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Tenchu: Stealth Assassins review

Game: Tenchu: Stealth Assassins
Platform: PlayStation
Genre: Action
Developer: Sony Imagesoft

Staff review by James Gordon

Date unavailable

Introduction:

Some people might call this a ''Ninja Metal Gear Solid.'' While it is similar to MGS in a few ways, it also has many differences. Tenchu blends some really sweet ninja action, with nice graphics, and awesome gameplay. Don't expect to be running around with your sword out and ready to kill, though. In Tenchu, you must sneak up on your enemies, and kill them with stealth, or else you will attract attention, and it'll probably lead to your death.

Pros:

+ Tenchu's graphics are pretty nicely done. Detailed polygons in several big 3D levels, with some nice fire effects, and blood! Also a nice intro and ending cutscene. The graphics do look a bit grainy at times, but this title was made a while ago, and that can be forgiven.

+ The sound in Tenchu definitely is a plus. With some considerably good voice acting, ambient, moody music, and some killer ninja sound effects, the sound is a winner. Nothing cooler than the sound of sneaking up on an enemy, and slitting their throat! And when you get close to the enemies, and make noise, you'll hear them say ''Where are you?!'', and ''What?!'', and other such things.

+ The gameplay in Tenchu is sweet. I think that this game came before Metal Gear Solid, although I'm not sure. Either way, the stealth elements are similar. You must try to be as absolutely quiet as possible, in order to beat the game--good luck beating it while running around recklessly. The goal in this game is to not be seen by your enemies. You can do this easier by not running, standing up against walls, hiding in the shadows, and not causing a lot of commotion. If you do get heard, the enemies will become alert, and will be expecting you. The view in Tenchu is much like that of Tomb Raider. A 3rd-person back-view. You must creep your way through several levels, while fighting some truly tough bosses. This game isn't an easy one...But still very cool. And with 2 characters to choose from, it's got some replay value.

+ The storyline in this game is pretty good for the most part. Although it's not always clear, and the game isn't actually based around it and it acts as a good side-part of the game. You must rescue the princess from some evil ninja, blah blah blah...It's definitely not up to par with RPG storylines, but it's still pretty well done.

Cons:

- The game length is actually fairly short, and once you've beat it, you're not liable to want to go back and beat it a second time. Although there are two characters, but there still isn't a whole lot of replay value.

- The game is considerably difficult, and could be too difficult for some gamers. Staying stealth isn't as easy as it sounds. The game is definitely a challenge, and most people will have trouble mastering it.

Conclusion:

Tenchu is without a doubt one of the best, and most innovative titles for Psx. It blends some really cool stealth elements, with good graphics, and sound. Although it does have some cons, they're only minor things, and very particular. For the most part, I really enjoyed this game. With a variety of ninja weapons, and items, this game is a whole lot of fun! This is for anyone who likes action/adventure games in general, or wants to try something new!

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