The Nintendo NES classic 'Cat Ninden Teyandee' is a lesser-known but still beloved game that has garnered attention from gamers and retro enthusiasts alike. Released initially in Japan under the name 'Samurai Pizza Cats', this action-adventure game was later released in North America as 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Arcade Game' due to licensing issues.

The game follows the adventures of four anthropomorphic cat ninja, known as the Samurai Pizza Cats, who must fight against the evil forces led by Shredder. Released in 1988 for arcades and later ported to various home consoles including the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), 'Cat Ninden Teyandee' presents an engaging mix of platforming, combat, and exploration.

Developed by Irem, a renowned Japanese video game developer and publisher, 'Samurai Pizza Cats' is considered one of their earliest titles. The game's unique blend of Eastern-inspired ninja themes combined with pizza-loving felines resonated well with gamers in Japan, paving the way for future action-adventure games.

The Game

In the world of 'Cat Ninden Teyandee', players control either Fugu (the leader), Mew Mew, or their arch-nemesis, Shredder. The gameplay revolves around navigating levels to defeat enemies, collecting power-ups, and solving puzzles. The cat ninja must also confront various boss battles against powerful foes.

One of the distinctive features of 'Samurai Pizza Cats' is its emphasis on exploration. Players are encouraged to explore different paths within each level, uncover hidden secrets, and discover alternate routes that provide additional power-ups or bonuses.

The game's combat mechanics involve a mix of martial arts moves, projectile attacks, and using the pizza slices as projectiles to defeat enemies. Players must also be mindful of their health levels, which decrease when they take damage from enemy attacks or fall off ledges.

The level design in 'Cat Ninden Teyandee' is notable for its use of creative environments, from ancient temples to streets filled with traffic and obstacles. The game's atmospheric soundtrack complements the ninja themes and pizza-inspired aesthetic, contributing to a unique gaming experience.

Release History

First released in arcades in 1987 as 'Samurai Pizza Cats', the game was later ported to various home consoles, including the NES. However, due to licensing issues with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise, the game was renamed 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Arcade Game' for release in North America and Europe.

The NES version of 'Cat Ninden Teyandee' retained its original gameplay but introduced some changes to accommodate the console's hardware limitations. The game's difficulty level is often cited as one of its drawbacks, with many players finding it frustratingly challenging.

Downloadability and Preservation Efforts

In recent years, a dedicated community has emerged to create fan-made versions of 'Cat Ninden Teyandee' for PC platforms using various tools like emulation software or homebrew development. These projects aim to provide a faithful reproduction of the original game's experience, addressing issues with the NES version.

One notable example is the 'Samurai Pizza Cats' project by Dv0.45, which uses an emulator called FCEUX and has been praised for its accuracy and dedication to preserving the game's originality.

However, due to copyright concerns and licensing restrictions, downloading a complete, official version of 'Cat Ninden Teyandee' might not be feasible without purchasing the original game or accessing through legitimate channels. Fans who wish to experience this unique title must navigate these complexities.

Why Play 'Samurai Pizza Cats'?

Despite its age and relatively limited availability, 'Samurai Pizza Cats' remains an intriguing option for gamers looking for a retro action-adventure experience. Its blend of ninja combat, exploration, and pizza-themed humor offers something fresh and distinct from other titles in the genre.

Players who appreciate challenging games with depth will find 'Cat Ninden Teyandee' to be a rewarding experience, especially when overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles and discovering hidden secrets. For those interested in retro gaming or looking for an alternative take on the ninja theme, this game is well worth considering.

Conclusion

'Samurai Pizza Cats', known as 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Arcade Game' outside of Japan, remains a fascinating relic of Nintendo's NES era. With its unique blend of martial arts and pizza-loving ninja cats, 'Cat Ninden Teyandee' offers an engaging mix of exploration, combat, and challenge that continues to captivate retro gamers.

While the game's availability is limited by licensing restrictions, fans have managed to create fan-made versions that showcase their dedication to preserving this unique title. For those interested in exploring lesser-known NES titles or seeking a fresh take on the action-adventure genre, 'Samurai Pizza Cats' is an intriguing option worth considering.