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The Ninja stealth game

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: September 08, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Tenchu: Stealth assassin - Circa

GOOD:
- Easy and fun stealth gameplay
- nice/tight controls

BAD:
- Really dated graphics
- Stealth gameplay can be overly simple
- Little replay value with not much to unlock

WILL IT FIT YOUR TASTE:
- Ancient Japanese samurai and swords theme
- Ninja Stealth gameplay, more fun hack and slash then overly complex (think more Metal Gear then Splinter Cell)
- Two playable characters one male and one female

GAME ITS MOST ASSOCATED TOO:
- Tenchu 2: Birth of the assassin
- Metal Gear Solid
- Siphon Filter

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- Getting a better ninja rank at the end of missions unlocks much better items

ninja sim

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: June 29, 2005
Author: Amazon User

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.

Great even for PS1

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: June 19, 2005
Author: Amazon User

This is a great stealth game and one of the first I ever played (besides Metal Gear Solid). I spent many hours on this just being sneaky. The main thing I liked about this is that it's not your typical run around hack and slash game. You actually had to think about what you're doing and what the outcome would be. The voice acting wasn't that great but it was at the time when this came out. I think most people's problem with this game (myself included) was the annoying camera angle at time but once you got used to it, it wasn't that bad. Definately a classic game in my book.

Aye yea, this joint is hot!!!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 2
Date: September 14, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Ive played alot of games and this is one of the best by far. The characters are awesome, the weapons are great and the stealth is beon great. I would suggest to get this game. I havent played # 2 and I hurt it wasnt as great, but trust me on gettin a peice of this

A Gaming Great

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 8 / 11
Date: May 06, 2003
Author: Amazon User

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.

The one and only

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: March 16, 2003
Author: Amazon User

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.

Worth playing even for PS2ers

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: February 09, 2003
Author: Amazon User

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 bought this game twice!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: February 09, 2003
Author: Amazon User

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 True Ninja Game

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: January 11, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Over all, I liked the gameplay quite a bit, the environment is a bit messy that's all. Most Activision games I played are liked that for some reasons, but their games are always some of my personal favorites. I dig Ninja stuff and played most of the Ninja games made earlier, but all I have to say none was like this. You can actually stealth and stuff for the first time. Pretty much like Metal Gear's style and I personally think that's where they got the idea from. But overall, they did a good job with storyline, re-playable... I don't know, it's quite a long game and quite time consuming. Anywayz, if you like ninjas, get this. You'll like it at least...

SNEAK AWAY AND PLAY

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 9
Date: December 01, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Years ago, I purchased a PSX just to play Bushido Blade (being a Nintendo devotee). A couple of months later, I read about a cool import game in Tips & Tricks. Based on just a paragraph's worth of review, I tracked down the import version of this game on the off chance that it (like several other games) might not see domestic distribution. I also had the Japanese chip installed in my PSX just to play it. While not being able to read the instructions, I still had an awesome time slinking and skulking around the feudal setting of Tenchu. Imagine my delight when this game was released here with minor screen changes but the same incredible action. For the Tenchu lover completionist, be sure to check out Noriyuki Asakura's out of print soundtrack CD (that contains 12 tracks from the game) and Brady Games excellent strategy guide.

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