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Review of Tenchu: Stealth Assassins on PlayStation

by Chucky Chucky photo Feb 1998
Cover image of Tenchu: Stealth Assassins on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 26 Feb 1998
Genre: Stealth
Developer: Acquire
Publisher: Sony Music Entertainment Japan (JP), Activision (WW)

Introduction

Imagine a world where you can wear a headband, throw shurikens, and leave your enemies questioning their life choices-such is the world of *Tenchu: Stealth Assassins*. Welcome to the late '90s, where ninjas were both glorified and feared in equal measure. Sure, the coolest kids still watched *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles*, but grown-ups were busy playing this gem that laid the foundation for stealth games everywhere, turning your inner assassin into an art form. Grab your grappling hook and skillfully navigate rooftops while simultaneously questioning every life decision you've ever made. This game was one for the books-or, more fittingly, one for the back alleys of feudal Japan.

Gameplay

*Tenchu: Stealth Assassins* follows the lives of two ninjas, Rikimaru and Ayame, as they dutifully carry out stealthy tasks for Lord Gohda, who seems to spend more time in trouble than the average noble. Each mission requires you to sneak your way through sandbox levels like you're in a ninja version of *Where's Waldo?*-only instead of Waldo, there are guards who actually want to kill you. Rikimaru is built like a tank (if tanks only had one blade), while Ayame can zip around like the Energizer Bunny but with two knives. Choose your poison.

Graphics

Graphically, it's 3D but not exactly what you'd clamor to show off in your YouTube montage. However, give it some leeway-it was 1998. Picture this: pixelated ninjas, jerky camera angles, and beautifully randomized glimpses of feudal Japan. The graphics provide a vibe truly unique, and while some misses may make you squint, the occasional stealthy kill cutscene is pure glorious aesthetics. Just be sure to try not to choke on your nostalgia while playing.

Conclusion

*Tenchu: Stealth Assassins* is a direct showcase of how stealth mechanics can create desperation and excitement in equal measure. Despite being over two decades old, it's still a captivating experience. It helped lay the groundwork for stealth gameplay in the years to come, and it's no wonder it sold 1.4 million copies by 2003. Just remember: if you get caught, slink away like a true ninja (and save your progress before you attempt any heists). While we've seen advanced ninja games evolve over the years, *Tenchu* remains a charming vibrant entry where you learn that sometimes, lurking in shadows is the best way to battle the day. So dust off that old PlayStation and gear up; a ninja's work is never done.

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