"Tenchu: Stealth Assassins" is the first game in the Tenchu series, developed by Acquire and published by Sony Music Entertainment Japan for the PlayStation. Released in Japan on February 26, 1998, and later in North America and Europe, it introduced players to the world of stealth-based action games.
Gameplay and Features:
Storyline: Set in Sengoku-era Japan, the game follows the ninja Rikimaru and Ayame as they complete missions for their employer, Lord Gohda. The main objective is to remain undetected while eliminating enemies and completing various objectives.
Gameplay Mechanics: The game emphasizes stealth over direct combat. Players can navigate through levels using rooftops, walls, and hiding spots to avoid detection. The grappling hook is a key tool, allowing players to move quickly and silently across the environment.
Characters: Players can choose between Rikimaru and Ayame, each with unique abilities. Rikimaru has more health but is slower, while Ayame is faster but has less health and uses two blades.
Items and Equipment: Players can equip a limited number of items, including health potions, poisoned rice cakes, shurikens, smoke bombs, and grenades. The only permanent item is the grappling hook, which can be used in any mission.
Mission Design: The game features sandbox levels with multiple paths and objectives. Each mission starts with a briefing and ends with a boss encounter. The levels have three different layouts, randomly selected with each playthrough.
Reception:
"Tenchu: Stealth Assassins" received positive reviews for its innovative gameplay, mission design, and focus on stealth. It was praised for its atmospheric setting and the variety of missions. The game was a commercial success, selling over one million units worldwide by 2003 and reaching estimated sales of five million across all versions by 2019.
Legacy:
The success of "Tenchu: Stealth Assassins" led to the development of several sequels, including "Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins" and "Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven." The game is considered a classic in the stealth genre and has influenced many other games.