Tenchu Z

Download Tenchu Z and become a master ninja in this stealth-action adventure! Complete missions, assassinate targets, and navigate through treacherous environments in ancient Japan. Hone your skills and execute your missions with deadly precision. Play now!
a game by K2 LLC
Genre: Action
Platform: XBox 360 (2006)
Editor Rating: 6.3/10, based on 2 reviews
User Rating: 6.7/10 - 27 votes
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See also: Action Adventure Games, Action Games, Tenchu Series
Tenchu Z
Tenchu Z
Tenchu Z

Tenchu Z is another entry in the classic action-stealth series, which puts players in control of a deadly ninja as they sneak around and dispatch enemies in a variety of areas. Although Tenchu Z has no story ties to the previous games in the series, it continues to deliver exciting and fast-paced stealth combat with some notable improvements. Players can create their own ninja and flex their stealth skills as they take on 50 different missions in feudal Japan. Whereas other stealth games get deep in the weeds of espionage and subterfuge, Tenchu Z remains pure in its focus on sneaky combat. You'll take out enemies with a number of special abilities, attack combos, and items. Although the story is a bit bland, Tenchu Z is a fun and satisfying stealth game for any fan of ninjas.

Main Game Features

  • Customize your own ninja hero
  • 50 unique missions to complete
  • Various upgrades, weapons, and abilities to use

Story

Set in a time of fierce war between two clans in feudal Japan, Tenchu Z follows the story of a lowly recruit in the Azuma Ninja Clan. Home of previous Tenchu protagonist Rikimaru, the Azuma Ninja Clan is at odds with the fiendish country of Ogawara. As a new face in the Azuma Clan, it's your job to undertake missions from Rikimaru, sending you to assassinate various enemies and Ogawara allies. The story is mostly used as a foundation for several similar but self-contained missions, where the player takes down key characters in the unraveling conflict. Apart from a handful of establishing cutscenes, the story in Tenchu Z is exceptionally light, simply serving as an avenue for fun stealth action.

Gameplay

Unlike in previous Tenchu games, players control their own custom ninja, with options for both cosmetic appearance and skill distribution. There are three major stats to consider, including agility, strength, and health, which can be upgraded as you progress through the game. After creating your character, you'll quickly embark on your first mission as a new Azuma Clan ninja. Stages are small but open in design, often consisting of various buildings to sneak around with guard patrols to avoid. Each mission has a straightforward objective, such as eliminating a certain character, retrieving an item, or rescuing a kidnapped ally. Fortunately, your ninja is easily able to leap across rooftops and sneak through the shadows, snuffing out any opposition unlucky enough to cross your path.

Although there are 50 missions to complete, the objectives can grow tedious after a while, while not a ton of mission variety. Thankfully, Tenchu Z contains plenty of unique attack options, including a variety of items, weapons, and unlockable moves. As you complete missions, you'll earn gold which can be spent on various goodies in the shop. You can purchase and equip items such as throwing stars, explosives, escape ropes, and more. You'll also unlock new sword combos and special attacks, making you a more fearsome ninja.

Conclusion

Tenchu Z is an enjoyable and fast-paced stealth game, but some elements feel underdeveloped and shallow. The story is passable for a ninja tale, but leaves a lot to be desired as far as character development and dialogue are concerned. Luckily, the gameplay is a bit better, offering a decent array of items and weapons that make combat more forgiving.

6

Missions are short enough to satisfy quick play sessions, but their repetitive nature makes the experience grow old quickly. For players who are new to the stealth genre, Tenchu Z is approachable and never grows too challenging. Fans of the stealth genre might find Tenchu Z a bit dull, but it's a cool concept and enjoyable in short bursts.

Pros:

  • Fun movement and stealth
  • Great customization options
  • Welcoming for stealth newcomers

Cons:

  • Level design is repetitive
  • Combat can feel shallow at times
  • Lackluster visuals

Download Tenchu Z

XBox 360

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP

Game Reviews

The series that helped jump-start the stealth-action genre but then did nothing to advance it over the ensuing 10ish years is now on the 360, and...yeeeah. Pretty much the usual Tenchu. Slinking around as a ninja, one-button stealth kills, guards that forget about you moments after you're out of sight--oh, but now if you jump in a cesspool, the rank, green cloud around you will tip off the sniff-sensitive sentries. Progress!

BOTTOM LINE: This series needs a ground-up remake, and if you think the 360 debut would be a good time for it, you probably don't call the shots over at Tenchu HQ.

Snapshots and Media

XBox 360 Screenshots