TMNT: Tournament Fighters won't show you the full ending, unless you win on hard mode.  As with most fighting games, the hard mode AI blocks most of your moves, and spams you with specials, making this feat seem impossible.  However, there is still hope.

Beginners can still beat the game on hard mode, by observing opponent's simple patterns, and using a pre-planned counter response.

In this walkthrough I will show you the most common behaviours of each character in the game, and how to use this against them.

Whether you recently discovered this game in the Cowabunga Collection, or still own an original NES cartridge, these simple tips and tricks will work for you.

Core Strategy

You can go a long way in this game just by knowing when to throw your opponent.  Grab moves not only inflict major damage, but they are unblockable.  They also give you much needed breathing room.  Enemies are particularly susceptible to throws when finishing an attack animation, or running up to throw you.

Anti-air attacks are also invaluable, to score easy hits on the opponent whilst protecting yourself from jumping attacks.

If you can perform these moves, then it's simply a matter of recognising what your opponent is doing and using the ideal response.

In some cases, we can even bait certain behaviours which are easy and safe for us to counter (see Michaelangelo).

Don't panic if you make a mistake and fall out of rhythm.  Disengage and create distance either by throwing your opponent or jumping away.  Once you recompose yourself, look out for a familiar behaviour pattern which you can respond to.

Essential Moves

Throw: ←/→ + Punch (Close to opponent)
Uppercut: Punch (Opponent is in air)

Special Moves (Useful in Bonus Stage)

Leonardo: ↓, → + Kick
Raphael: ← (Hold for 2 seconds), → + Punch
Michaelangelo: ↙ (Hold for 2 seconds), → + Punch/Kick
Donatello: ↓ (Hold for 2 seconds), ↑ + Kick

Opponent Guide

Vs. Leonardo:
1. Back into a corner, wait to block his running kick, and counter with a throw
2. In the middle of the arena, block his triple running kick and counter the third with a throw

Vs. Raphael:
1. Throw him as he is running or as you block his running kick
2. When he walks towards you, jump over his head and grab him
3. If he repeatedly crouch kicks, jump kick his face, then jump away

Vs. Michaelangelo:
1. Jump backwards twice to bait his special move, then grab him when he lands
2. Throw him as he runs into you
3. Anti-air uppercut

Vs. Donatello:
1. Throw him as he runs into you
2. Block or move backwards to avoid his special move, then throw him

Bonus Stage:
1. Perform your special attack repeatedly
2. Use a running attack to get to the next wall faster (if necessary)

Vs. Casey:
1. Anti-air uppercut
2. Jump over him when he runs and use a throw
3. Block his tornado special then throw him
4. Throw him at the end of his other jumping special

Vs. Hothead:
1. Throw him as he runs into you
2. Block or avoid his diving attack then throw him

Vs. Shredder:
1. Stay back, and jump over his ground flames
2. Throw him as he runs into you
3. Anti-air uppercut

Vs. Shredder, playing as Raphael
1. Punch the air as he is running to make him retreat, then jump into him for a grab
2. Charge up your special move during the grab animation, and use it as the opponent is standing up

Conclusion

Using a haphazard approach when attacking your opponent will likely end in defeat.  This game is best played using a defensive strategy where you systematically counter commonly used attacks.

Thanks for checking out my strategy guide.  You're welcome to join me on YouTube for more retro game content.