Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Tenchu on the PS1 is one of my all-time favorite games and influenced the mighty Splinter Cell in many ways. When I heard of an xbox version, I was positively thrilled by the possibilities. All they had to do was fix up the bad aspects of the first (I never played the second as I have no PS2): the useless aiming system, bad camera angles, clumsy swordplay, stupid enemies that relax their guard again and start yawning 10 seconds after getting hit in the face with a shuriken, you know what I'm talking about if you've ever played the series before. Unfortunately, none of these problems were addressed. That's not to say that you won't have fun; this is as good as authentic ninja-action gets. Too bad they just ported over the old PS2 version, problems intact, and just added a few more levels, this could have been much better than Splinter Cell. I love the stealth aspect and the items and weapons. Too bad about half of them are useless (colored rice to mark your path; what is this Hansel and Gretel? You have a map, bonehead!). The bows and spears taken from guards are an awesome idea, but are both so unwieldy that you're more likely to die trying to utilize them then if you just passed them by. I also wish for more main weapons then just what's given to you. Imagine choosing between a whole armamnet of ninja weapons like tonfa, chain weapons, spears, sai, sickles, etc. each with their own killing moves instead of just the same old swords every level. Speaking of killing moves, they are awesome, easily the high point of the game; the first time I executed a mid-air fatality with Ayame by landing with the guard's head between her knees and snapping his neck I actually shouted "YES!". Many of the new items are cool and some are even useful, but the best addition to this one is the ability to gain new move on each level by performing a certain number of stealth kills/fatalities/killing moves/whatever. You can cling to the ceiling, fake suicide and kill the guard when he comes to check if you're alive, camouflage against a wall by using a reflectory tarp, and all kinds of totally awesome and useful attacks and tricks. All in all, the new features help balance out the old mistakes and I recommend this game. Despite it's age-old flaws, Tenchu remains a must play series for wanna-be ninjas everywhere.
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Tenchu: Return From Darkness is an updated and expanded version of the incredible Tenchu: Wrath Of Heaven. Advanced graphics, superior AI and all-new gaming features bring the adventures of Ayama and Rikimaru to life. Follow the trails of criminals and traitors, and strike from the shadows, destroying all who stand in your way! Extra maps, new cut-scenes and Xbox Live capability with 2 player co-op gameplay
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