes, along with Weapon Blueprints and other TMNT-inspired cosmetics. This launch was bolstered by a themed Warzone/Black Ops 6 Event Pass featuring both free and premium tracks packed with exclusive content. Players can snag Foot Clan skins, a cool skateboard melee weapon, and further TMNT-themed goodies. On the premium side, there’s a Master Splinter Operator skin and a collection of weapon blueprints to beef up your arsenal.
In terms of game modes, fans can dive into the “TMNT Moshpit” in multiplayer, where they can wield super abilities and Scorestreaks inspired by each Turtle. For the more adventurous, “Cowabunga Cranked” in Zombies mode offers a frenetic countdown experience that cranks up the chaos to eleven.
In another big win, the TMNT: Cowabunga Collection recently became available for free through PlayStation Plus Essential. This nostalgic set compiles 13 classic TMNT games from their golden era between 1989 and 1994, featuring iconic arcade hits alongside cherished NES and SNES titles.
Speculation is also rife about the Turtles stepping into “Fortnite” and “Rocket League.” A well-known leaker, SamLeakss, hinted that players might soon drive the Turtles’ Party Wagon during a shared event in these two games, alongside new skins for characters like Casey Jones, Bebop, and Rocksteady.
And if that’s not enough, gamers can now try out a demo for “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown” on Steam, providing a fresh, hands-on experience with the franchise.
Looking further ahead, there’s even more to get excited about with a forthcoming video game adaptation of the acclaimed comic miniseries “The Last Ronin,” announced by THQ Nordic. This series captivates readers with its gritty tale of the last surviving Turtle avenging his brethren. Though fans might have to wait a bit longer for its release, there’s hope that a captivating trailer could drop by the end of 2025.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles continue to evolve and thrive in the gaming world, proving that after all these years, they still pack a powerful punch in every medium they grace.
