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How to snap a neck in Tenchu IV
With the Tenchu IV trailer and teaser site out of the way -- along with screenshots of ninja miniskirts -- the next media update we needed was video of someone actually playing the stealth game. Luckily for us, developer Acquire and publisher From Software didn't keep us waiting long, demoing the title at a recent press event. The Tenchu IV screen is a bit washed out, but you can still see a preview of how the controls will work and how to stash a dead body in nearby bushes. Apparently, hanging upside down and snapping an unsuspecting dude's neck is as easy as hitting the A button.
Tenchu 4 screens: Stealth and miniskirts
While this outfit is nowhere near as scandalous as what Tecmo's female ninjas have been wearing, we still have to question the appropriateness of Ayame's Tenchu 4 garb. Being a ninja is hard work, what with all the hiding, flipping, and killing people. Is it really in your best interest to show up for your ninja job in a miniskirt? If you've an interest in ninja legs -- or if you just like seeing ninjas sneak behind stuff -- prowl into our gallery below for some stealthy Tenchu 4 screenshots.%Gallery-25071%Read - Famitsu's Tenchu 4 screenshotsRead - GPara's Tenchu 4 screenshots
Tenchu IV trailer and site appear from shadows, slit your throat
Keeping the ninja news flowing, From Software has put up a teaser page and a minute-long trailer for Tenchu IV. It has pretty much everything we look for in ninja videos -- namely, ninjas.All the people getting stabbed? While awesome (for us, not for the people getting stabbed), that's just a bonus that comes with the ninjas. Other ninja bonuses include people getting shivved, people getting their necks snapped, and people getting dealt with in general, all of that in this video!
See the first trailer for Tenchu 4
The young'ns among you probably don't remember when the Tenchu series was good and for you, our choice to continue reporting on the series probably seems a little bizarre. But you weren't there! We still hold a little ember in our heart for our good old roof-running, grapple-hooking days on the PSone. It's that tiny flicker of hope that gets fanned when we see something like the first trailer for Wii-exclusive Tenchu 4.You can check out the official site here (it's all in Japanese, though) where you can watch a higher-res version. Or, like us, just watch the above video and pine for better days.[Thanks, Fernando]
Tenchu IV being published by ... Ubisoft?
Famitsu has put up a slew of images, both directly from Tenchu IV and its announcement event, documenting the various ninja techniques, such as flipping out and killing people. For those of you that have lost faith in the Tenchu franchise (this blogger included), perhaps these screens will get you down from the fence? Still, we have yet to get to the big news surrounding this.Ubisoft is set to publish Tenchu IV, both here in the United States and in Europe, taking up localization duties, as well. Given the flack that Ubisoft has taken recently for all of its casual titles, we're a bit surprised to see them so dedicated to this title, given the recent entries in the series being less than stellar, to put it politely. And, as if that weren't enough, there's even more to all of this. Apparently, a Tenchu V and Tenchu VI are planned, although no consoles are mentioned. Could these titles also be Wii exclusives? We'll have to wait and see, we suppose.For some basic facts about Tenchu IV, that come from the Famitsu magazine article about the game, head past the break.
Tenchu 4 sneaking up on Wii
If you're a Tenchu seeker who, despite the franchise's decidedly clumsy plummet from grace, insists on having your ninjas murder enemies with elegance and discretion (sorry, Ryu), you'd best check out the latest issue of Japan's Famitsu magazine. According to IGN, its pages declare that Tenchu 4 is headed for the Japanese Wii on October 23rd. The game is said to be developed by Acquire, the same company that delivered the original Dimensional Ninja Action Movie: Tenchu. And not Tenchu Z.Not much else is known at this time, so you're more than welcome to speculate about how you'll use the Wiimote as a sword and the nunchuk as a ... well, we're sure you'll think of something.
Hey Hey Let's Go! Tenchu 4
The Wii is currently Tenchu-less. Ninjas are cool, but not having them on your console is very uncool. And yet suddenly, from the depths of a Japanese scan, we find the first announcement of Tenchu 4, right here on Nintendo's home turf. It's a rumor for now, but there has been no word on development for other consoles -- this may be a Wii exclusive. Let's hope it fares better than the latest portable entry into the series.The first shots of the game look pretty smooth, despite the magazine scan. In the second image after the jump, there's some chop-socky action with grappling moves and takedowns. It looks colorful and violent, which is always top stuff. Our keen eyes of power are ready for the Japanese release on October 23. Let's fighting love!
Tenchu Z demo sneaks onto XBLM
From high atop his Xbox Live throne, Major Nelson has sent word that the single player Tenchu Z demo is now available for download off the XBLM. Yes, we've been quite critical of the game and what is has to offer on both the gameplay and graphics side of the coin, but we're thinking you should give the demo a chance. You know, that is if you are an avid supporter of the Ninjas camp. We don't recommend going anywhere near this demo if you've sided with the Pirates. So, download at your own risk and be sure to tell us what you thought.
The golden age of ninjas
We won't look down on you if Tecmo's announcement for Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword was the first time you'd ever heard of ninjas sneaking onto a handheld console. The stealthy assasins carry out their orders so efficiently and silently, most people aren't even aware of a ninja's presence until they see their own blood on the wall sprayed from an expert slash across their necks. Modojo has a lengthy feature tracking portable appearances by ninjas like Shinobi and Goemon, following their shuriken-throwing adventures from the Game Boy all the way up to the Nintendo DS. Our favorite game from the bunch is Ninja Five-O, a Bionic Commando-esque side scroller that was released for the GBA. If there's one thing terrorists fear, it's ninja cops swinging through their defenses!
Sasquatch Music Festival sweepstakes
If you're a fan of winning free games or trips, then head over to Xbox.com and enter the Tenchu Z - Sasquatch Music Festival Sweepstakes for a chance to win a musical journey. One grand prize winner and a guest will be flown to Seattle for the Sasquatch Music Festival and chill for two days VIP style listening to bands like Arcade Fire, Interpol and the Beastie Boys. Additionally, 30 other lucky (or not so lucky) winners will each receive a copy of Tenchu Z for the Xbox 360. True, we've been rather hard on Tenchu over the past few months, but we have to give the game props for sponsoring one nifty contest. The sweepstakes ends on May 9th, so hurry up already and enter here for a chance to win. Oh, and if you see the infamous Sasquatch, tell him I need my hair brush back ... preferably hair free.
These screenshots get a two out of Tenchu Z
Imagine how surprised we were today to receive a press release for the upcoming Tenchu Z. You know, it's that game that we've been vocally disgusted by due to its barely PS2 graphics and gimmicky "features". But, we opened the press release with an open mind and were greeted with some new official screenshots. Interested, we downloaded the screenshots hoping they reworked the game so we could finally put to rest all the bad press we've written about Tenchu over the past year. But alas, we were given these four sorry, sad, and beaten images. Yes, they look horrendous and are supposed to show off some cool new invisibility and cloning features, but we just can't get past how muddled this game looks. Take a look for yourself, these are official press release screenshots. We'd be embarrassed to show these to our younger sisters let alone to Xbox 360 gamers. Maybe we shouldn't have even written about these screenshots, but we all need to see truly crappy visuals so we can appreciate great ones.
Tenchu Z: new name, same lame
Microsoft has revealed plans to localize and release Tenchu Senran, perhaps re-named as 'Tenchu Z' (ugh), for North America. We haven't heard much about this installment since its release in Japan last October, which leads us to believe Senran failed to restore the disgraced Tenchu franchise. Anyone have a go with Dark Secret?Senran introduces create-a-ninja, and builds off of Return From Darkness's dreary co-op play. A North American release date is pending.Note: a Senran demo is available on the Japanese version of Xbox Live Marketplace.
Tenchu Senran video, it ain't pretty
Xboxyde has posted a gameplay video of the Japanese Tenchu Senran demo (which should be back up tomorrow), and we're just going to come right out and say that it's a steaming pile. Call us graphics snobs if you will, but everything about this game looks worse than last gen. The graphics barely live up to PS2 standards and the gameplay is nearly identical to every other Tenchu game out there. What's worse, this is From Software, creator of some of the Xbox's best looking games. If this is the best that Japan can get on the 360, it's no wonder they're gathering dust on the shelves. Graphics or gameplay guys, if you're making a 360 game, at least one of them has to better than last gen.Let's hope that TGS gives all of us some Japanese games that are worth playing.
Tenchu is a bad ninja
We all already know that ninjas are better than pirates. They are crafty, skilled, live by honor, have a dojo and hide in trees. How could some sea-dwelling, loud-mouthed pirate ever beat that? It couldn't. End of discussion. Recently, ninjas were very disappointed by one of their own. Tenchu: Dark Secret just didn't quite represent. In fact, it did such a horrible job of holding up the ninja honor that IGN only scored it a 3.5. Ouch Tenchu, ouch. We didn't quite understand what went wrong. The PlayStation version rocked and now we have this awkward DS version with dodgy controls, crap graphics and mute-worthy sound. Looks like the score for Tenchu: Dark Secret is now: Pirates: 1Ninjas: 0
Nintendo Wi-Fi page updated
The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connect homepage has been updated to reflect two of the newest titles to hit the DS bearing the Wi-Fi logo. Both Star Fox: Command and Tenchu: Dark Secret get the red carpet rolled out for them with tons of information and screens for you to gawk over. Tenchu's page even has some interesting Wi-Fi information, such as a listing of the top players including login details, as well as the top cities and a nifty graph showing player logins during the day versus at night.
Valhalla Knights continues PSP's amazing RPG flood
Uh-oh. It looks like there's yet another amazing RPG heading to the PSP from Japan. If the upcoming Jeanne d'Arc isn't enough for you, then you might want to check out Valhalla Knights. From developer K2 (Tenchu series), it's one of the few Japanese RPGs that feature a fully customizable character for you to control. Battles look especially intense, with its real-time combat and six-member parties. The newly-updated official Japanese website has tons of things to look at, such as videos and wallpapers. The game releases on August 30th in Japan, and currently has no release date in the US. Hopefully, that'll change soon.[Via IGN Boards]
First next-gen Tenchu screens
JeuxFrance has some sub-standard looking screenshots from the first next-gen Tenchu game. Details are sparse, but one thing is painfully clear: It's going to take more than lame graphics and a create-a-ninja mode to reverse this series quiet slide into stealth irrelevance? [Via Xboxic]
Extreme Makeover: Tenchu edition [update 1]
Xboxyde has posted some video from Tenchu for the 360. I have to say the graphics are underwhelming. In fact, I'm hardly whelmed at all. The gameplay may end up saving the title, but I'm surprised at the poor graphic quality, especially from From Software. These guys made some of the best looking games on Xbox -- see Otogi -- but this looks decidedly last gen. Ah well, hopefully the joy of efficiently and quietly stabbing people will eclipse any graphical concerns. Speaking of graphical concerns, we seem to be having some technical difficulties this morning, hence the broken image above. I blame Ken. Update 1: apparently the image problem is specific to me. I still blame Ken.
Tenchu global invasion in 2006
If you need a new fix of stealthy ninja action, From Software has three Tenchu games currently in the works. The bad news is that two of these titles won't be seeing American shores anytime soon (at least, not in an official capacity).Time of the Assassins for the PSP arrives in Europe on June 23, and features 50 stand-alone missions, as well as individual campaigns for main characters Rikimaru, Ayame, Rin, and Tesshu.Meanwhile, it was announced at E3 that Dark Secret will be available stateside for the DS on August 21. The game was recently released in Japan as Dark Shadow, and you can read GameSpot's hands-on feature for more details.Finally, the tentatively-titled Tenchu 360 is expected at the end of the year, but may initially be a Japanese exclusive. In the series' next-gen debut, you will be able to create and customize your own ninja, and then go online for some co-op play with the original characters. We'll keep you posted on North American release dates.
Some Tenchu: Time of the Assassins info
I honestly can't recall this game from E3; I neither saw a PSP housing Tenchu in the Sony or Sega booths. Regardless, a new Tenchu is something to get excited about and with Tenchu: Time of the Assassins, there is no exception. Supposedly releasing next month and being developed by K2 Studios and FromSoftware, the game is to feature Rikimaru, Ayame, Rin and Tesshu killing ever-so-gracefully throughout the requisite story mode and a promising-sounding unlockable 50 level "free mission" mode. The game is also to feature head-to-head and co-operative wireless modes, along with a level editing feature.
