Tenchu – Shadow Assassins takes you deep into feudal Japan, where the legendary ninja Rikimaru and the skilled kunoichi Ayame serve as loyal protectors of Lord Gohda. A year after defeating the dark sorcerer who threatened the kingdom, peace has returned, but it remains fragile as whispers of betrayal begin to spread within the palace. On one moonlit night, Lord Gohda’s right-hand man, the advisor Sekiya, summons a fortune teller to foresee the kingdom’s future. However, the fortune teller is merely a disguised intruder who kidnaps Princess Kiku, Lord Gohda’s daughter. Without hesitation, Ayame sets off to find her, while Rikimaru is assigned another task—continuing his investigation into the growing unrest in the land. During his inquiries, Rikimaru uncovers that Daimyo Tado is the mastermind behind these events.
As Rikimaru’s journey unfolds, he realizes that the betrayal does not come from outside alone but also from within the palace itself. The trusted advisor Sekiya, who was considered Lord Gohda’s right hand, is revealed to be part of the conspiracy, allied with dark forces to overthrow the rule. In a confrontation with Sekiya, Rikimaru discovers that the advisor is actually a disguise for the evil ninja Onikage, an old enemy who has returned from the dead seeking revenge. In a decisive battle, Rikimaru is forced to make a difficult choice to save the kingdom—he must sacrifice Princess Kiku, whom Onikage used as a human shield. With a swift and precise strike, Rikimaru ends Onikage’s life but loses the princess in the process, leaving Ayame heartbroken over the loss of her close friend.
The game offers a refined stealth experience, allowing players to control both Rikimaru and Ayame through ten main missions, along with 50 side missions known as assignments. The game features an over-the-shoulder camera perspective, providing players with a clear view of their surroundings and the ability to plan their strategies carefully. Rikimaru, with his calm demeanor and strong combat abilities, faces direct challenges that require skill and strength. On the other hand, Ayame relies on speed and agility, making her missions more complex as she utilizes the environment for stealth. Her relatively weaker physical strength forces players to think strategically about how to eliminate enemies and hide bodies without being detected.
The game introduces a variety of versatile tools, such as cats that can be used for distraction or scouting the area. These tools enhance the depth of strategy and offer players multiple ways to complete their missions creatively.
Tenchu – Shadow Assassins marks a significant evolution in the series, featuring major improvements in graphics and design compared to previous installments. Character models and environmental details have been enhanced, adding depth and realism to the experience. In terms of gameplay, this version introduces an innovative control system that takes advantage of the PSP’s capabilities, bringing a new layer of interaction to the game. Additional side missions have also been included, extending the game’s longevity and providing players with new challenges to explore. Overall, this installment showcases the series’ growth, introducing new features and graphical enhancements while preserving the core stealth gameplay that players loved in previous entries.