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13 of 14 found the following review helpful:
 Very well thought out gameNov 19, 1999
A rarity it seems these days, but Tenchu focuses on gameplay rather than fancy and colorful graphics. Atlthough the graphics are solid, they are not earth shattering. This game provides the gamer with exactly what he/she wants with an easy control setup that allows anyone to jump right in and start hacking up the evil henchmen. However it also provides the deeper challenge of improving your techniques to eliminate foes without being detected, requiring lots of practice and patience to master. Even after beating this game, it is still fun to play various levels over again. Be warned that this game is geared towards a mature audience.
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
The one and onlyMar 16, 2003
By Game Addict
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.
10 of 11 found the following review helpful:
Stalking doesn't get better than TenchuJul 27, 1999
Tenchu: Stealth Assasins is one of those rare games that play like nothing else. Your ninja rope and ninja agility make you feel completely free to move about the large towns, cities, forests, caves, and other realistic locations in the game. The music is absolutely hauntingly Japanese, with appropriate but creepy sound effects to heighten tension. And no matter how many people tell you differently, this is not Metal Gear Solid in Japan. Metal Gear Solid was about stealth, Tenchu is about stalking. All of these add up to a zen-like feel as you carefully study the landscape, the retreat routes, and your soon-to-be-dead victim. It's just a lot of fun. The only potential caveat I can see in Tenchu is the somewhat slower gameplay. The exclusively arcade gamers will be turned off by the idea of having to think about killing your victims before running in with swords twinkling in the moonlight. Then again, I've known people to watch guards for as much as five minutes, and as little as three seconds. If that's too much time for you, that's too bad. Because, after all, this game is still a lot of fun.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
I bought this game twice!Feb 09, 2003
By maninblue
"maninblue"
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.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Worth playing even for PS2ersFeb 09, 2003
By J. Leigh
"jleigh7"
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.
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