Lord Spencer's Gaming (and other stuff) Blog

The PS1 era saw the birth of many new franchises in gaming and a common trend between many of them is how the first game introduced core concepts and ideas that the sequel then improved upon and elevated to new rights. In many ways, Tenchu 2 looks like it follows that trend. With improved mechanics, improved mission structure, and a more focus on narrative than the original. Yet, the game also inexplicably takes as many steps back as forward. It has a less varied mission structure, and its PS1 visuals are not saved by the good design and art direction of the first game. Most criminally, there is no soundtrack in the game's levels unlike the excellent soundscape of the original. As such, Tenchu 2 ends up in exactly the same position as its predecessor, but with entirely different weaknesses and strengths. #57: Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins:- Year: 2000. Genre: 3D Stealth Action. Publisher: Acquire, Activision. Developer: Acquire.

The advent of the PS1 and 3D gaming led to new, ambitious, and creative developers entering the field, and as they crowded each other in an established market, it was clear that successful games from non-established franchises needed something creative and interesting to differentiate them. Enter Tenchu , which is probably the first successful implementation of Stealth Action gameplay in a 3D space. From its stealth-centric gameplay, the Sengoku era Ninja setting sprang through. It succeeded and cemented Acquire as a full-fledged developer to this day. Yet, as can be seen from Metal Gear Solid just six months later, the many technical difficulties that Tenchu couldn't solve drag it considerably down, and it exists more as an interesting relic today than the cutting-edge masterpiece that it may have been at its release. #57(S): Tenchu: Stealth Assassins:- Year: 1998. Genre: 3D Stealth Action. Publisher: Sony, Activision. Developer: Acquire.