Tenchu:Return From Darkness
Microsoft’s machine must go down as the only console ever to exist without any ninja titles for such a long period of time. Ninja goodness is a primary staple of the games industry, and it’s quite astonishing that the Xbox has had to go without until now. Kung Fu Chaos and DOA3 have appeased some, but as multiplayer-focused games, they never really offered a suitably immersive single-player experience. Thankfully, there are now two on the way, both with distinctly contrasting approaches to the genre.
First up, due for release in time for Xmas, Argonaut are bringing I-Ninja to the PS2, Cube and Box. I-Ninja’s a cartoony Jackie Chan type of affair, with an emphasis on jumping around like a loon rather than delivering vengeance from the shadows. The mini-ninja fella can scale buildings, fire rockets, and hover in the air, using a ‘sword-copter’, as well as delivering fists and feet to the faces of foolish fiends.
By Spring 2004, the Xbox will also gain a version of Activision’s stealth-heavy Tenchu series. Tenchu: Return From Darkness is from the same lineage as its PS2 counterpart ‘Wrath of Heaven’, but has enjoyed a reasonably extensive re-working. Apart from graphical tweaks and a few extra levels, the Xbox version will also have new two-player options. There’s a standard versus mode, and also a Live-enabled co-op mode: this will let you link up with a fellow ninja from the furthest Himalyan temples before sneaking up behind him and slicing his throat with a big sword, muttering ‘Oh, we’re playing co-op, sorry mate… I didn’t realise.’
First up, due for release in time for Xmas, Argonaut are bringing I-Ninja to the PS2, Cube and Box. I-Ninja’s a cartoony Jackie Chan type of affair, with an emphasis on jumping around like a loon rather than delivering vengeance from the shadows. The mini-ninja fella can scale buildings, fire rockets, and hover in the air, using a ‘sword-copter’, as well as delivering fists and feet to the faces of foolish fiends.
By Spring 2004, the Xbox will also gain a version of Activision’s stealth-heavy Tenchu series. Tenchu: Return From Darkness is from the same lineage as its PS2 counterpart ‘Wrath of Heaven’, but has enjoyed a reasonably extensive re-working. Apart from graphical tweaks and a few extra levels, the Xbox version will also have new two-player options. There’s a standard versus mode, and also a Live-enabled co-op mode: this will let you link up with a fellow ninja from the furthest Himalyan temples before sneaking up behind him and slicing his throat with a big sword, muttering ‘Oh, we’re playing co-op, sorry mate… I didn’t realise.’
Read More Like This