Tenchu: Stealth Assassins (2024)

Tenchu: Stealth Assassins
Developer(s)	Acquire
Publisher(s)	SMEJ Activision
Designer(s)	Takuma Endo (director)
Writer(s)	Takuma Endo
Artist(s)	Koushi Nakanishi Naoki Sudo
Composer(s)	Noriyuki Asakura
Platform(s)	PlayStation
Release date(s)	NA August 31, 1998
Genre(s)	Stealth action
Mode(s)	Single-player
Rating(s)	ESRB: M
Media	CD-ROM
Input methods	Gamepad
Next game (release)	Tenchu 2
Next game (canon)	Tenchu 3

Tenchu: Stealth Assassins (立体忍者活劇 天誅 Rittai Ninja Katsugeki: Tenchū^?) is the first game in the Tenchu series. Created and designed by Takuma Endo of Acquire, Tenchu has been cited as one the most influential games in the stealth genre. The game was also the start of a long lasting franchise, consisting of nine releases over the first decade of its existence. Tenchu was originally owned and published by Sony Music Entertainment Japan.

Canonically, the storyline of the game takes place after the events seen in Tenchu 2 and Dark Secret. This chronological placement positions the narrative within the broader timeline of the Tenchu series, allowing for the continuation and development of the overarching story that unfolds across multiple installments in the franchise.

Story[]

The narrative of Tenchu: Stealth Assassins is presented through a series of missions, offering players the choice of protagonists between the Shinobi (male ninja) Rikimaru and the Kunoichi (female ninja) Ayame. This mission-based structure provides a semi-flexible plotline, allowing players to navigate through the storyline at their discretion. To enhance clarity and minimize confusion regarding the plot and character-specific details, the story unfolds progressively through each mission, providing a cohesive and engaging experience for players.

Note: The following is a description of the American, English version of Tenchu: Stealth Assassins. The game is mission based and therefore has a semi-flexible plotline.

Set in Feudal Japan, Tenchu: Stealth Assassins centers around two protagonists, Rikimaru (力丸) and Ayame (彩女). As members of the Azuma ninja clan, their unwavering loyalty lies with Lord Matsunoshin Gohda. The Azuma ninja clan operates as spies and assassins, dedicated to safeguarding the safety and honor of the Gohda province.

• The commencement of the game involves a training mission wherein Rikimaru or Ayame is tasked with navigating an obstacle course to evaluate and refine their ninja skills. Successful completion of the course elicits positive remarks from either Lord Gohda or Princess Kiku, acknowledging the ninja's proficiency. Conversely, subpar performance results in admonishment from Lord Gohda or Princess Kiku, highlighting the emphasis on skill development and the consequential feedback based on the ninja's performance. If the ninja does poorly, Naotata Sekiya berates the ninja.

• In the inaugural mission, the protagonist is assigned the task of eliminating the wealthy merchant, Echigoya. Having amassed substantial wealth through the demise of his competitors, Echigoya extended his influence into protection, loan-sharking, and gambling. Given his financial prowess, there is chance that he could bribe his way out, if caught and tried traditionally. Upon neutralizing Echigoya's main body guard, the ninja concludes the mission by eliminating Echigoya himself. In his final moments, Echigoya's desperate cries of "My money! My money!" serve as poignant evidence of his corruption.

• In the second mission, the protagonist initiates the successful theft of a written plan outlining an impending attack on Lord Gohda. The absence of this critical intelligence could potentially subject Lord Gohda to a perilous confrontation. As a preemptive measure, the enemy dispatches their warriors and ninja to the village outside Gohda castle. The protagonist's primary objective is to navigate through the village, either avoiding or executing enemy forces, to deliver the crucial plans to Lord Gohda's safely.

• In the third mission, the alternate protagonist, either Rikimaru or Ayame, depending on the player's choice, is captured. Lord Gohda, having released the protagonist, temporarily, from the ninja code which forbids the rescue of a captured comrade, authorizes the protagonist to undertake the perilous task of locating and freeing the captured ninja. The journey entails navigating through a dense forest and a hazardous cave. Upon discovering the captive ninja, the protagonist faces a formidable adversary in the rotund and well-armed jailer, Goo along with the added challenge of confronting a bear. Following the defeat of the jailer, the enigmatic and malevolent ninja Onikage reveals himself, ominously declaring his intent to target Lord Gohda and the ninja, setting the stage for future conflicts.

• In the fourth mission, the protagonist returns from a reconnaissance mission with vital information about the neighboring province's preparations for war. The protagonist must cross through a checkpoint to deliver the information to Lord Gohda. At the checkpoint, the initial duel involves the protagonist facing a young lady guarding the gate. The encounter unfolds in a similar manner for both protagonists, confronting the girl wielding a Naginata. The ninja asks for passage, refrains from providing identification, and the confrontation ensues. The checkpoint's obstacles must be navigated before facing the young lady's older brother. The second duel differs depending on the chosen protagonist. If Rikimaru is selected, the brother apologizes for his sister's attitude and challenges Rikimaru to a formal duel. On the other hand, if Ayame is chosen, the brother is angry and seeks retribution for his sister's death, interpreting her sassy comments as insults.

• In the fifth mission, the protagonist is tasked with eliminating Lord Gohda's corrupt finance minister, Kataoka, following the discovery of corrupt business practices in Echigoya's journals. Kataoka, who is also Naotata Sekiya's son-in-law, faces the threat of exposure. Despite the option to arrest Kataoka, Lord Gohda refrains, in order to avoid bringing shame upon Sekiya. Recognizing Lord Gohda's hesitation, Sekiya entrusts the Azuma ninja with the mission of executing the corrupt minister. Encountering the minister's head guard, a duel ensues to extract information about Kataoka's whereabouts. After the duel, the guard reveals that his master is currently away. The guard is then dispatched by a golden arrow shot by an unseen assailant. The final confrontation diverges based on the chosen protagonist. If Rikimaru is selected, the ninja appeals to Kataoka's honor, leading to a request for assistance in Seppuku. In Ayame's scenario, the minister rejects her criticism and attacks her, underestimating her abilities due to her gender. The ensuing battle between Ayame and Kataoka unfolds as an empowering encounter. Kataoka is only armed with a bow and arrows and is easily dispatched by a swift ninja.

• In the sixth mission, the protagonist is assigned the mission to eliminate the followers of the Manji cult and retrieve a stone containing an evil spirit. The cultists are utilizing the stone to create an army of zombie-like followers, with apparent ambitions to spread mystical corruption further. The protagonist's objective is to thwart their plans and retrieve the malevolent stone. Upon encountering the keeper of the stone, a formidable and rather large woman, she reveals that the stone is inside her belly. She defiantly declares that the ninja will not obtain it. The ensuing duel unfolds with the protagonist beating the Manji Cultist. Following the completion of the duel, Onikage makes another appearance, attempting to kill the ninja; however, Onikage retreats when he starts to lose.

• In the seventh mission, the protagonist is tasked with eliminating Spanish pirates who have been attacking a coastal town. Upon reaching their ship, the ninja faces the formidable task of battling the ship's captain, Balmer, a strong man that fights, wielding the ship's anchor. The protagonist drives out the pirates by ultimately exterminating him.

• In the eighth mission, the protagonist is assigned the critical task of retrieving a magic herb from the top of Mt. Shiba to cure Princess Kiku, who has suddenly fallen ill and is losing her sight. The magic herb is identified as the only remedy capable of saving her. The mission involves a perilous climb, with the ninja facing and overcoming the demons of the mountain to reach the summit. Upon successfully obtaining the magic herb, the ninja declares their intention to return to the castle.

• In the ninth mission, the protagonist is tasked with eliminating Onikage and his army of demons, who have taken control of one of Lord Gohda's castles. The demons possess the ability to launch attacks on surrounding villages from their fortified base, posing a significant threat to the region's safety. Upon reaching Onikage, the malevolent figure inadvertently reveals the name of his master, Lord Mei-Oh. Additionally, he hints at the possibility that Lord Gohda's castle may have been breached. The ninja engages in a battle with Onikage, leading to Onikage bleeding heavily and eventually disappearing in a flash of light. This mission unveils critical information about the antagonist's master, and raises concerns about potential threats to Lord Gohda's castle.

• In the final mission, the narrative takes a dramatic turn as Lord Gohda's daughter, Princess Kiku, falls into the clutches of Lord Mei-Oh, the king of hell. It is revealed that the events of the ninth mission served as a diversion orchestrated by Onikage. Lord Gohda now at the mercy of the evil Lord Mei-Oh, both Rikimaru and Ayame are dispatched to rescue his lord's only daughter. The protagonists navigate through challenges that include battling skeletal samurai and confronting twisted, fire-breathing zombies. In their quest, the ninja duo successfully defeats Onikage. They then proceed to search for Princess Kiku within the perilous underground tunnels. The climax of the mission takes place in a deep cavern, where Lord Mei-Oh has opened a portal, setting the stage for a final confrontation between the ninja and the malevolent Lord Mei-Oh. The protagonists face the ultimate challenge to save Princess Kiku and thwart the plans of the king of hell.

In the final cutscene, the secondary protagonist has successfully saved Princess Kiku. The trio, comprising Rikimaru, Ayame, and the rescued princess, must make their way out of the crumbling caves. Rikimaru lays down his sword to shift a boulder, allowing Ayame and Kiku to reach safety. While Ayame and Kiku manage to escape, Rikimaru remains behind. Ayame watches the heartwarming reunion between Princess Kiku and her father, Lord Gohda, before solemnly plunging Rikimaru's sword into the earth.

Background Information and Notes[]

Development[]

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Missions[]

• Training

Rikimaru[]

1. Punish The Evil Merchant (悪徳商人を成敗せよ Akutoku shōnin wo seibai seyo)
2. Deliver The Secret Message (密書を運べ Missho wo hakobe)
3. Rescue The Captive Ninja (捕虜を助け出せ Horyo wo tasukedase)
4. Cross The Checkpoint (関所を越えろ Sekisho wo koero)
5. Execute The Corrupt Minister (悪の奉行を討伐せよ Aku no bugyō wo tōbatsu seyo)
6. Infiltrate The Manji Cult (邪教卍教の御神体 Jakyō Manjikyō no gojintai)
7. Destroy The Foreign Pirate (南蛮海賊の来襲 Nanban kaizoku no raishū)
8. Cure The Princess (姫の大病 Hime no taibyō)
9. Reclaim The Castle (鬼の城 Oni no shiro)
10. Free The Princess (闇の城 Yami no shiro)

Ayame[]

1. Punish The Evil Merchant (悪徳商人を成敗せよ Akutoku shōnin wo seibai seyo)
2. Deliver The Secret Message (密書を運べ Missho wo hakobe)
3. Rescue The Captive Ninja (捕虜を助け出せ Horyo wo tasukedase)
4. Cross The Checkpoint (関所を越えろ Sekisho wo koero)
5. Execute The Corrupt Minister (悪の奉行を討伐せよ Aku no bugyō wo tōbatsu seyo)
6. Infiltrate The Manji Cult (邪教卍教の御神体 Jakyō Manjikyō no gojintai)
7. Destroy The Foreign Pirate (南蛮海賊の来襲 Nanban kaizoku no raishū)
8. Cure The Princess (姫の大病 Hime no taibyō)
9. Reclaim The Castle (鬼の城 Oni no shiro)
10. Free The Princess (闇の城 Yami no shiro)

Gallery[]

Concept Art[]

Renders[]

External links[]

• Tenchu: Stealth Assassins at MobyGames
• Tenchu: Stealth Assassins at Allgame