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The best game in one of the best series ever

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 10 / 11
Date: March 15, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I've long been a fan of the Tenchu series, and still occasionally pop one of the two PSOne games in my console. As good as those games were, though, Tenchu 3 beats them hands down. The graphics are much better, as you would expect. Controls are also much improved, largely due to the incorporation of analog control. Steal kills are still the mainstay of the game, and the cut scenes for them have been improved. I especially like Ayame's stealth kills.

At its core, Tenchu 3 is essentially the same game as its predecessors, and this is a good thing. The developers tweaked the controls and the AI, and worked on the graphics, but gameplay remains largely unchanged. One great improvement is the size of the levels. There are numerous ways, usually, to get to your final destination, and you can either opt for the quick and direct route, or sneak around and kill anything that moves.

I would only recommend this game for patient gamers. Not because it's very difficult to progress through the levels, but because it is difficult to get through them while still getting "Grand Master" ratings (at the end of each level you are ranked according to how good of a ninja you were -- the more stealth kills and the fewer times you are spotted, the higher your ranking), and doing so requires that you sneak, wait patiently while your enemy moves into position, and then go for a stealth kill. Each level has three layouts to play, each with enemies in placed in different positions. If you're like me, you'll want to play each level at each layout until you get the Grand Master ranking for each, making this a long and challenging game. And unlike most games, I have found that the Tenchu series still holds plenty of replay value, simply because sneaking around and stealth killing enemies is so much fun, whether you know the ending of the game or not.

My only quibble is that while the enemy AI is greatly improved, it is still a bit too easy. Guards who see a dead comrade will only search for a few seconds before going back to a normal patrol routine.

If you enjoyed the first two in this series, I probably don't have to tell you to buy this game -- you undoubtedly have it already. If you have never played them before, go out and buy Tenchu 3 now. You won't be sorry.

Activision Scores An A+ Game:

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: April 11, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Using the same controls as Tenchu: Stealth Assassins (hurrah)!This is the best game Activision has come up with. This is a maximum recovery over Tenchu II. I really enjoy the ease of controls over the characters. Some games get overly complicated and it detracts from the enjoyment. I also was impressed by the variety in the missions. In previous Tenchu installments, each character played exactly the same missions. You play each mission and win different ratings, special items and new abilities. It has few drawbacks (load time and some awkward camera angles), but this is a mission based game and if you use your controller and special items correctly, all difficulties can easily be overcome. You have 3 characters to pick from. Each has his/her own special missions and each mission has 3 different layouts. The difference between layouts are that enemies are positioned in different arrangements and in different strengths. Favorite character: Tessu. Daytime doctor, nighttime assassin. For some unknown reason, Tessu's attacks include animated x-ray views. It really hurts to see an enemy's neck snap! Ouch! Hoping to see more of Tessu in future Tenchu games. Rikkimaru has 2 varying outcomes. They depend upon choices you make mid-game. Ayame is the most agile. Her assignments are a bit tougher, but she is definitely a capable character.
So, if you are into sneaking and you get a satisfying feeling from taking out aggressions against some more than deserving foes, THIS IS THE GAME TO GET!! I rate it as best mission based game ever.

Avid Mature Gamer.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 10 / 14
Date: February 23, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This Game tops all other previous Tenchu games. They have drastically improved the environmental factors in the game. The use of shadows is a great improvement as well. The AI is much better than in the past, and the bosses are challenging. This version of Tenchu forces you to be crafty and strategic. If you just run wildly, killing enemies with no discretion, you wont get very far. This game is for the patient and maticulous person. No game anywhere showcases the abilities of the Ninja like this one. If you like stealth attack games, you will love it. It is a must have to all ninja fans.

No such thing as a perfect game

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: September 27, 2004
Author: Amazon User

It seems if a game isn't absolutely perfect in every way, someone will find a knock on it. All the reviews I have read have something to say about the AI or the fight engine or something, and for people who haven't played the game, they might be turned off and never try it out. Well, I want to make sure that doesn't happen. Tenchu WOH is one of the jewels in my (admittedly small) library of games. Never mind the comparisons with the previous two titles, this game is just downright fun no matter how you slice it (no pun intended). The gameplay is unique (say what you want about Splinter Cell and Metal Gear Solid, none of them gave you the total mobility of a grapple hook), and the attention to the details of old Japanese culture is always a plus. The stealth aspect of this game is, of course, the key element and it is fun. If you're a fan of all-out fighting, then don't bother. You can pick fights with guards, but they are relatively simple, and not what the game is about. The real fun comes when you sneak around the shadows, looking out on unsuspecting enemies, leap out and deliver a quick and deadly blow, then quickly sink back into hiding. In order to set up these highly satisfying scenarios, however, you need to be patient. But it's worth it. Witness the fun of murdering one guard right behind another guy's back, then offing him when he turns around. Or, if you don't want to try that hard, just keep your distance and use your blow gun. The gameplay is unique, graphics are nice, the music sets up a nice ambiance for the game, and the small shortcomings such as camera angles and limited man-to-man fighting do not take away from the fun. A must-rent at the very least.

Almost there

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: August 16, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This one should have been great. And in many ways, it's a solid game. The awesome thing about the Tenchu series is that it revolved around a very simple goal: killing people. There's nothing complicated about Tenchu; you simply stalk your prey, and then you strike. This was perfected in Playstation's original Tenchu, which is still a very good game. The first Tenchu was balanced: graphics, control, re-play value, all solid. But then the sequel, or, actually, prequel, was released. While blessed with an ambitious story-line, the graphics were poor, and so was were the controls, which left fans disappointed. Tenchu 3: Wrath of Heaven was supposed to make up for it. How? By basically re-doing the first game. And here is Tenchu 3's central strength -- and weakness. Sure, it's fun re-visiting an old world, enjoying the new and improved graphics, but nearly everything has a "been there-done that" feel to it. Which, I suppose if you never played the first one, it doesn't matter. But for the rest of us, the lack of originality wears thin. I mean, they even rerecorded much of the soundtrack from the first game.

And then there is the combat. Let's face it, stealth might be the goal, but sometimes you just gotta fight. Like it or not. In the original Tenchu, fighting was almost more fun than stealth, as the fight engine was very friendly. But in WOH, the fight engine is terrible. You just have to hack away and sort of hope you win. No fun at all. And worse, the camera can be very troublesome. Very frustrating. Fortunately, the AI is so pathetically stupid, you just need to turn a corner and the enemy will lose you. "I lost him!" Yeah, sure you did. One cool addition to the Tenchu series is the Kuji meter: you get nine stealth kills, and you get a new ability. And those abilities are definitely worth earning. True to the series, WOH is a very violent game. Nothing like driving a katana through someone's skull to put a smile on your face. With 26 missions to complete, and multiple layouts, there's enough here to keep you busy for awhile; but the camera, control, and fight-engine issues keep WOH from surpassing the original Tenchu. Hopefully, someone will get it right one day.

Return to Form

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: April 02, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I have always been a fan of the Tenchu series, the first being a totally unique experience(Remember MGS 1 was released AFTER Tenchu 1)and was the first true 'Stealth Simulator'. The Prequel was OK , with some interesting new characters, and storylines, - but it just tried too hard to cover too many issues, spreading itself thinly, leaving many fans dissappointed.'Wrath of Heaven'-whilst not being perfect is a glorious return to form (and formula) On the positive, although it does not present the most cutting edge graphics, it still looks very good - atmospheric lighting, smoothly animated characters and sublime weather effects. Gameplay has also been addressed and re-worked- you now feel much more capable of defending yourself, should you have to- the camera work and lock-on button do not always offer the best view, but it is tolerable. The stealth kills still look great- smooth and gory( Tesshus'are the most grimacingly graphic) but I do agree with one of the other reviewers' comments, that a few more to choose from would have maintained more freshness to a very common event in the game. The idea of adding the option to earn youreslf extra skills through stealth kills is a great innovation, and gives you something to strive for other than high scores- some of which are very useful-especially clinging to ceiling and offensive blocking. Lastly, on the positive, the characters, some are reassuringly present, Rikimaru,Ayame(deadlier than ever),Lord Ghoda,Onikage(insane!) all look very good, with new additions such as Ganda, Jinnai and Tenrai who all can present a considerable challenge to those who don't utilise their skills effectively. Tesshu is the unlockable character and a breath of fresh air, admittedly controlling Tatsumaru was fun in the prequel, but Tesshu is completely different. He is a complete character, strong, skillful and much more merciless than either of Ghodas' ninjas. His stealth kills too are completely different, and the look on his face during is chillingly blank. On the negative, my only real points are the camera angles which can still, on occasion completely obscure your view-even when aiming a projectile. The only other point is a midway save point could be an idea for future instalments, because an average level travelled through stealthily and carefully can take up to half an hour, and to fall off a ledge in the last few minutes or dying at the hands of a boss, will take you right back to the beginning-minus whatever items you were carrying- quite a frustration after 2-3 occasions!
On the whole though a very good game which has retained one of its biggest fans, it is a great experience and a great test on your abilities. Get out today and buy it.

Good stealth gameplay with reasonable graphics

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: April 13, 2003
Author: Amazon User

The latest in the Tenchu series lets you choose to be a male or female ninja, out to do good and save innocent villagers.

Gameplay involves you sneaking around, watching your stealth meter (a la splinter cell) and trying to achieve your objective with the least amount of notice possible.

If you must fight, you have your ninja sword, as well as throwing stars, caltrops, and other ninja-ey items. To reinforce (as if you could forget) that you are a ninja, your enemies yell out "Ninja!" all the time. But strangely, if you manage to hide, they forget all about your presence in a short while.

The graphics are reasonably good, in an Onimusha style. You have floating petals, trees with individual leaves. But the water looks more like a river of mud and the backgrounds are very much like walls of mud.

You can replay levels to try for the ultimate rating in each one, looking for all of the hidden items.

A good game for those who enjoyed Way of the Samurai and Spliter Cell.

Why I gave this game 5 stars.

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: March 14, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Imagine yourself living the life of a ninja. The life of a ninja is quite simple. Kill your enemy and not be seen. The perspective on this game is great. It feels as if you are in the game. The graphics and detail are superb too, it only adds to why it feels like you are truly in the game. The Tenchu series, if you have not played them before, gives you the perspective of life as a ninja, as a ninja really lives. Ninja's are known for their deadly, fatal moves, to kill the enemy quietly and quickly, for their adaptness into the environment, for their ability and skill as a fierce fighter, and their lovely array of lethal and deadly weapons and accessories (did I just use lovely and deadly in the same sentence?). Well, there you have it, Tenchu in a nutshell.
You sneak around corners, slit the throat of the enemy, maybe even cut their head off if you are in that mood, all while their back is turned. They do not even have a clue that there death is awaiting them, and if you are good enough, their friends, your next victim, won't either. You use shadows, corners, roofs, trees, etc. as your weapon for stealth movement and you have an abundant supply of ninja stars, smoke bombs, explosives, etc. (etc. meaning the list goes on and on and on and on). A very exciting and fun game. There are so many levels to this game it is unreal. And with all these levels, there are three different layouts, meaning enemies are placed in different locations, which only adds to the increased enjoyment and replay value. Plus you can choose from either three different ninjas, the third becoming available after you beat the game, each with unique, and many different stealth kills. As I look back at the previous Tenchus, there were some 'things' about them that could've been changed. Such as the number of items (weapons and accessories) available to you. I have only beat a few levels on Tenchu 3 and I have so many items at this point, I can't imagine how many I will have by the time I get half way through the game. It is so nice. Another problem with the old Tenchu's was that the bosses were sometimes a bit too hard to kill, especially after playing an entire level to get to them. In Tenchu 3, the bosses, so far, have seemed a little easier than previous. Probably because of the abundance of health items available and the fact that in Tenchu 3 you learn new fighting techniques along the way as a reward for ten plus stealth kills in a level. I am sure you will be pleased with Tenchu 3, whether you are a die hard of the series or rookie. Simply put, it is a great game.

tenchu master

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: April 26, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Tenchu is one of the best games I have on playstation 2, if not the best. Sneaking around corners to kill your foes is great. One of the coolest things is running on roof tops and jumping on your foes and killing them in bloodly combat. If you do a stealth kill the kill goes into a movie style mode. The graphics are great and so are the controls. I give this game a 5 out of 5 for fun factor. You should definitly get this game. Tenchu is like hitman 2, metal gear, and splinter cell. The only difference is that tenchu uses swords and stars in stead of guns. Also tenchu has a grappling hook to climb on roof tops. This game is great. It is a definite buy.

Tenchu's Back!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: June 15, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Tenchu introduced stealth assassination in 1998 on the Playstation, which was followed by a prequel/sequel, Tenchu 2. While Tenchu 2 had its shortcomings, it was still a decent entry in the series. For the PS2, Activision decided to utilize the PS2's capabilities to the fullest in this third installment in the series. A "true" sequel (because Tenchu 2 took place before the first game, which somewhat explains the crappy hookshot---er, grappling hook---in that game), here's the lowdown:

THE GOOD
WOW, Tenchu's back! It's a great game, too. They improved the grappling hook and even the controls are better. Instead of pressing forward twice and jump, just pressing X twice and moving forward obtains the double jump. Pressing O blocks (instead of holding down)... the list goes on and on. The graphics are vastly improved because of the PS2's capabilities and you get to choose between three characters (once you unlocked Tesshu, that is). The music (which was largely absent in 2) has returned and some of the original Tenchu music has been remixed! Plus, they included a MULTIPLAYER option! This is Tenchu 3's strongest point.

THE BAD
Perhaps the only bad thing I can say about it is that the camera, while improved over previous games, is still hard to cope with. It gets tiresome in the heat of battle when you're trying to evade and are backed up against the wall. Still, it doesn't detract too much from the playing series.

OVERALL
Tenchu isn't for everybody, but if you liked a good old fashioned stealth game, ala Metal Gear Solid (but set in Feudal Japan), then you will enjoy this.

A WORD FROM THE WISE
People tend to compare this to Shinobi; Shinobi is an entirely different beast (no stealth), so comparing them is pointless. It would be unfair for me to compare them since I love the Tenchu series a lot. With that said, all I can say is "Tenchu's Back." Play and enjoy.

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