Tenchu fans rejoice!
Did you like the first Tenchu? Well, then you'll be happy to know that the linear-ish gameplay of the last few titles is gone. Now you're back to wide-open levels and choose-your-own-path type gameplay.
Did you like Tenchu 2? The music in Tenchu Z will remind you of a few Level Editor songs, and you'll be glad to know that water is once again your friend. You can also drag bodies, and there's multiple Stealth Kills.
Did you like Wrath of Heaven? Some of the newer Ninja Items return from this era, as well as the dual analog stick controls.
Fatal Shadows? The direction K2 was taking in this game to differentiate themselves from previous developer Acquire continues, only on a slightly larger scale. You can tell they're testing the waters with Tenchu Z. I sense big things ahead as far as revamped gameplay mechanics.
CONTROLS:
The new control scheme can be a little tricky at first, but once you get used to it, you won't want to change them back. If all else fails, you can always change them to however you'd like. Every button is customizable to do whatever you want. Pretty good freedom in this department. The only bad thing is that once the **** hits the fan, you might find yourself reverting back to previous Tenchu control schemes without realizing it, maybe ending in your death.
8/10
GAMEPLAY:
It's as if someone took the restrictions off. Now you can do so much more than before. There are so many different variations to disperse your enemies that you could finish every opponent in a level with a different tactic or Kill. Pretty good stuff! There are many different types of missions, but it basically comes down to you killing everyone else on the map, then killing off the final enemy or retrieving the package, or both. Good thing that never gets boring! This score gets a little lower because of the sparse variety.
7/10
MUSIC:
Most reminiscent of Tenchu 2. Very atmospheric. I bought the Soundtrack and gave it a lot of listening. Nothing horrible, but nothing too rememberable either. Fits right in to the game and really helps push the vibe they're trying to give the player, so I guess it's a job well done. Nothing will ever beat the first game's soundtrack, even though Wrath of Heaven came close.
7/10