Tenchu: Stealth Assassins (1998)

The game has a tense, tactical gameplay, unique grappling hook mechanics, which was later copied from other titles, and the sense of agency it gave players in approaching missions, however, it suffered from clunky controls and a rough camera, which were common issues in early 3D games. The soundtrack added to the dark, moody atmosphere, but the voice acting was terrible, laughable, even by the standards at the time, but I cannot complain since this is indeed entertaining and fun to experience, the only decent one being Rikimaru. Despite its flaws, Tenchu became a cult classic and helped define the stealth genre alongside Metal Gear Solid and Thief, it's remembered fondly for its originality and style, a must-play for fans of stealth and/or ninja titles.

The mission structure reinforces that feeling of tension by rewarding patience over aggression. Each stage feels like a carefully constructed sandbox where observation is just as important as execution. Studying enemy patrol routes, extinguishing torches to create pockets of darkness, and choosing whether to silently execute enemies or slip past them entirely gives the game a methodical rhythm that still feels satisfying today. When everything goes right and you clear an area without raising an alarm, the payoff is immense.

Visually, the game shows its age with blocky character models and simple environments, but there’s a distinct charm to its setting. Rooftop infiltration under a moonlit sky, bamboo forests shrouded in fog, and guarded estates filled with hidden dangers create a strong sense of place. The limitations of the hardware sometimes work in its favor, as the heavy fog and darkness enhance the atmosphere and complement the stealth mechanics rather than detract from them.

What truly sets the experience apart is how committed it is to the fantasy of being a ninja. From the variety of tools to the brutal and cinematic stealth kills, the game never forgets its theme. It may not have the polish of later stealth titles, but its ambition and identity are very present. Even decades later, this title remains a memorable and influential title that dared to do something different at a time when 3D gaming was just starting to become popular.

I had been meaning to play it for a while (cause its a stealth game and its a PSX game and i'm trying to get more under my belt) it's pretty good but some of the things about it have aged badly. The controls are kinda awkward and don't have the precision of a proper PC game and the 3d world interaction is a bit fumbly like console games in this era (over the shoulder camera view and control). Stealth movement is very tricky because you move slow. These factors make it challenging to maintain stealth and achieve stealth kills (backstabs mostly) bodies can also be found by pats, and you cant drag or hide your dirty deeds.

The game has a pretty well woven together setting in which you are an assassin who carries out various tasks under the orders of your daimyo in feudal japan. The premises for the missions are reminiscent of (ironically enough) other stealth games in same era such as thief or hitman which have generally sensible plots and situations. the game has a pretty impressive soundtrack and levels that have nice little details which are atmospheric. The story is pretty good and I enjoyed the CG cutscenes between missions.

One nice little detail that got me thinking was how this game plays. In Tenchu you can fight enemies like any other beat em up. It plays a bit like Assassins creed actually. You can spar openly and even engage multiple opponents at once, or you can be sneaky and just go for those one hit stealth kills. But what is impressive is that compare to almost all stealth games i've played, you really can go either route. The main advantage to stealth route is score which unlocks items (it's also more tactical/easier) But you aren't given equipment or combat options you cant use (compared to later generation eidos games like hitman or deus ex) nor are you left with a feeling of guilt or narrative incontinuity from your actions (games like dishonored) I find it really interesting how Tenchu got this right, yet so many stealth games make you vie in ways that often feel like you carry this burden of sacrificial compromise.

Ultimately this is a pretty good game. It plays and feels slightly in manner similar to MGS. The ten missions have variety, varied approach, and often a boss fight. There are unlockable items and gear if you maintain stealth, but again you don't have to, But it does add an incentive to play the stealth route to unlock them all.

In spite of it's flaws magnified by age, it certainly would be one of the better PSX games and I found it worth playing.