Games
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Other Strangeness: RPGTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Other Strangeness was a role-playing game based on the original comic and created in 1985, before the creation of the movies, toys, and television series. Since none of the other TMNT media was yet in existence, the game was targeted at the audience of the mostly adult, TMNT comic fan base.
As subsequent editions of the game were published, certain aspects were changed due to complaints from parents of young players. Entire sections were removed from the game, such as a part describing mental illnesses players could develop in their characters, in order to make the game more appropriate for young audiences. As the TMNT films and television series gained popularity, the role-playing game declined in popularity. The watered-down and family friendly turtles from the movies and TV shows changed how the ninja turtles were perceived at large. Instead of their original dark and violent nature, they were being portrayed at silly and friendly. This change turned many original fans away from the RPG and the ninja turtles. |
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Video GamesSince 1989, there have been over 30 TMNT themed video games released for arcades, gameboy, nintendo and a variety of other game consoles. The games have not been based much on the comic, but instead mostly on the 1987 television series, movie trilogy, and 2003 television series. This decision was probably made in order to reach a younger audience who's experience of TMNT may only come from television and movies. Targeting this young audience would probably create a larger market because they are more inclined to play video games.
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Action Figures
In 1988 Playmates Toys created the first set of Ninja Turtle action figures. The action figure set contained the four turtles, their trainer, Splinter, their friend, April O'Neil, and the evil Shredder and his foot soldiers. Though these action figures were directly based off the original comic, the turtles were dressed in the individual colors that would be used to identify them from this point on.
Playmates Toys was originally unsure if the action figures would be a success due to the relatively small fan base of the comic. They requested that a television deal be made before the toys were produced. Ever since, marketing between merchandise and television series has been closely tied.
Playmates Toys was originally unsure if the action figures would be a success due to the relatively small fan base of the comic. They requested that a television deal be made before the toys were produced. Ever since, marketing between merchandise and television series has been closely tied.
Other Merchandise
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have turned into a huge franchise in which almost anything TMNT related can be purchased. Below are some examples of merchandise, from costumes, to toys, to backpacks, and even snuggies.