Activision to develop 'Ninja Turtle' games

The heroes in a half-shell are making a video game comeback.

Activision announced a multi-year deal with kids television network Nickelodeon on a series of video games based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The first of three video games based on the Nickelodeon animated series will launch this summer, according to a joint statement from both companies.

"We are confident that these upcoming games will take gamers through interactive environments and action-packed adventures that truly capture the essence, tone and exciting elements of the Turtles," says Sherice Torres, senior vice president of Nickelodeon's entertainment products division in a statement.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have a strong history in the video game world. The team appeared in the 1989 coin-operated arcade title of the same name, allowing four players to work together as Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello to battle nemesis Shredder.

A single-player title released in 1989 also appeared on the Nintendo Entertainment System and other home consoles.