This article describes the recent release of Tenchu: Shadow Assassins and examines whether the game lives up to its promise.
| Story | Rating  |
This game takes place in feudal Japan and picks up with the main portagonists from the Tenchu series, Rikimaru and Ayame. This story involves the kidnapping of a princess - from each person's viewpoint. In this game you play two different ninja - with the same abilities. Tenchu: Shadow Assasins is rated M for mature audiences due to its blood, graphic violence, and suggestive scenes. It is not a game for children. This being said, those who love adventure games, or who have always wanted to be a ninja will deeply enjoy this game.
| Game Play | Rating |
The Wii remote is a welcome addition to Tenchu: Shadow Assasins. It allows the game makers to add a move called "Hayate" which involves flicking your Wii Remote. When you do this, your ninja character darts around the screen. The Wii remote also makes swordfights more entertaining than they otherwise would be. As you fight your way through enemies, you'll notice your ninja move quite slowly. This can be frustrating for some who like to dart around in dungeons. Also, the enemies are unevenly balanced. For some strange reason, it is more difficult to battle a foot soldier than it is a boss. This set aside, the game is entertaining.
| Sound and Graphics | Rating  |
The graphics are the games strong suit. The 3D models are beautifully rendered, and the cutscene animations are entertaining. The backgrounds are very detailed and have a life-like quality to them. The sound on the otherhand is terrible. The voice actors lack the proper accents and training for their parts. Don't be surprised if you find yourself laughing hysterically when you hear the voice overs during game play.
| Overall Experience | Rating |
Overall, this game is great if you've played some of the other Tenchu games or if you know not to expect a masterpiece. If not, then you may be disappointed as this game leaves much to be desired. If you love ninjas, this game will be a real treat. From movement to fighting to culture, Tenchu: Shadow Assassins attempts to give you a phenomenal and dynamic simulated ninja experience.