Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tenchu: Time of the Assassins builds on the series’ core stealth-action mechanics, challenging players to complete missions with minimal detection. Approaching enemies undetected allows for instant stealth kills—one of the franchise’s signature moves—emphasizing patience, timing, and strategic use of cover. Every encounter feels tense, as you’re always inches away from being swarmed by guards with bows, swords, and torches.

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The game offers four distinct campaigns—Rikkimaru, Ayame, Rin, and Tesshu—each containing eight missions that can be tackled in any order. This non-linear progression keeps the experience fresh, letting you experiment with different playstyles and gadget loadouts from the very beginning. Weapons and accessories, such as throwing knives, poison rice, smoke bombs, and healing potions, are earned based on your mission rank, rewarding skillful play with ever-more inventive tools.

Stealth isn’t just about slinking through shadows; the distance sensor adds another layer of cat-and-mouse tension by indicating how close guards are and whether they’re on alert. However, it doesn’t reveal direction, so you still must rely on visual cues and careful listening to avoid patrols. The trusty grappling hook opens vertical paths to rooftops and cliffs, offering alternative infiltration routes and rewarding exploration.

Beyond the single-player campaigns, the mission editor elevates replayability by letting you craft your own story-driven levels or competitive/cooperative multiplayer missions. Whether you’re orchestrating elaborate assassination plots or teaming up to clear enemy strongholds, the editor ensures that the fun doesn’t end when the main story does. Cooperative play, in particular, brings a new dimension of tactics as you synchronize stealth kills and distractions with a partner.

Graphics

Set against the backdrop of feudal Japan, Tenchu: Time of the Assassins features richly detailed environments that evoke a sense of history and intrigue. Wooden watchtowers, lantern-lit courtyards, and misty bamboo groves capture the era’s architecture and natural beauty. Each mission unfolds in a distinct locale, from mountain shrines to seaside fortresses, ensuring visual variety throughout the campaigns.

Character models are lean and nimble, reflecting the agility and grace of skilled ninjas. Subtle animations—like the sway of Ayame’s hair or the glint of light on Rikkimaru’s blade—add polish to cutscenes and in-game moments. Enemy guards exhibit basic patrol patterns and reactions, making their detection sequences feel believable even if their AI can occasionally follow predictable loops.

Dynamic lighting plays a crucial role in stealth, with shadows shifting realistically as lanterns flicker and torches flare. A night mission might plunge you into near darkness, demanding reliance on the distance sensor and careful movement, while a dawn setting bathes the map in golden light that can both aid visibility and expose your silhouette. The weather effects—gentle rain or swirling fog—further immerse you in each scenario.

Story

The central plot revolves around the kidnapping of Princess Kiku, daughter of Lord Gohda, bringing four disparate protagonists together in a web of intrigue. Classic Tenchu themes—honor, betrayal, and vengeance—drive the narrative forward as each ninja grapples with their personal motivations. Whether you’re upholding clan loyalty or operating as a lone assassin, the stakes feel compelling from mission one.

Choosing a campaign from the outset shapes your perspective on the unfolding events. As Rikkimaru, you pursue the traditional path of a loyal Azuma clan ninja. Switching to Ayame’s viewpoint highlights her fierce dedication and cunning tactics. Rin’s renegade status brings an outside-the-law edge, while Tesshu’s double life as a healer by day and killer by night adds unexpected moral depth. Together, their stories reveal layers of conspiracy around Lord Gohda’s court.

While some plot beats follow familiar ninja-action tropes, the intertwining character arcs and shifting allegiances keep you guessing. Short in-engine cutscenes and quiet moments between missions allow for characterization without overwhelming the action. Dialogues are concise but meaningful, fleshing out personal grudges and inner conflicts that culminate in tense final showdowns.

Overall Experience

Tenchu: Time of the Assassins delivers a satisfying blend of stealth, strategy, and storytelling that veteran fans will appreciate and newcomers can enjoy. Its robust mission editor and multiplayer modes ensure the title remains engaging long after the campaigns conclude. Jumping into cooperative missions with a friend transforms the game into a synchronized dance of takedowns and distractions.

Some limitations—like occasionally predictable enemy AI and longer loading screens between missions—can disrupt the pacing, but the core gameplay loop remains gratifying. Unlockable weapons and high-ranking rewards incentivize rerunning levels with refined tactics, while the varied environmental designs keep each infiltration mission feeling distinct.

Ultimately, Tenchu: Time of the Assassins stands as a worthy entry in the stealth-action genre. Its combination of flexible character choices, atmospheric visuals, and mission variety makes it a compelling purchase for anyone seeking a challenging ninja experience with both solo and cooperative thrills.

Retro Replay Score

5.5/10