Tenchu Z (Xbox 360, 2007)

When placed alongside all previous Tenchu games, this is easily the best installment in terms of actual gameplay. The visuals are obviously next-gen, (despite not even remotely pushing the hardware) and the action is classic Tenchu with many fresh elements that will have you going "nice touch".

First off, someone finally remembered that being able to sheath and unsheath your sword is a really good idea. Also, for the first time this is integrated into the stealth system, because guards can still see the glare from your sword when you've hidden. Other good ideas include the ability to crawl under houses, peek through doors and an injection of variety in the stealth kill mechanics. All in all, the gameplay leaves far less to be desired than some of the previous Tenchus did at times. Nostalgic gamers who want nothing more than to stalk bad guys from the shadows and rooftops will not be disappointed.

Also, the cutscenes and enemy voice acting are a cut above the subpar production values Tenchu was known for, although it might just be an illusion due to all the dialog being in Japanese. Still, a nice touch.

And yet, this game seems to have squandered a chance to really usher in a new generation of ninja stealth games. The mold remains completely unbroken here despite the polish and the sprinkles. As such Tenchu Z also carries on some shortcomings we used to excuse based on technical limitations, but are becoming more and more fixable. Enemy guards still have the short-term memory of a brain-damaged goldfish, so immersive, true-to-life NPC behavior has yet to arrive. Also, environmental interaction is minimal and wall collisions still look wrong when you're pressed up against them.

The game has a few unwelcome updates as well. The once ultra-simple grapple hook control scheme has been needlessly complicated, which will be most noticable when trying to escape a fight or deftly avoid detection. Also, fans of Rikimaru and Ayame will find they now control a total stranger, and there is little to no storytelling in the game. You simply get sent on missions by Rikimaru himself, and these boil down to "kill x" and/or "retrieve y". Sure, you can customize your ninja to look like your favorite classic character, but you're constantly reminded that this game is in no way character or story-driven. In fact, there is an incredibly vague story arc tacked on, which actually hurts the game, since it adds nothing but a pointless cutscene every dozen missions and one boss battle, and ultimately proves totally inconsequential. No story at all would have been preferable.

Overall, though, I can't deny that this game is fun as hell. The gameplay may have fallen behind the times (resulting in many bad reviews by those not familiar with the series) but I'm part of that demographic whose only real gripe with the older Tenchus is the presentation being way out of date. As such, I'm a happy guy just having a Tenchu game that plays the way I know and love, but looks like it belongs in this era. Tenchu games are like the wheel; reinvention may be possible but no one suffers for lack of it.

8/10

Tenchu Z for the Xbox 360, while not as groundbreaking as the first Tenchu game for the Playstation, is still fun.

The Good: Nice graphics, 50 levels, killing in stelth is always fun, Build your own character and partner, Great cutscene graphics, same gameplay as past tenchu games (good or bad depending on how you look at it).

The Bad: All words spoken in japanese (with subtitles), some graphical glitches, gaurds follow same paths and thier A.I. is not on par with Metal Gear Solid games, not a great variety of weapons, story could use some work, You can run through every level and finish it quickly if you like, controls could use some work.

The ugly: It gets very tiresome to have to do the same thing over and over. Same old formulae.

The verdict: A good Tenchu game, just don't expect anything groudbreaking. I wish they had pushed this series a little harder to grow up on the next-gen consoles. Instead it just feels like the same old thing we saw in the 90's. A good game if your a Tenchu fan, but if not I'd skip it.

if u are a fan of the tenchu series than this is a must have
it stays true to the series adds some online play but if your
expecting something new than prepared to be disapointed i mean theres
a lot of new aspect like the create a character the custom clothes and skill
and ability but the mission seem to be some of the same reutine tenchu mission
though i love the game love the online the game is good not amazing but good

If you ever had a dream of being a ninja or just like stealthy games. this games for you.Set back in the days of honor and code. Your mission is simple get the job done and get out,while taking out as many of them as possible. The stealth kills are amazing the weapons are just another extention of the true power of the ninja. The mutiplayer on xbox live is so fun you and four of your online buddys can team up and defeat the evil tyranny that is coming to your village. There are 50 playable levels so your wont get through all the game in one day. Its a must have for any true gamer.

this is a whole new gaming experience for me with tenchu for i have played the first tenchu and i love this game and playing through stages you are building stats as well as improving and learning new move especially stealth kills as for the online play you can be part of a clan of assassins or go it alone against other foes if you have play assassins creed then you will enjoy this game i will give it a 4.5 out of 5