Tenchu: Time of the Assassins | |
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Developer(s) | K2 |
Publisher(s) | Sega From Software |
Designer(s) | Michiteru Okabe (director) |
Platform(s) | PlayStation Portable |
Release date(s) | JP July 28, 2005 EU July 23, 2006 |
Genre(s) | Stealth action |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Rating(s) | PEGI: 16+ |
Media | UMD-Rom |
Input methods | Gamepad |
Prev game (release) | Tenchu: Fatal Shadows |
Next game (release) | Tenchu: Dark Secret |
Tenchū: Shinobi Taizen (天誅 忍大全?) is a game in the Tenchu series. It was released in Europe by Sega Europe as Tenchu: Time of the Assassins on June 23, 2006. It is a prequel takes place after Tenchu: Fatal Shadows. The game features many characters from previous Tenchu games, including some deceased from previous titles. Time of the Assassins includes a "buffed up" mission editor, first introduced in Tenchu: Shinobi Gaisen.
Contents
- 1 Plot
- 2 Gameplay
- 3 Criticism
- 4 Links
Plot[]
Tenchu: Time of the Assassins" features a unique storytelling structure compared to its predecessors. The main story of the game takes place one year after the events of Tenchu: Fatal Shadows and it introduces different story arcs for each of the characters, including Rikimaru, Ayame, Tesshu, Rin, and Onikage.
The opening cinematic of the game showcases Rikimaru, Ayame, Tesshu, and Rin demonstrating their unique hissatsu techniques while battling rival ninjas in a bamboo forest. It sets the stage for their respective stories.
In the game, each character has a storyline that follows the overarching theme of defending Lord Gohda and rescuing Princess Kiku. However, these storylines come with new twists and variations based on the character's perspective and motivations.
Tesshu's story serves as a prequel to his appearance in "Tenchu 3," shedding light on how he first became associated with Zennosuke's Muzen group, an underground assassination organization.
Rin's story echoes her experiences from "Tenchu: Fatal Shadows," as she encounters a man who has lost his village to a fire and vows to seek revenge. This mirrors her tragic past.
Players can choose to play as Rikimaru, Ayame, Tesshu, and Rin right from the start. Additionally, Onikage's story can be unlocked once the other four characters' story modes are completed.
Unlike the previous games in the series, "Time of the Assassins" does not follow a single linear plot. Instead, it presents short stories from the perspectives of each character. These individual stories eventually intersect as the characters encounter Onikage, bringing their unique experiences together within the game's narrative.
Gameplay[]
The gameplay is similar to the previous Tenchu games developed by K2. Take control of a skilled ninja assassin and sneak your way through the levels, while eliminating any opposition along the way. The game has a similar control scheme to the last two Tenchu titles. The game is harder to play due to the player's field of vision being hampered by a black fog.
Playing multiplayer or custom missions now allows the player choose almost any character to play as from the entire Tenchu franchise thus far, but several people haven't been included as they may not be suitable for fighting against any opponent. Many characters who were killed off in past games still appear in this game (although some characters were undead or possessed anyway, or come back undead probably by the work of Onikage).
All previous skills, stealth styles and items return from previous games. When the player presses the attack button at the time Ayame stealth kills the enemy, the player will be rewarded with additional effects (pause, negative screen, flowers falling, X-ray of enemies neck breaking or stabbed) and higher stealth points. However, the game is hindered by a severely short draw distance of only a few meters making it very hard to see enemies who are right in front of the player.
The game revives the mission editor from Tenchu 2, now returning with even more features. Players can create their own Story Missions, or make custom multiplayer maps which the Versus and Co-op game modes can be played on. Players can save as many maps as they wanted provided they have enough memory stick space. Players can also share maps via memory stick or by uploading them to various fan sites.
One of the more prominent fansites named "Tenchu Missions" hosts custom missions built for both the Japanese–Asian and European versions of the game. Anyone who has registered and logged in at the website can be able to either upload custom missions of their own to share with other members or download user created missions directly to their memory sticks.
The game also features two-player gameplay via Ad-hoc. Players can engage in versus and co-op modes, originally from Tenchu Wrath Of Heaven. Multi-player maps that have been created can be played, as well as some pre-made ones from K2 with various objectives.
Criticism[]
"Tenchu: Time of the Assassins" received criticism from both the media and fans for several reasons. The game was heavily criticized for its poor draw distance. Players could only see a limited distance ahead of them, and a black fog would obscure the rest of the level. This limitation hindered players' ability to plan their movements and attacks effectively.
In the European version of the game, the voice acting received negative feedback. Players noted that the voices did not sync well with the characters' mouth movements in cutscenes. This lack of synchronization between audio and visuals can detract from the overall immersion and experience of the game.
Links[]
Tenchu Series |
Main Series Stealth Assassins •Tenchu 2 •Tenchu 3 •Tenchu 4 Portable Games Time of the Assassins •Dark Secret Other Versions and Releases Dimensional Ninja Action Movie •Shinobi Gaisen •Shinobi Hyakusen •Return from Darkness •Fatal Shadows •Tenchu Z •Shadow Assault |