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Long before the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles became a global multimedia juggernaut, in 1985 Palladium Books’ released TMNT & Other Strangeness, a tabletop RPG that let players step into a weird world of crime fighting mutant animals and punk-era sci-fi. Written by noted designer Erick Wujcik and featuring art and input from TMNT creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, the game was strange, unapologetically crunchy and bursting with creativity, leaving a huge impact on the hobby.
Now, 40 years later, the TMNT RPG is back, with Palladium launching the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Other Strangeness Redux Edition. The new hardcover book is the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign that generated a whopping $1.3 million in crowdfunding and is available now to the general public as a pre-order via the Palladium website.
So does the updated TMNT RPG still pack plenty of turtle power? Below, we shell out all the details.
What is TMNT & Other Strangeness Redux?
The TMNT & Other Strangeness Redux Edition is a new 256-page hardcover book that includes the original core rule book, as well as the supplements Turtles Go Hollywood and Truckin’ Turtles. Notably, all of the original black and white interior illustrations created by iconic Palladium artist Kevin Long have been fully colorized.
In addition to the content from the original three books, the Redux edition also includes:
- A 15-page behind-the-scenes and tribute history
- 20 new mutant animal character options
- 18 pages of new artwork (including concept materials)
Notably, there is also a Black, White & Red Edition that has a different colored cover and has all black and white illustrations inside that’s designed to capture the look and feel of the original book.
How much is the new TMNT RPG Redux?
The hardcover book has retail price of $59.99 USD (not including shipping and handling). The Black, White & Red Edition also retails for $59.99 USD.
When will the TMNT RPG Redux be released?
An exact release date has not been confirmed by Palladium, but it will likely be sometime in the latter half of 2026. Notably, Kickstarter backers already received early access to the book.
Why Is the TMNT RPG Worth Picking Up?
Even decades after its original release, TMNT & Other Strangeness still offers that feels refreshingly different from traditional RPGs. Here are a few reasons why you might consider grabbing a copy for yourself.
- A classic example of old-school design: If you’re interested in an old school game with unapologetically crunchy mechanics, deep character creation and detailed rules, the game has a ton to offer and really showcases the designed principles that were a key part of early TTRPGs.
- A uniquely flexible tone and setting: The game is more than just a port of a beloved pop culture franchise. Instead, it’s highly flexible, letting you creating a mutant version of just about any animal, and also supporting settings and genres that include sci-fi, superheroes and post-apocalyptic action.
- A celebration of TMNT history: The Redux Edition functions as a historical archive, with tribute essays, behind-the-scenes material and concept art that trace TMNT’s evolution from a gritty indie comic to a pop-culture phenomenon.
- Strong appeal for collectors: Between the high-quality hardcover, newly colorized art and the optional Black, White & Red Edition, it’s a book designed to look just as good on a shelf as it does at the table. It’s also likely to appeal to fans of both the turtles and RPGs in genereal.
Final Thoughts
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Other Strangeness Redux Edition isn’t trying to reinvent the game for a new generation. Instead it’s preserving and celebrating one of the most influential and under appreciated TTRPGs. For longtime fans, it’s a lovingly crafted return to a formative early game. For newer players, it’s a chance to experience a piece of tabletop history that still feels bold, weird, and full of turtle power.
You can pre-order your copy of the TMNT RPG Redux edition now via the Palladium website.