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Avid Mature Gamer.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 10 / 14
Date: February 23, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This Game tops all other previous Tenchu games. They have drastically improved the environmental factors in the game. The use of shadows is a great improvement as well. The AI is much better than in the past, and the bosses are challenging. This version of Tenchu forces you to be crafty and strategic. If you just run wildly, killing enemies with no discretion, you wont get very far. This game is for the patient and maticulous person. No game anywhere showcases the abilities of the Ninja like this one. If you like stealth attack games, you will love it. It is a must have to all ninja fans.

The best game in one of the best series ever

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 10 / 11
Date: March 15, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I've long been a fan of the Tenchu series, and still occasionally pop one of the two PSOne games in my console. As good as those games were, though, Tenchu 3 beats them hands down. The graphics are much better, as you would expect. Controls are also much improved, largely due to the incorporation of analog control. Steal kills are still the mainstay of the game, and the cut scenes for them have been improved. I especially like Ayame's stealth kills.

At its core, Tenchu 3 is essentially the same game as its predecessors, and this is a good thing. The developers tweaked the controls and the AI, and worked on the graphics, but gameplay remains largely unchanged. One great improvement is the size of the levels. There are numerous ways, usually, to get to your final destination, and you can either opt for the quick and direct route, or sneak around and kill anything that moves.

I would only recommend this game for patient gamers. Not because it's very difficult to progress through the levels, but because it is difficult to get through them while still getting "Grand Master" ratings (at the end of each level you are ranked according to how good of a ninja you were -- the more stealth kills and the fewer times you are spotted, the higher your ranking), and doing so requires that you sneak, wait patiently while your enemy moves into position, and then go for a stealth kill. Each level has three layouts to play, each with enemies in placed in different positions. If you're like me, you'll want to play each level at each layout until you get the Grand Master ranking for each, making this a long and challenging game. And unlike most games, I have found that the Tenchu series still holds plenty of replay value, simply because sneaking around and stealth killing enemies is so much fun, whether you know the ending of the game or not.

My only quibble is that while the enemy AI is greatly improved, it is still a bit too easy. Guards who see a dead comrade will only search for a few seconds before going back to a normal patrol routine.

If you enjoyed the first two in this series, I probably don't have to tell you to buy this game -- you undoubtedly have it already. If you have never played them before, go out and buy Tenchu 3 now. You won't be sorry.

Activision Scores An A+ Game:

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: April 11, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Using the same controls as Tenchu: Stealth Assassins (hurrah)!This is the best game Activision has come up with. This is a maximum recovery over Tenchu II. I really enjoy the ease of controls over the characters. Some games get overly complicated and it detracts from the enjoyment. I also was impressed by the variety in the missions. In previous Tenchu installments, each character played exactly the same missions. You play each mission and win different ratings, special items and new abilities. It has few drawbacks (load time and some awkward camera angles), but this is a mission based game and if you use your controller and special items correctly, all difficulties can easily be overcome. You have 3 characters to pick from. Each has his/her own special missions and each mission has 3 different layouts. The difference between layouts are that enemies are positioned in different arrangements and in different strengths. Favorite character: Tessu. Daytime doctor, nighttime assassin. For some unknown reason, Tessu's attacks include animated x-ray views. It really hurts to see an enemy's neck snap! Ouch! Hoping to see more of Tessu in future Tenchu games. Rikkimaru has 2 varying outcomes. They depend upon choices you make mid-game. Ayame is the most agile. Her assignments are a bit tougher, but she is definitely a capable character.
So, if you are into sneaking and you get a satisfying feeling from taking out aggressions against some more than deserving foes, THIS IS THE GAME TO GET!! I rate it as best mission based game ever.

Return to Form

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: April 02, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I have always been a fan of the Tenchu series, the first being a totally unique experience(Remember MGS 1 was released AFTER Tenchu 1)and was the first true 'Stealth Simulator'. The Prequel was OK , with some interesting new characters, and storylines, - but it just tried too hard to cover too many issues, spreading itself thinly, leaving many fans dissappointed.'Wrath of Heaven'-whilst not being perfect is a glorious return to form (and formula) On the positive, although it does not present the most cutting edge graphics, it still looks very good - atmospheric lighting, smoothly animated characters and sublime weather effects. Gameplay has also been addressed and re-worked- you now feel much more capable of defending yourself, should you have to- the camera work and lock-on button do not always offer the best view, but it is tolerable. The stealth kills still look great- smooth and gory( Tesshus'are the most grimacingly graphic) but I do agree with one of the other reviewers' comments, that a few more to choose from would have maintained more freshness to a very common event in the game. The idea of adding the option to earn youreslf extra skills through stealth kills is a great innovation, and gives you something to strive for other than high scores- some of which are very useful-especially clinging to ceiling and offensive blocking. Lastly, on the positive, the characters, some are reassuringly present, Rikimaru,Ayame(deadlier than ever),Lord Ghoda,Onikage(insane!) all look very good, with new additions such as Ganda, Jinnai and Tenrai who all can present a considerable challenge to those who don't utilise their skills effectively. Tesshu is the unlockable character and a breath of fresh air, admittedly controlling Tatsumaru was fun in the prequel, but Tesshu is completely different. He is a complete character, strong, skillful and much more merciless than either of Ghodas' ninjas. His stealth kills too are completely different, and the look on his face during is chillingly blank. On the negative, my only real points are the camera angles which can still, on occasion completely obscure your view-even when aiming a projectile. The only other point is a midway save point could be an idea for future instalments, because an average level travelled through stealthily and carefully can take up to half an hour, and to fall off a ledge in the last few minutes or dying at the hands of a boss, will take you right back to the beginning-minus whatever items you were carrying- quite a frustration after 2-3 occasions!
On the whole though a very good game which has retained one of its biggest fans, it is a great experience and a great test on your abilities. Get out today and buy it.

tenchu master

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: April 26, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Tenchu is one of the best games I have on playstation 2, if not the best. Sneaking around corners to kill your foes is great. One of the coolest things is running on roof tops and jumping on your foes and killing them in bloodly combat. If you do a stealth kill the kill goes into a movie style mode. The graphics are great and so are the controls. I give this game a 5 out of 5 for fun factor. You should definitly get this game. Tenchu is like hitman 2, metal gear, and splinter cell. The only difference is that tenchu uses swords and stars in stead of guns. Also tenchu has a grappling hook to climb on roof tops. This game is great. It is a definite buy.

Tenchu's Back!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: June 15, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Tenchu introduced stealth assassination in 1998 on the Playstation, which was followed by a prequel/sequel, Tenchu 2. While Tenchu 2 had its shortcomings, it was still a decent entry in the series. For the PS2, Activision decided to utilize the PS2's capabilities to the fullest in this third installment in the series. A "true" sequel (because Tenchu 2 took place before the first game, which somewhat explains the crappy hookshot---er, grappling hook---in that game), here's the lowdown:

THE GOOD
WOW, Tenchu's back! It's a great game, too. They improved the grappling hook and even the controls are better. Instead of pressing forward twice and jump, just pressing X twice and moving forward obtains the double jump. Pressing O blocks (instead of holding down)... the list goes on and on. The graphics are vastly improved because of the PS2's capabilities and you get to choose between three characters (once you unlocked Tesshu, that is). The music (which was largely absent in 2) has returned and some of the original Tenchu music has been remixed! Plus, they included a MULTIPLAYER option! This is Tenchu 3's strongest point.

THE BAD
Perhaps the only bad thing I can say about it is that the camera, while improved over previous games, is still hard to cope with. It gets tiresome in the heat of battle when you're trying to evade and are backed up against the wall. Still, it doesn't detract too much from the playing series.

OVERALL
Tenchu isn't for everybody, but if you liked a good old fashioned stealth game, ala Metal Gear Solid (but set in Feudal Japan), then you will enjoy this.

A WORD FROM THE WISE
People tend to compare this to Shinobi; Shinobi is an entirely different beast (no stealth), so comparing them is pointless. It would be unfair for me to compare them since I love the Tenchu series a lot. With that said, all I can say is "Tenchu's Back." Play and enjoy.

This is what I live for

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: March 16, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I am a huge fan of the tenchu saga and must say that this game continues the greatness of each story. I play games where hand to hand combat is the key but I mean just emagine sticking to the ceiling waiting for the enemy to walk under you then smack you land feet on his shoulders with your sword jamed in their unsuspecting head, and if thats not enough to convince you how great this game is then place your self with a man walking around a corner and he wont come to you so you cant stealth kill then cut your own throught or stab yourself in the gut to trick them in to coming over to you and when they get up next to you to stab your double blades into thier face then run back to the shadows and then stealth kill his friend

Hard Core

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: April 12, 2003
Author: Amazon User

OK, i wrote a review before, then i played it a bunch, so im changing my view. This game really is one of the best games for ps2 yet. top 5 for sure. The AI is pretty good in open areas, bad in close quarters where you can duck around a corner. the levels are pretty expansive compared to the last 2 games. they change only slightly from person to person. the bosses are pretty cool, but fairly easy. the real challenge is in the stalking. they put you in a few situations where you really have to plan your course of action, which is awesome. The stealth kills are dope, of course, and theres a new feature where on each level, if you get nine stealth kills, you get a new move, (ninja vision, hanging from ceiling, faking your own death, etc.). this motivates you to stay silent and stealthy, which, of course is the whole point. yes, the camera angles are bothersome, but fairly trivial in the face of an excellent game. Its really fun, pretty, and challenging. take it from an artist: this game is VERY good looking. I would give it ten thumbs up. rent it, buy it, borrow it, just get it in your PS2. oh, and be quiet!

Good game but could be Better

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: April 21, 2003
Author: Amazon User

When it comes to gameplay Tenchu 3 is great, no, FANTASTIC! Character animation, background animation and sound effects are all well beyond a high level in action/adventure games and it has a good storyline and plot. However, to me personally, the game didn't have that good of a character depth when it comes to the enemies and unlike Tenchu 2, Rikimaru and Ayame's levels are all the same except they come in a different orders. When you pass the game and see the ending movie its sort of short and leaves the game feeling a bit unfinished. The game is sort of a little too much like Tenchu: Stealth Assassins and needs a little bit more uniqueness like Tenchu 2: Birth Of The Stealth Assassins. But in the end, Tenchu 3 is still a good game and I would recommend if you never played any game in the Tenchu series to at least play the first two games so you can understand the characters and the game more. If you're a veteran of Tenchu, then this game is must buy.

The series that pioneered stealth action is back with style.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: May 03, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Before the breakout hit SPLINTER CELL, before THE MARK OF KRI, even before METAL GEAR SOLID, there was TENCHU: STEALTH ASSASSINS, an Activision release for the PS One that pioneered the stealth-action subgenre in style. While the game may seem painfully dated now, TENCHU featured innovative gameplay focused on the idea of lurking in shadows, moving without being seen, and killing mercilessly when the opportunity arose. After forcing fans of this phenomenal and groundbreaking title to endure an awful follow-up in the form of TENCHU 2: BIRTH OF THE STEALTH ASSASSINS, Activision has given them TENCHU: WRATH OF HEAVEN, a PS2 installment that is everything that the original was and more.

The first and most obvious improvement is graphical. TENCHU: WRATH OF HEAVEN looks terrific, with attractive character models and moody environments. Certainly there are better-looking games on the PS2, but TENCHU: WRATH OF HEAVEN gets the job done very well. Both of the original gameýs heroes, Rikimaru and Ayame, return looking truly spectacular. The gameýs graphical engine renders them in fine detail, all the way down to the glint of light off the blades of their weapons. Similarly, the seriesý trademark ýstealth killsý return with a gory vengeance. Pulling off a successful attack on an enemy while remaining unseen prompts a short rendering of that enemyýs truly brutal death. Each stealth kill moves the player closer to unlocking hidden abilities that, in turn, make further stealth kills even easier. Itýs a vicious and addictive cycle.

Gameplay remains the core of the gameýs appeal. Rikimaru and Ayame each have ten missions. Once these are finished, aspiring ninja masters can follow the exploits of a new character, the doctor-assassin Tesshu, over six more missions. Every mission features three layouts that alter the number and position of enemies and collectible items. Once a player has worked his or her way through all of these variations, they will have conquered 78 different assignments! A final, secret level is available to those who have truly mastered the game by obtaining the highest rating on all the available missions.

Getting through those missions unseen while doing the most damage possible to the enemy is what makes TENCHU: WRATH OF HEAVEN so absorbing. While it may not seem like a thrill to replay the same level three times, this constant repetition allows the player to become intimately familiar with the large environments, and thereby learn the best way to kill without being seen. Some of the areas teem with enemies, and only constant practice will allow a player to slip in and kill without being spotted. Earning top honors with a high score on a tough level can be deeply satisfying.

Unfortunately, TENCHU: WRATH OF HEAVEN suffers from an occasionally sluggish camera. The controls are much improved over previous installments in the series, but can sometimes be more deadly than the enemy when the player is in a tight spot. No matter. These are small prices to pay for the visceral thrills TENCHU: WRATH OF HEAVEN offers.

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