Eighth game in the Tenchu series
The Tenchu Z demo is now available to download on the Xbox live marketplace. Please note that this preview is based on playing that demo.
At the end of this month wannabe Ninjas everywhere can once again enjoy the exciting blend of stealth and combat as Tenchu X, the eighth game in the Tenchu series, arrives on Xbox 360. The Tenchu franchise became known as the first ninja game to incorporate stealth, which it did extremely well, while at the same time capturing the tension and atmosphere of feudal Japan. Waiting patiently, back to the wall, for a guard to walk by and then sneaking up behind him and thrusting a sword through his midriff or dropping from a rooftop in the dead of the night and slicing an enemy's neck was perversely satisfying. I had high hopes for Tenchu Z, but my first glance at the game has left me feeling cold and more than curious as to why the developers haven't pushed the franchise forward and at least tried to make some sort of impact on Xbox 360 gamers.
The gameplay in Tenchu Z is typical of any Tenchu game and played from the third person perspective. You sneak through the shadows, crawl along rooftops and ledges and use the environment wisely to prevent detection from patrolling ninjas as you head towards a pre-appointed target or 'big boss' who you need to kill. In the 50 missions or so the aim is to reach that point whilst avoiding or silently taking out anyone who stands in your way. On screen you have an indicator that shows you how close you are to your nearest target, often allowing you to work out their precise location.If you're spotted or heard, the Ki (life force) meter changes colour alerting you to the fact that the enemy knows you are in the vicinity. For example: if the Ki metre turns red you've been rumbled and the enemy will alert everyone in the area to your presence. Time to leg it or stand up and fight!
Click for larger image
Click for larger imageThe main character has an arsenal of ninja weapons at their disposal, 30 in all, with the return of the Syuriken (sharp-edged stars that can be thrown), and the trusty sword as well as the grappling hook, explosive devices and an invisibility skill. At the end of each level you receive a rating and cash based on your stealth skills which then unlocks further ninja items to use and allows you to tweak your ninja's three ability skills: vitality, strength and agility.
