When playability makes all the difference.
The game succedes in the "main" department: playability. GS (and I must say, some other sites too) say that one can breeze through the game, by passing by every enemy, reach the boss and kill it. But why someone would play Tenchu like that ? That's absurd, tottaly out of place. It's even more absurd coming from sites dedicate to gaming, witha reputation of years. From there on the review was marked. Tip: next time ask a guy who "understands" Tenchu to do the review.
Art-wise, the game isn't brilliant, not even close to beautiness that western games deliver. Howver, somehow, the graphics have some sort of "personality", that manages to evolve the player. Our foes, for instance, have an irritating look (and sometimes giggles) that gives us a special pleasure to obliterate them.
Sound is a bit better, it manages to "side-kick" the action pretty well. However, it still has those sounds that Japanese games can't seem to set them appart of - they're in PES; they're Dinasty Warriors (and every Koei game), I trully believe those are in every Asian game, like a subliminar message.
Other aspect I can't understand at GS review is that they claim the player can play but some of the missions the game has - and that way miss some important aspects of the plot. Once again, why would anyone miss some missions? This is all too weird: one buys the game, runs through it just to finish is as quick as one can, missing some parts - by choice, than complains ? Wow, GS shouldn't endorse this kinda of gaming, this is not the way ludic software is supposed to be played.
As I said before, playability is where the game real shines, and it shines bright! It is so very rewarding to do those Ninja 5 ranks!, it really gives one the sense of "steaththyness".
I sometimes wonder if some comany would spawn from, for instance: From Software and Epic, it should deliver some outstanding tittles.
As it is I'll continue to pay close attention to these guys at From, they're delivering some pretty clever titles.