20 Awesome Ninja Games #13: Tenchu: Stealth Assassins

On 02/19/2014 at 11:04 AM by The Last Ninja

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Linked to Article Series: Blog a Day (BaD) 2014

Released: 1998

System: Playstation

Developer: Acquire

Publisher: Sony Music Entertainment Japan, Activision

This 3D action adventure game is important for introducing the concept of stealth for ninja video games. Historical fantasy and Japanese mythology are also featured in the game. The plot involves two ninjas, Rikimaru and Ayame, and their quest to defeat Lord Mei-Oh in the setting of ancient feudal Japan. The best way for ninjas to travel without being seen is across roof-tops, and that's the way the protagonists do it in TSA; they can easily reach any roof using the grappling hook. The game also has voice acting, which sounds awful today, but it was still a big deal in 1998. More than anything, TSA put you in the shoes of a ninja and made you feel like one. The game is highly praised for its gameplay, challenge, and sheer ninjatastic awesomeness!

Super Step Contributing Writer

02/19/2014 at 11:55 AM

Ok, I remember this game, particularly the rooftops, but not the hilarious South Park stereotype voice acting, including that one guy saying "fuck!" every time he swings his sword, nor the flips. Huh.

The Last Ninja

02/19/2014 at 02:14 PM

Hm, is he saying "fuck" or "hwargh!" It's hard to say.

02/19/2014 at 03:22 PM

I assume they went for the latter, but it sounds waaay more like the former to me.

Matt Snee Staff Writer

02/19/2014 at 01:38 PM

now, this one I've always heard about but never played. Seems chill.

02/19/2014 at 02:15 PM

Chill? More like awesome!

Aboboisdaman

02/19/2014 at 03:20 PM

Tenchu is a classic. I put so much time into it trying to get the highest ratings on all the different levels. I love the horrible voice acting especially. I can't help but smile every time I hear those idiotic guards say "YOUUUUUUUUUU!!!!" and "Where are you?!?!"

02/19/2014 at 05:02 PM

Yes, the stereotypical stupid guards. . . gotta love 'em!

BrokenH

02/19/2014 at 03:41 PM

Did a Tenchu game ever make it to the 360? I might give it a try as I did play one of the earlier ones on the standard Xbox 1 and later even on the PS2. As much flak as Ninja Gaiden 3 got "Razor's Edge" really is pretty great! Playing as Momiji and Ayane is beast! Sadly,there is not as much stealth and stalking in NG as there is in a Tenchu game.

jgusw

02/19/2014 at 05:11 PM

There is a Tenchu game on the 360. I plan to get it this year. Been putting it off for years. I don't know if it's any good though.

02/19/2014 at 05:13 PM

The ninth game in the series, Tenchu Z, is for Xbox 360; however, I've heard it's pretty bad. Shadow Assault: Tenchu is also available on XBLA, but once again, it's not that good. The first two Tenchu games are the best.

02/19/2014 at 05:09 PM

A friend & I played this game all the time in college. We still talk about the fun we had with this game. I'm still waiting for a Tenchu game just as good as the first one.

02/19/2014 at 05:14 PM

That might never happen, but keep your fingers crossed.

Cary Woodham

02/19/2014 at 06:26 PM

I never played this. Not into stealth games, and it wasn't silly enough for me. Tenchu sounds like a sneeze.

02/19/2014 at 11:34 PM

Hm, Tenchu does sound like a sneeze, but so does Pikachu.

KnightDriver

02/20/2014 at 02:22 AM

Cool! I always wanted to play Tenchu-Z on Xbox 360. It had co-op play.

C.S.3590SquadLeader

02/20/2014 at 11:09 AM

Heard about this game a lot, it's another on my mental list of games to at least try out.

Nicoleb1989

02/24/2014 at 02:58 PM

Tenchu has a lot of great memories for me, me and my sister cassie dont game much together anymore on consoles and that game was played together constantly as children. We watched and took turns playing this one and then played Wrath of Heaven together. I also played Tenchu Z and while it isnt the best I did have fun with it.

PixlBit