• ID = PS0876
• STYLE = Stealth
• DEV. = K2 LLC
• PUB. = Activision Inc.
• R-DATE = Mar-05-2003
• ESRB = M / For Mature
• PLAYERS = 1-2 Players
• LIST PRICE = $19.99
  

The newest installment in the acclaimed stealth ninja series, Tenchu 3: Wrath of Heaven, delivers the most realistic, stealth-based, ninja action/adventure game ever. Tenchu 3: Wrath of Heaven features impressive new stealth attacks, an enhanced fighting engine, new weapons and tools, plus larger levels, improved character animations, and new multiplayer options. Master new combo attacks, including stealth moves and jumping attacks, played out in breathtakingly gory detail via a new and improved fighting engine. Take the role of 3 characters-Rikamaru, Ayame and one unlockable secret character-utilizing over 20 authentic ninja weapons and tools. Earn new abilities and combos by racking up stealth kills.

Play with a friend on 5 unique multiplayer levels in 2 mission modes:cooperative team oriented missions and Hunter-Hunted death match mode where you and a friend sneak up on each other as opposing ninjas. Complete unique mission objectives, including espionage, theft, and assasination. Improved enemy AI adds to the challenge, forcing you to think on your feet. Multiple game endings-based on your earlier decisions in the game-keep bringing you back form more.

Description 2:
Violent rebellion and civil strife have torn through the heart of 16th Century Japan. After amassing an army of ninjas and lords of darkness the mysterious Tenrai has begun a quest to conquer the country. Now your master Lord Gohda has called upon you-a cunning stealth assassin-to stop Tenrai and his disciples before all is lost. Live by honor. Kill by stealth. The newest installment in the acclaimed stealth ninja series-Tenchu 3: Wrath of Heaven-delivers the most realistic stealth-based ninja action/adventure game ever.

Coming to the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system Tenchu 3: Wrath of Heaven features impressive new stealth attacks an enhanced fighting engine new weapons and tools plus larger levels improved character animations and new multiplayer options. Multiple game endings-based on your earlier decisions in the game-keep bringing you back for more.

Amazon.co.uk Review
Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven is the third in the successful mission-based stealth series that first appeared on the PlayStation in 1998; few changes have been made to the basic format. Players can once again choose to be either Rikimaru, the silent sword-wielding assassin, or Ayama, the acrobatic younger ninja. Both characters pass through the same game world, but each has slightly different goals that take them on different routes. A third character can be unlocked later on.

During the first mission, you're required to choose a number of weapons to aid you in your immediate tasks. Throughout the game, more and more weapons--from melee to ranged weapons--are added to your arsenal depending on your performance during each level; your chosen weapons dictate how you approach the mission goals. The silent approach is always encouraged, and there's a variety of graphically satisfying stealth kills that will only work if you remain elusive and strike unexpectedly and silently.

Aside from the stealth kills, the game is a mixed bag in terms of its graphics. Light shimmers off your sword menacingly, but the environments are bland and repetitive, and the game fails to maximize on differences between light and dark areas in ways that might have added to the experience. Also, the stealth dynamic is made less challenging by the shortsightedness and slow reactions of the enemy guards and the iffy AI. Since guards give up searching for you within seconds and are unable to follow you through doors, this potentially atmospheric and tactical stealth game is actually just a hack-and-slash arcade romp. Multiplayer options are included, though, so if you feel the need for a more realistic opponent, you may want to call a friend.

Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven is still an enjoyable experience despite its flaws. It’s just a shame that, after doing so much to establish and define the stealth-game genre, it fails to raise the bar or introduce any novel elements. The game feels more like an update of the first Tenchu, and while this is no bad thing, fans will probably be expecting more. --Chris Ryan