Customer Reviews

Tenchu: Stealth Assassins

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A rarity it seems these days, but Tenchu focuses on gameplay rather than fancy and colorful graphics. Atlthough the graphics are solid, they are not earth shattering. This game provides the gamer with exactly what he/she wants with an easy control setup that allows anyone to jump right in and start hacking up the evil henchmen. However it also provides the deeper challenge of improving your techniques to eliminate foes without being detected, requiring lots of practice and patience to master. Even after beating this game, it is still fun to play various levels over again. Be warned that this game is geared towards a mature audience.

I've played a few so-called Ninja games, but nothing comes close to the strategic adventure of Tenchu. This is my favorite PSX game, along with the original Metal Gear Solid. The game depicts a very brutal period of time in 16th century Japan. The Ninja code: Live by honor, Kill by stealth is essential in each of the 10 different levels.
Although the graphics are average(compared to PS2), the gameplay is top-notch. The 2 Ninjas, Rikimaru and Ayame have slightly different fighting styles. Unlike similar, corny Ninja games, Tenchu is not an all-out bloodfest. Sure, you can run around and slaughter everyone in sight, but your ratings and score will be very low. At the completion of each level the Ninja is rated on his mission from Thug to GrandMaster.
The Ninja can carry 5 different items such as poison rice, grenades,smoke bombs,etc.. Theres also a variety of combat styles that can be used during intense battles. Most of the guards can be taken out with one [move] in stealth mode. But if you're spotted, be prepared to [defend yourself], because the guards will not back down. Theres also a tough villian at the end of each mission. It's very hard to beat these guys in combat, so it would be wise to carry a [weapon] or two.
The Ninja encounters every kind of villian you could imagine. Fire- breathing zombies, wolves, a grizzly bear, Pirates with [weapons] and a guy that resembles Marilyn Manson in the first level!
I find Tenchu to be a very fun and challenging game to play. My goal is to achieve "GrandMaster" in all 10 levels using the "difficult play" mode. So if you're into adventure-based Ninja games or a fan of Martial Arts, then Tenchu is for you.

Tenchu: Stealth Assasins is one of those rare games that play like nothing else. Your ninja rope and ninja agility make you feel completely free to move about the large towns, cities, forests, caves, and other realistic locations in the game. The music is absolutely hauntingly Japanese, with appropriate but creepy sound effects to heighten tension. And no matter how many people tell you differently, this is not Metal Gear Solid in Japan. Metal Gear Solid was about stealth, Tenchu is about stalking. All of these add up to a zen-like feel as you carefully study the landscape, the retreat routes, and your soon-to-be-dead victim. It's just a lot of fun. The only potential caveat I can see in Tenchu is the somewhat slower gameplay. The exclusively arcade gamers will be turned off by the idea of having to think about killing your victims before running in with swords twinkling in the moonlight. Then again, I've known people to watch guards for as much as five minutes, and as little as three seconds. If that's too much time for you, that's too bad. Because, after all, this game is still a lot of fun.

I am a latecomer to Tenchu. Since it is a PS1 game its graphics really show the PS1's age against the PS2. However if you are willing to accept/ignore that difference you will find Tenchu a very satisfying and deeply fun game. This is most definitely one of PS1's best games.

The game becomes more enjoyable the better you are able to master your ninjitsu skills. The controls are difficult to master at first, but stick with it and you will eventually be rewarded. I used to just jump off a roof and try and hack at my enemy. Now I can do a reverse back flip off a roof behind an enemy and exact a perfect kill. Far too cool.

Pros:
- Many many ways to finish a level.
- Stealth is heart throbbingly fun.
- Plentiful cheats for amateurs.
- Wonderful soundtrack. I ended up buying a copy of the soundtrack too.
- Variety of ninjitsu moves makes killing stylishly fun.

Cons:
- Since it is a stealth game you have to be very patient to make sure no one can see you before you go for the kill. This can take a long time.
- Each level is long and the boss is at the end of the level. Dying in the boss' hands means you have to start the whole level from the beginning
- No saves during a level.
- Joypad controls are difficult to master- but are necessary to support all the ninjitsu moves.

I actually did purchase this game two times. I lent it out some years ago and never got it back. I recently noticed that the price is very modest so I picked it up again. Why? This game is an older generation game (PS1), but it is better than some PS2 games I have played that only advertise graphics but have poor gameplay or short game time. Tenchu is a satisfying game that lets you creep around, slice necks from behind, and hide out on rooftops. You will avenge the death of a crooked merchant, rescue a captive nijna, save a princess, destroy a fiendish cult, stop the spanish pirates, and fight a big boss with a bigger sword. Of course there are those who opppose this type of activity and thus will try to stop you. Its lots of fun running around, hiding, killing from the unseen. Its better while doing it while the great game soundtrack is playing. This game has very catchy music that brings you you right in. The graphics, like I said, are mediocre, but that wont make or break a game anyway. Gameplay makes the game and this game has plently. Plenty of enemies to defeat, two selectable characters, a bunch of ninja items to utilize, and the percect amount of levels.
What isnt so good about the game? Each ninja only has a small amount of stealth kills to use. There are plenty of regular attacks to be diverse but only 3 stealthy kills. One kill is rarely used due to the fact that you have to be iun front of you r enemy to use it which is dangerous because he will see you. You usually do the neck slice (yawn). Another downside is that many of the ninja items you acuire will be useless. Since you can only carry 4, you will take ninja stars, bombs, paralyzing rice cakes, and the grapling hook. The others are junk or rare objects recieved as bonuses for completing the missions on a master ninja score. Again the graphics are dated. The enemy AI is a pretty stupid. You can run past an ememy warrior and duck behind a bush or tree and he wont know where you went. He will look around himself quick and resume his patrols, "Where are you!?"
Its still a load of fun and can be a challenge at first to get a perfect rating and unlock secret items. Replay value is pretty darn good. You might get tired of it after beating it with both ninjas, but you will get a taste for it some time later. This game will not sit in a closet. Many PS2 games sit in my closet, but this dated PS1 game is in my PS2 right now.

The first Tenchu to come out (which is the reason why there isn't a number behind Tenchu) and the first Tenchu I have ever played, also the Tenchu that forced me to fall in love with the series. When I first played the game it was love at first sight, no one-night stand here, this one's a keeper. The game takes place in Feudal Japan; the game starts at the time period and impressively stays there through the entire game. You won't find anything you wouldn't find in the time period (Yes, Feudal Japan did have guns). Some people would complain about the over-exaggerated bloodshed and the sometimes-cheesey dialogue. I must disagree with these people these two factors made me enjoy the game even more. "What the hell!?! Why would that make a game better?" You maybe asking, well those two features made me feel as though I was watching an old Japanese Kung-Fu movie, minus the kung fu that's how I believe you must think of this game to fully enjoy it. After watching the ending I believe that's the effect the creators wanted to put in this game, after seeing the end sequence yourself you'll know what I mean. Of course the bad camera angles sometimes made this game annoying. In order to block your opponent's attacks you must hold down which a lot of the time backed you into a corner.... The reason I only gave it three stars? I don't think this is a game for everyone, that's why. I believe this game will be a rare collectible in the future, so buy this game now and save yourself future trouble.

I was brought into the Tenchu series with Wrath of Heaven (not a great place to start...), but after renting and eventualy buying the third Tenchu instalment, I made it a point to track down the originals. I'm writing this review in 2005, a time of Metal Gear Solids, online Splinter Cells, and innovative Hitman games. Yet this title, released in 1998, still impresses, and is well worth effort of tracking it down and buying. Some things a buyer needs to heed however is the lack of analog control. For gamers raised on analog controllers, this game may be a little hard to manage at first. Also, the game, which emphisises stealth and patience is not without a frustrating moment or two, as the camera can be troublesome in places, and there is no in game save feature (try spending 2 hours working to get a good rank on a level, only to be killed by the level's extremely difficult boss, and be sent back to the begining...). All together, the game features an impressive aray of Ninja weapons and items, decient replay value, two playable characters and a good story that sets the stage for several sequels. While it may feel simplistic to gamers hardened on newer stealth titles, and the graphics may not feel as polished, Stealth Assassins is a difficult chalenge and rewarding experience for anyone willing to overlook some simple flaws, and who possesses a good deal of patience. I highly recomend it.

Unlike the Corny ninja titles of years past like "Ninja Gaiden," "Ninja," and others of that manner. Tenchu finally takes the Ninja game to the next level. Not just a run around and throw stars at senseless, weak enemies, this game forces you to learn and master stealth and the art of sneak attack. The different weapons available keep the onslaught more versatile, and the different sword attacks seem to stun the viewer with there harsh and brutal images. A great game , a great story line, but still a few small problems. even though you have a large variety of weapons they are very limited. some of the game may be confusing, and not very straight forward as to what you are supposed to do, and you tend to run into some very annoying camera views that seem to definately take away from the game play. But overall it's a very entertaining game which i recommend to any action fan.

Tenchu is my favorite out of all the many Playstation games I have played. Its is about stealth stalking and killing. It Is similar to Thief but in Japan. Also you well be doing more killing then I normally did in thief. Another game is it less like, but still comparable to is metal gear solid. If you liked those games definitely play Tenchu. It has two characters. It is one player.

As far as game play goes the camera angles do have a habit of making control difficult at times but like thief this game can actually leave me with suspense and surprise. Rare can games ever leave me watching a man pace for minutes just waiting for the perfect time to attack then jumping out of my seat when he just turns around right before I hit him and what would be a stealth kill becomes all out combat. Its easily addictive and getting grandmaster in every level is defiantly a challenge.

As far as plot goes the plot is more several missions you go on with some connections to them. It is more the game play that keeps you in the game then plot however it is decently done.

As far as control play the controls can be strange as first. Poor camera angle can keep control a challenge, but there are games with worse control. Sword fighting takes a while to figure out if you don't learn to keep block around. Both of the two characters basically work the same for controls.

The graphics to this game are pretty good. They aren't got as exceptional as other modern 3Dish games however they are decent. The game basically takes place at night so it's less playable with a glare against your screen.

And finally as far as length of time it can stay interesting this game is defiantly a challenge. Getting grandmaster in every level can take over a month. Even after getting tired of it once its one of the rare games you may go back to and enjoy just as much as before. Buying this game is defiantly better then renting it.

Overall this game is still my favorite Playstation game I have played and I have played a lot. I feel people who don't play it are missing an important part Playstation game world and should go to it right away. Especially if they enjoyed thief or metal gear solid it is recommended.

THis is one of the most original and innovative games that I have ever played. In most games you just fight the enimies face to face, while hoping to out jostle them and take little damage. In Tenchu you must use the art of stalking your enimie in order to get a quick kill and take on little damage. The tools you can use in this game also help you sneak up on enimies or to attack them from long distance. THe boss fights on this game are pretty hard at times, and are used to make the game more of a challenge. THis game also has a lot of gore so if you don't want your kid to see pools of blood this game is probably not for you. This game is flat out awesome, with only one downside that keeps it from getting five stars, Tenchu is just too short of a game, which leaves you begging for more.