Tenchu has always had it's fair share of glitches and unfortunately, ST is no exception. Plagued by a poor draw distance and glitchy camera, this game may turn many gamers off. However, the draw distance is really no worse than it was on previous iterations on the PS1 and it does not render the game unplayable at all. As a matter of fact, it's pretty easy to get used to, especially when levels are designed well. Also, the graphics are extremely nice.
That brings me to my next point, the scenario missions included with the game, which were all designed via the mission editor, are a mixed bag at best. Some levels are very well designed (such as the castle village levels) while others are just plain boring (some bamboo forest levels come to mind).
However, there is one inclusion that makes all these problems easy to overlook. That is the Mission Editor! More robust than ever, the level editor allows you to create intricately designed, multi-tiered levels with as much creativity as you can muster. Featuring 13 different tilesets (including 2 modern day settings) each with animated items (such as fireflies floating around bushes, and various light sources, and sliding doors), traps, any characters you wish to place and a number of different terrain tiles, the mission editor should keep you busy for months. It offers nearly limitless replay value.
In addition to your own missions, you can open up the scenario missions as well, altering them to your heart's desire.
Another nice touch are the 33 playable characters, almost all with unique moves/animations and stealth kills! Even the bear and dog ara available. Onikage even has his own 8 levels to play through in scenario mode!
Also, there's multi-player mode (Ad Hoc only I'm afraid) including VS. And Co-op play. I haven't played this that much so I can't comment other than to say some of the multiplayer level designs are inspired.
Pros
• Mission Editor!
• 33 Playable Characters (even in scenario mode)
• Great Graphics
• Virtually Unlimited replay value
Cons
• Poor draw distance
• Somehwat glitchy camera
• Bland levels in scenario mode.
• Japanese Release Only
Though I consider this a must buy for Tenchu fans (especially those of the first 2 games) the non-fan may want to wait on an American release for potential improvements.
As I said in the review, the mission editor more than makes up for the negatives in the review. If the mission editor did not exist the game would get a 75. As it does have a misison editor it's not quite a 95 but better than a 90.
Seriously. The mission editor is amazing. I probably should have said that the game itself is the mission editor in the review.
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