Tenchu: Stealth Assassins

"Live By Honor - Kill By Stealth"

INTRO

TENCHU: STEALTH ASSASSINS is hands down the best ninja simulation ever created. It is the first game in this genre that has really implemented the ''Stealth'' based nature of the ninja in comparison to the usual hack and slash games where you control a character who is merely dressed like a ninja. Tenchu thrusts you into a world that is resonant with the times of feudal Japan and lets you decide how, where, when and in what manner to take out the enemies. While playing through Tenchu you cannot help but become totally immersed in your surroundings and with the level of freedom you have at your disposal, you will never tire of the game. It is as real as it gets.

STORY 8/10

In Tenchu you can assume the role of two characters as they do the dirty work for their master and mentor, Lord Ghoda. Rikimaru is the male character that you can play as and Ayame is the female character. The story consists mainly of several missions that you must complete such as killing a corrupt minister, finding a secret herb to save the princesses life, infiltrating a village that is under siege by pirates etc. There is a storyline that loosely ties the missions together and ultimately you must free the princess who is being held hostage by an evil overlord.

CONTROLS 10/10

The controls could not have been designed any better. you have total control of your character to the point that you and him/her become one. You can even control your characters point of view giving you the sense that you have absolute and total freedom not only in movement but also in sight.

GAMEPLAY 10/10

Gameplay is stunning in every aspect. You have several combat maneuvers that are very easy to learn as well as the use of a grappling hook that will allow you to literally go anywhere within a level. you can scurry along rooftops, Grapple onto ledges and slither along walls all while trying not to be seen by the enemy. The enemies A.I features a very ingenious concept in that if they are not aware of your presence you can sneak up behind them and take them out in one of three possible stealth kills. these are shown in an animated FMV and make the entire stealth concept worthwhile. You can also fight your enemies face to face if you choose but chances are you'll enjoy sneaking up and pouncing on them unsuspectingly much more. There are also a wide variety of special weapons and items available which will grant you even more flexibility in how you choose to dispose of enemies. Items include shuriken, sleeping potions, camouflaging outfits that mimic the enemy, grenades, mines, blinding dust and several more. It is truly amazing how they managed to fit this all so well on a PSX disc.

GRAPHICS 9/10

The graphics are very well done for a PSX game. The backgrounds in the various levels are highly detailed and the characters and enemies also look very nice overall. There are streams, snowflakes, mountains, lava pits, castles and entire villages that are absolutely beautiful to explore and sneak around in.

CAMERA 10/10

The camera angle is one of the best features in the game. In my opinion there has never been a better camera set up in any other game that I have ever played. The standard camera is slightly over your shoulder but with just one press or the L1 button and you have total freedom in your vision. This aspect adds a very surreal aspect to the game and is invaluable to pulling off a simulation such as this.

FMV's, MUSIC and SFX 10/10

The cutscenes in Tenchu are very well rendered and designed. The sights are beautiful and the dialogue unbelievable. The SFX are also very good with enemy guards stopping to talk to one another, realistic battle sounds, water running, fire burning etc. Last but not least the soundtrack is among the best that I've ever heard period. The background music is the fiber that binds the entire game together in one harmonious mesh and takes you out of your world and into the world of the ninja.

REPLAY VALUE 10/10

There is no end to the replay value with this game. Because of the non linear mission design you can complete the same levels in a countless number of ways and there are also three different enemy layouts for each level so you will never get to the point where you know where every enemy is stationed therefore making it boring. There is also a debug mode which will allow you to play with the games programming as well as unlocking additional secrets like the ability to teleport and a few others. You really couldn't ask for more replay value than this and expect it to be possible.

OVERALL 10/10

Overall this is the best game that I have ever played. I literally bought my PSX back in 1998 because of this game. I cannot over emphasize the tremendous amount of fun this game contains and I would urge you to definitely go out and get this game. With all that Tenchu has to offer it would seem like an injustice for any gamer to not have a copy in their collection. Go get it, enjoy it and play it for the rest of your life!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/09/03, Updated 01/09/03