The gameplay in is similar to other side-scrolling beat-em-ups of the time. Players can choose to play as any of the four Turtles, each with their unique abilities and strengths. The game features a variety of moves, including punches, kicks, and special attacks, which can be combined to create devastating combos.
The game is divided into levels, each set in a different part of the city. Players must fight their way through hordes of Foot Clan ninjas, robots, and other enemies, while also navigating obstacles and pitfalls. The game also features boss battles against iconic TMNT villains, including Rocksteady, Bebop, and Shredder.
The game’s influence can also be seen in later TMNT games, such as , which built upon the gameplay and features introduced in Battle Nexus .