Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen

 PlayStation Vita
User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 45
  3. Negative: 9 out of 45
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  1. VegetarianWolf
    Nov 19, 2012
    8
    The game is definitely a Ninja game. You can run on walls, grapple to ledges, and execute bad guys.
    This is my favorite game for the Vita so far, and really the only reason I even own a Vita.
    Tons of unlockables, tons of quests, different factions to side with, and graphics that are even better than some Triple A title PS3 games. The game has great pacing, and you can choose to use    The game is definitely a Ninja game. You can run on walls, grapple to ledges, and execute bad guys.
    This is my favorite game for the Vita so far, and really the only reason I even own a Vita.
    Tons of unlockables, tons of quests, different factions to side with, and graphics that are even better than some Triple A title PS3 games.
    The game has great pacing, and you can choose to use stealth or run head on at enemies depending on your playstyle. Both options are very fun.
    My only complaints are that the game does get repetitive. But it doesn't bother me a bit.    … Expand
  2. CHEESEDBEEF
    Mar 3, 2015
    9
    First off I want to say kudos to Acquire, by chance most games I've played recently are by Acquire and I haven't been let down yet. They did a great job with Shinobido 2 and brought back that classic Tenchu style gameplay along with some welcome new features. Put simply, this is Tenchu. from the movement of the character, to the grapple hook, you will see how alike the games are to oneFirst off I want to say kudos to Acquire, by chance most games I've played recently are by Acquire and I haven't been let down yet. They did a great job with Shinobido 2 and brought back that classic Tenchu style gameplay along with some welcome new features. Put simply, this is Tenchu. from the movement of the character, to the grapple hook, you will see how alike the games are to one another.
    Your base of operation comes in the form of a menu, which allows you to change your loadout, upgrade your character, use alchemy to create new items, and most importantly embark on missions. a variety of missions keep the gameplay fresh for a while, but lack of environments (repeated maps) bore you easily if its graphics and landscapes your after. Maps are somewhat bigger than previous titles and graphical detail looks great on the Vitas screen.
    Overall I give it a 9, because of the nostalgia trip Tenchu fans with have, and because its the only game of its kind currently on the vita. a great addition to anyone's vita collection.    … Expand
  3. Cellardoorkidd
    May 12, 2014
    9
    I think it is very odd and sad that no one in the reviews has made the connection that this game is an absolute LOVE LETTER to the original Tenchu Stealth Assassins on PSX. The character even looks and moves just like Rikimaru, has a grappling hook that works the same and you will feel like a ninja I guarantee. I pulled off the same amazing kills I could in TSA 1-3.

    Playing this is like    I think it is very odd and sad that no one in the reviews has made the connection that this game is an absolute LOVE LETTER to the original Tenchu Stealth Assassins on PSX. The character even looks and moves just like Rikimaru, has a grappling hook that works the same and you will feel like a ninja I guarantee. I pulled off the same amazing kills I could in TSA 1-3.

    Playing this is like playing a next gen homage to the game that STARTED the stealth ninja game, and this game does a phenomenal job recreating and totally surpassing Tenchu in every way. The level you play in the demo is even called 'Assassinate the Merchant'!! The same first mission from Tenchu!!

    It adds in excellent wall runs, wall jumps and better swordplay along with a much more responsive EVERYTHING. It has an awesome cinematic kill option that is fun to sprinkle into your gameplay. Sure the AI is not a genius but it delivers on something that I've been wanting for a VERY long time. Portable Tenchu gameplay. BRAVO.

    Do NOT listen to the noob reviews, and if you loved Tenchu 1-3 this game is an absolute MUST own next gen upgraded version, with nostalgia dripping around every corner. Thanks for making this game Namco, and ninja gamers ENJOY!!    … Expand
  4. Bakougak
    Aug 27, 2014
    7
    I think it´s a good game. I like the stealth, the tool creation that could be bigger and the attacks. But i did not liked the rescue and trasporting missions, they were boring and stupid. The game could have more maps but i liked it it´s a good stealth game and i recommended.
  5. Castlefront
    Oct 15, 2014
    8
    Did you like Tenchu? Do you own a Vita? Buy this game!

    Okay, I had no idea when I purchased this game, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out this game was developed by Acquire, the original creators of Tenchu. When I began playing the game I thought, "Dang, this is just like Tenchu, copyright infringement much?" It was only after I looked up Acquire that I realized, "Hey! this    Did you like Tenchu? Do you own a Vita? Buy this game!

    Okay, I had no idea when I purchased this game, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out this game was developed by Acquire, the original creators of Tenchu. When I began playing the game I thought, "Dang, this is just like Tenchu, copyright infringement much?" It was only after I looked up Acquire that I realized, "Hey! this is Tenchu!" And it is.

    I should try to haiku this bad boy.
    In the darkness near the waterfall
    A guard yawns
    Desiring fainting sushi.

    This game is great. Squatting in the night on some roof, watching the patrol route of a guard, planning your attack so that you are not seen. But if you are, don't worry--just run about thirty feet and squat again.

    Shinobido 2 is not a Ninja simulator; the fundamental mechanics of the game are pruned such that the entire experience, from invasion to escape, is rewarding. It is so satisfying to execute the nearly mystical moves Zen is capable of on an entire entourage of closely grouped guards. Who cares if it isn't even remotely realistic, did you see me just Chimatsuri Sappo like seven dudes in a row?!

    I did have a few camera issues. For example, I would be nudging Zen over to get a better view of a bear, and WHAM, she would see me. To be honest, if I were to fully utilize the controls available to me, I would not run into situations like this, but the camera is a bit wonky. I also experienced a bit of disorientation on occasion, when the camera would automatically center behind me, that led to some comical maneuvering on my part.

    The game play is also well designed for a hand held. You can't really tell how long a mission will take, but they are all easily completed in less than twenty minutes.

    Great game for Tenchu fans, great match for the system.    … Expand
  6. okunoin9
    Jun 22, 2012
    6
    I gave Shinobido 2 a 6. I did juggle with the idea of giving a 7 score, but I believe the game doesn't offer enough variety to warrant a higher score. My initial playthrough has lasted around 8 hours, a fair length - and the game does dole out an array of optional character skins and costumes to make further plathroughs more enjoyable.
    The reason why Shinobido 2 didn't score higher for    I gave Shinobido 2 a 6. I did juggle with the idea of giving a 7 score, but I believe the game doesn't offer enough variety to warrant a higher score. My initial playthrough has lasted around 8 hours, a fair length - and the game does dole out an array of optional character skins and costumes to make further plathroughs more enjoyable.
    The reason why Shinobido 2 didn't score higher for me, is because it suffers from a fairly flat execution of it's story, the cutscenes, while visually at a fairly nice standard, with a nice attention to detail, generally don't pack much of a visual punch. The characters themselves are pretty one dimensional, with our hero, Zen, being almost irritatingly stubborn. It's clear this is a direct sequel to the first game, so the story is harder to grasp to newcomers to the series like myself. It also makes the intentions of the villain fairly obscured because it relates directly to events that happened in the previous game.
    It simply comes across as being half baked, the creators could have done so much more with such a combination of unusual characters, but it feels as though we gleam most of the characteristics of these people from the ending montage!
    Another conflicting aspect of the game is the overall presentation, beautiful music dampened by basic sound effects, pretty locations plagued with repetition, nice character models with basic animation.
    The missions themselves offer various styles, including kidnapping, sabotage, retrieving documents, bodyguard work, annihilation, hunting and good old assassination - this is where the game works it's magic. Going back to the most basic forms of stealth gameplay, the game offers the most enjoyment - suffering only when we're forced to do face-to-face combat because the janky, unyielding nature of the gameplay can frustrate.
    Another aspect of the game that regrettably under-delivers is the daimyo, or warlord association. By carrying out missions from certain daimyo you can improve your reputation with them, unlocking certain gifts and rarer missions. Basically you can aid certain daimyo to win the war, by favouring one over another you can sway the outcome of the war however you like. The outcome itself doesn't appear to affect the story - however I did unlock a unique cutscene at the end of the game along with my A ranking *wink wink* So again, while it does fall short of what it could have been, it does offer replay value should you choose to back the other daimyo (three to choose from) in future playthroughs
    Shinobido 2 is a game of potential, and there is a lot of value in it should you choose to seek it, just don't expect to be blown away in your playthrough, with a steep curve to attune yourself with the controls, and the gameplay in general, many people will be put off straight away. After a few hours though I did very much enjoy the good old Tenchu nature of the game, and I will continue to jump in every now and then to back those other daimyo, and perhaps play as a bear!    … Expand
  7. BalloonBollicks
    Apr 11, 2012
    10
    It is sooo obvious which publishers are paying the critics and who aren't. How could anyone score MW3 higher than shinibido 2? This game is deep and highly enjoyable, totally disregard the critics and go with user reviews needless to say.
  8. EyeBurn
    Feb 21, 2012
    7
    I think it's just "ok". The game trailers did a good job marketing it, but I found I wasn't woohoo'ing about it after about a minute of game play. I should have saved my pennies for something else.
  9. Ps3winz
    Mar 11, 2012
    7
    The game looks and feels 10 years old. In terms of voiceacting, story, etc. the game doesn't shine. However, I like the menu layouts, music (even though it's somewhat repetitive) and the stealth kills. It's a great stealth action game with lots of decisions and influences you can have, but it's also reptitive and that can turn some people off. Overall it's good but not great.
  10. JDnator
    Apr 7, 2012
    10
    Best current game on the vita, ignore the critics. if you like any of the categories, stealth/ninja/swordplay/tactics you will like this game. it does what it sets out to do VERY very well. i was dubious at first as nothing seemed right with the game to be honest, which is never a good start however for reasons I can only assume are due to the hidden quality's of game play i kept comingBest current game on the vita, ignore the critics. if you like any of the categories, stealth/ninja/swordplay/tactics you will like this game. it does what it sets out to do VERY very well. i was dubious at first as nothing seemed right with the game to be honest, which is never a good start however for reasons I can only assume are due to the hidden quality's of game play i kept coming back to it... and continue to do so. if you can get past the dodgy sounds, textures and movement the game has so much more to offer than any other games ive played on the vita. missions are actually pretty diverse unlike unit 13's missions. essentially your doing the same things but what game doesn't do that? missions vary from assassinations, reckon, assault, guard, kidnaps, stealth, burglary plus more and they all play well. the game system of accepting missions, making choices, levelling up your character and alchemy is also very nice. this is one of the few games on the vita thus far i am actually interested in and i bought it on a total whim.... best decision in a long time, if graphics don't mean EVERYTHING to you (not saying that's a bad thing) then check this game out!! (other games i have are uncharted, reality fighters, rayman, unit 13, dynasty wariors wipeout and motorstorm rc.... surprisingly shinobido is my favorite although i can understand why a lot of people don't give it 10 mins)… Expand
  11. MrLudus
    May 7, 2012
    3
    The controls are the worst I've ever seen. The graphics are okay I guess and the storyline is even more **** Best not spend your hard earned money on this title ;).
  12. KnucklesChaotix
    May 16, 2012
    6
    The graphics are nowhere near as good as the Vita can produce, not to mention that the controls are shaky. The environments get repetitive, but it's still god fun for a while.
  13. buckwylder
    Jan 25, 2018
    10
    Anybody who does not like this game has not given it the proper time investment to understand the game at all. It's a Japanese title, so it's not going to hold your hand through all the best parts of the game. You have to actually play it to understand it's greatness. I have platinum trophy'd this game and still play it to this day.

    If you ever played any Tenchu games and are a fan of    Anybody who does not like this game has not given it the proper time investment to understand the game at all. It's a Japanese title, so it's not going to hold your hand through all the best parts of the game. You have to actually play it to understand it's greatness. I have platinum trophy'd this game and still play it to this day.

    If you ever played any Tenchu games and are a fan of that fantastic series; then this game is something you should purchase right now. It's one of the best Tenchu games I've ever played and it's not even Tenchu.

    This game is one of the best games on the Vita. The voice acting is meant to sound exactly like it does and the whole feel of the game is great as a result. It's supposed to have "cheesy" sounding voice acting, just like all the best Tenchu games. The graphics are decent enough, but it's the actual game play that matters here.

    The game is seriously awesome. Almost a perfect ninja game. Portable too.

    You're essentially getting a portable, RPG style Tenchu game called Shinobido 2. A Tenchu on steroids. Soundtrack is awesome too.

    One more thing - people are always collecting "retro" gaming consoles and spend a lot of money doing so. This game is almost a perfect example of "retro" stealth gaming in a modern package.    … Expand
  14. Gabe87
    Mar 31, 2022
    10
    great game .. there is no games like this and tenchu anymore .. too bad ididnt played the first one

Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Best PS Vita Game of 2012
36
#36 Most Discussed PS Vita Game of 2012
30
#30 Most Shared PS Vita Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 34
  3. Negative: 7 out of 34
  1. Hyper Magazine
    Apr 12, 2012
    30
    This one's a dud. [May 2012, p.83]
  2. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Apr 11, 2012
    60
    When a well-planned incursion comes to fruition, the game is rewarding; the rest of the time, it's plagued with camera weirdness, clipping errors and a clunky combat system. [April 2012, p75]
  3. Gamer.nl
    Apr 8, 2012
    45
    Shinobido 2 is a game with a few nice ideas. For instance: it has a decent pace for a stealth game with open levels that offer multiple paths. But before you'll be able to see the good that it has to offer, you'll most likely be scared off by the other awful aspects it has, like atrocious graphics, too many menus and load screens, a boring and cliché-filled story and constant repetition in gameplay.
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