Tenchu Z (360)

[GODZOOKI]

Got the US version (region free)the other day there & thought id post a few first impressions.

It plays exactly the same as other games in the series, still fun for short periods of time but get old quickly due to the repetative nature of the missions.

The only real innovation in the game is being able to create your own character and edit your own individual attributes. The customization feature is pretty basic, only a few pre rendered faces and outfits to choose from but i expect you can buy some more as you progress through the game.

There are apparently a mind numbing 50 Single player missions to go through but i must admit i got really bored after the first 2.

Anyways Im going to try a bit of co-op when i finnish work this afternoon, that is why i bought the game after all. Ill report back later tonight.

[chopemon]

i am really enjoying this as i am a huge tenchu fan

it has lots of flaws but i'm still finding it fun

the customisation options really open up at about mission 10. my hot ninja chick is scantily clad in a camo top and awesome trousers.

the demo level wasn't a great example of the game, the night time levels look a lot better

[Johnny]

Yeah I got the Japanese one when it came out last year and, speaking as a big Tenchu fan, would rate this as the best one aside from the original.

Pity you can't play as Rikimaru or Ayame but instead have to make your own character, but then again you can make them look just like those two so it's not all bad.

Never tried it online though.

[Keith]

Are Rikimaru/Ayame not in the game at all then? How does the story link up with the previous Tenchus if they're not?

I really like the demo of this - pretty much everything a Tenchu fan could ask for really, aside from a decent camera.

[chopemon]

rikimaru gives you your missions

[maximum]

Tench Z

i've had this for a few weeks now after picking up a hong kong version off ebay (region free). it's really quite good. if you've played previous tenchu's you'll know what to expect and the developers (this time from software) have kept the basic gameplay intact. but there's some really nice next gen additions like full clothing and skill customisation, plus a rather good 4 player co-op mode that allows you to play most of the single player missions online with friends.

the press reviews to date have universally slated the game....mainly because of it's 'old skool' mechanics and ai. i'm appauled at the quality of these reviews, they clearly misunderstand the game and have have little reflection on the history of the series.

the main negative seems to be the fact you can run through a level and complete it without breaking a sweat. true, but that was always the way with tenchu. just because you "could" low crouch punch your way to victory in the PSX port of tekken didnt mean you "would". tenchu is the same. it encourages to play the game with style and grace. you end up developing your own personality in the levels....that's the essence of the series.

i'd suggest anyone who's a fan of the series (or anyone looking for a stealth assasination game) to pick it up. it really is a good game.

just don't expect splinter cell with ninjas and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[Brodie]

Totally agree with maximum - it's instantly become my most played 360 game over the past few weeks.

Imagine the original Tenchu, with much nicer graphics, tweaked controls, tonnes of unlockables, and an excellent atmosphere thanks to some subtle music and nicely authentic Japanese villages/castles/battlefields.

Certainly a damn site more fun than the plastic faced trudge-fest that is Gears of War, that's for sure.

[maximum]

yep, they've really succeeded in creating an authentic feudal japanese ambience in tench z. the music is really great....low drum beats, wood instruments and ghostly voices. love the way grass and trees sway in the breeze also.

what's got me hooked is the constant unlocks (skills, clothes etc) and the achievments: stealth kills, getting ninja 5's....ect i like to play each mission until i get the best rank.....very staisfying way to progress.

[MikeF]

Fired this up yesterday for the first time and I am not sure what to make of it yet. The camera angle can be annoying as hell at times (thank god for manual control)

I need to put some more time in with this before I make a proper judgement but Overlord is demanding my attention

If you die on a mission do the Stealth Kills still count towards the total or do you have to finish the mission?

[Brodie]

I'm pretty sure they count towards your total - my mate came round the other night and started playing the trainning mission, his third kill counted as my 1000 stealth kills achievement. He had to go before finishing the mission and I switched it off, but still got the kill achievement.

[vanpeebles]

whats the coop mode and can you play it over live?

[prinnysquad]

It's only fair that I give this a reappraisal after cussing the demo while beered up.

I got this cheap off a forum member and I'm really enjoying it. It's a bit samey with a fair few control issues (still hate the jumps) but it's got a nice style to it and the stealth kills are very satisfying. I barely use the items, because it's fun just to drop from rooftops silently and whup a bloke. The AI is nothing spectacular, but it has an internal consistency to it. They'll watch you escape up a rooftop and occasionally follow, then just give up after a while, which is ridiculous. But at least you know that if you get spotted, you can escape in a certain way. It's a flaw I can get used to and manipulate.

[NeoDragoN]

I finished this yesterday after getting up to 40 missions and other games coming out and me never getting back to it.

Overall i enjoyed it, yes its repetitive but i found it no more repetitive than Assassins Creed. I think the best thing about the entire game was the ninja Customization, i love my ninja having a toad Balanced on his shoulder

Never Tried it online though, because none of my friends have it or would even think of getting it sadly and i just don't think it would work with randoms.

[prinnysquad]

VP is planning to get it. Maybe a co-op thang could be on at one point?

[vanpeebles]

Yep I'm gonna get it too. Really enjoyed the go I had at Prinny's house. Its got its own charm and I always like that in a game.