Tenchu: Stealth Assassins

 PlayStation
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 108
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 108
  3. Negative: 4 out of 108
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. DunnieDash
    Feb 13, 2013
    10
    Nothing short of classic, Tenchu set the tone for stealth action games with rich atmosphere, insanely awesome ninja techniques, and simple, yet intricate gameplay that still holds up to this day. The music is also a staple in the game, much the same way Nobuo Uematsu's music is used in Final Fantasy. If you haven't played it, you're missin out.
  2. bettacritic
    Aug 24, 2011
    10
    Ground breaking game in its day, great control, wonderful soundtrack and voice acting , Great level design and story just the simple concept of enemies that didn't re spawn out of no where and stayed dead added realism that games today seem to miss.Classic
  3. GuitarheroGod1
    Jan 25, 2016
    10
    Tenchu: Stealth Assassins is an amazing, well rounded stealth game for both the hardcore, or the casual gamer. The atmosphere of running through the shadows and stalking your enemies is always entertaining, whether you sprint through slicing every foe, or sneak by undetected towards the boss. Each level's reply-ability is astounding. And I haven't even gotten to the cheat codes yet. TheTenchu: Stealth Assassins is an amazing, well rounded stealth game for both the hardcore, or the casual gamer. The atmosphere of running through the shadows and stalking your enemies is always entertaining, whether you sprint through slicing every foe, or sneak by undetected towards the boss. Each level's reply-ability is astounding. And I haven't even gotten to the cheat codes yet. The blue screen dominated my childhood, as I'd give my character the ability to shoot bullets from his chest. All in all, this game is one of the best early 3D games, helping to define the stealth genre overall.… Expand
  4. bobbsyw
    Feb 1, 2015
    10
    I remember this as a groundbreaking title back in it's day - one of the first to really push the stealth angle (you could generally only 100% a level by not being detected at all). The graphics were solid at best, but the gameplay and soundtrack more than made up for the visuals. I shudder to think the number of times that I must've played the level with the traitorous clan leader, just soI remember this as a groundbreaking title back in it's day - one of the first to really push the stealth angle (you could generally only 100% a level by not being detected at all). The graphics were solid at best, but the gameplay and soundtrack more than made up for the visuals. I shudder to think the number of times that I must've played the level with the traitorous clan leader, just so that I could listen to the music again. And the fact that the ending was different if you played through as the male/female was just brilliant.… Expand
  5. Leontorres7
    Nov 13, 2018
    10
    A Masterpiece, loved everything about this game, it is definitely a must play!
  6. THE_COCONUT_MAN
    Jul 23, 2011
    10
    A true classic of the PS1, diverse selection of levels, ground breaking soundtrack great art style. Well worth dusting off and jamming in the disc tray
  7. Lyserg1260
    Aug 23, 2015
    8
    Flat shading, bad plot, bad controls and bad AI - it is how i would describe this game now. But since it was the first game in series and first 3D stealth game (also first serious, good stealth game) it can be called father of all stealth games. We can forgive these bad things since this game is really old and it was really good when it was released. True classic. Also it has amazingFlat shading, bad plot, bad controls and bad AI - it is how i would describe this game now. But since it was the first game in series and first 3D stealth game (also first serious, good stealth game) it can be called father of all stealth games. We can forgive these bad things since this game is really old and it was really good when it was released. True classic. Also it has amazing soundtrack. It is how legend was born, only to be destroyed after second game.… Expand
  8. DavidHoltzer
    May 2, 2019
    10
    This is a classic one.I loved everything about it.Starting from the various stealth kills, which were great.Also the combat was easy to get used to.I really loved the skill testing elements and i should mention the brilliant music in this game.
  9. AnthonyS.
    Aug 7, 2003
    10
    Absolutely fantastic game, even five years later, it still stands up well against its contenders. The 'instant kill' sequences are thge best part.
  10. EverinN.
    Nov 17, 2007
    9
    Even though the controls, gameplay and sound, other than ambience, were good, more levels and enemies could have been added. The game could've featured different uniforms,and "build up" stats to diversify the player's persona. Overall, I loved double jumping acroos the screen w/o touching the ground. Yes, it's possible.
  11. AJCk19
    Aug 15, 2021
    10
    The OG of stealth games. I don't even know what I could criticize about this game.
  12. justmytwocents
    Nov 27, 2018
    10
    One of the few games that I would still recommend everyone to play today. Amazing soundtrack, brilliant story and awesome level design. A fantastic game.
  13. gessie00
    Sep 9, 2019
    10
    Absolutely amazing for its time, and it still holds up as one of the finest hack-and-slash stealth games.
  14. CorvoMarston
    Aug 9, 2020
    9
    Tenchu a été un des premiers jeux d'action/infiltration en 3D sur PS1.
    Dès les premières minutes, on appréhende le gameplay, si riche pour l'époque.
    MGS est sortie la même année que Tenchu, à quelques mois d'intervalle. Mais le jeu d'Activision tient haut la main la comparaison en terme de gameplay, d'environnements 3D (même si la distance d'affichage reste très faible) et d'immersion.    Tenchu a été un des premiers jeux d'action/infiltration en 3D sur PS1.
    Dès les premières minutes, on appréhende le gameplay, si riche pour l'époque.
    MGS est sortie la même année que Tenchu, à quelques mois d'intervalle. Mais le jeu d'Activision tient haut la main la comparaison en terme de gameplay, d'environnements 3D (même si la distance d'affichage reste très faible) et d'immersion.
    Le grappin et les différentes diversions pour attirer l’ennemi révolutionnent le jeu d'infiltration en 3D.
    Le moveset des personnages de Tenchu est génial (se plaquer aux murs, parades, coups sautés, roulades et déplacement accroupi, différents sauts pour les esquives...) et à chaque finish move, différents en fonction de l'approche, les frissons sont là.
    Mais que serait Tenchu sans sa bande son juste incroyable. Encore aujourd'hui, difficile de trouver mieux.
    Alors bien sur, ne parlons pas du doublage français... Il faut le jouer en version original pour atteindre ce sommet d'immersion dont je parle.
    Tenchu aurait probablement obtenue 10 si son scénario et certains de ses personnages avaient été plus développés.
    Activision, qui a produit Sekiro du studio From Software, avait de sacrés arguments dans sa besace pour accompagner le loup à un bras vers les sommets du jeu d'action/infiltration qu'il a atteint.    … Expand
  15. ylnylmn
    Aug 23, 2022
    9
    Normally I don't like games that require you to progress stealth. I thought it might be in this game. But no, they designed the game to suit every player. Progress by fighting if you want, or stealth. Of course, if you progress stealth, you get better points, it didn't matter to me. What matters is the enjoyment I get from the gameplay. Combat mechanics are very nice. You have to defendNormally I don't like games that require you to progress stealth. I thought it might be in this game. But no, they designed the game to suit every player. Progress by fighting if you want, or stealth. Of course, if you progress stealth, you get better points, it didn't matter to me. What matters is the enjoyment I get from the gameplay. Combat mechanics are very nice. You have to defend and attack in time. You have to be patient. You need to choose the direction of your attacks carefully. These kinds of things add dynamism to combat. Using various items is also very fun. It's a bit of a short game, but it's good enough. 1998's Sekiro :)… Expand
  16. hyrts
    Jun 4, 2022
    10
    I have had so much fun with this game series. I still come back to this game from time to time.

    The Japanese ninja samurai feeling is so good. It's a 10/10 stealth game.
  17. Luis85gamerman
    Nov 21, 2022
    10
    Tenchu is and always be one of the best masterpieces that I had the pleasure to play in my earlies gamer years, just 10 of 10 and the music is absolutely superb.
  18. bedirhankrgny
    Jan 31, 2023
    10
    I think this game is one of the best ps1 game ever after Tenchu 2. I sad after because game is very dark also story telling is not so good but gameplay is very good. Stealth things are good, killing animations also very very good. I think this game series should be in the nex gen ps store library.
  19. VLG
    Aug 23, 2023
    7
    I dont even remember in what situation i played this game, probably at some childhood friend house. I loved the style, but it was too hard to really try to beat it.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best PS1 Game of 1998
10
#10 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1998
12
#12 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1998

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Gamezilla!
    93
    The simplicity of the controller functions, along with a decent soundtrack, combine to make a great game for a low price.
    Read full review
  2. PSX Nation
    93
    A hard, gritty adventure that should be enough to hold off the "MGS" cravings until the domestic release.
    Read full review
  3. Absolute Playstation
    92
    The game rivets you to your seat with challenging gameplay, a thought provoking storyline and non-stop suspense as you sneak your way through level after level of action and intriguing twists.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »