Welcome to Modojo, 
The Golden Age of Ninjas
Written by Philip Jones on Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Modojo's resident ninja Philip Jones laments the death of his species and reminisces about the glory days...
...Continued From Page 4 Ninja Five 0 - Konami
Out of the blue in 2003 came a little game that received so little coverage it was almost as if it was released at night, in a dark corner somewhere, covered in stickers saying "This game has plague, leave well alone!" The goods concealed within the tiny grey cartridge just happened to be 2D ninja action gold! The graphical style, while basic, reminds one of the classic Elevator Action Returns for the Saturn, but the game couldn't play more differently. It's good old swords and shuriken, Shinobi style. The best feature has to be the ninja grappling hook, which turns the game into an amazing test of your dexterity, as you grapple from one ledge to another. This is what great ninja games are made of, pleeeaaase Konami, this game deserves a sequel!
Tenchu - From Software
The Tenchu games have been a pretty hit and miss affair. Starting out back in 1997, the series has amassed a hardcore fanbase. After all, for a long time it was pretty much the only ninja action going. With the release of the DS and PSP we finally had handhelds with enough guts to realise the 3D ninja action that Tenchu encompasses.
So, you all ready to get your ninja suit on? Well, hold it...it seems that rather than create a thrilling stealth action game, the developers decided an all out attack on your brain and eyes would do the job instead. The DS game, Tenchu: Dark Secret, is an abomination! Just check our review to find out why. Do feel free to buy this game, if you're some kind of masochist who revels in game-pain. Just don't come running to us when your eyes shrivel up.
So, the reputation of the Tenchu series falls to the PSP iteration. Tenchu: Time of the Assassins. Sounds ominous! But where is it? The game came out in Japan mid-2005 and followed in Europe a year later. By the time of its scheduled US release, it's going to be over two years old. The problem is that the game was heavily criticized by the press for being unoriginal and technically pretty poor. The game used art and sound from previous Tenchu games and was lambasted for its poor draw distance. I know ninjas love the dark but they do like to be able to see where they're headed.
I'm hopeful that the reason for the delay is a complete rewrite of the game. If none of the issues have been addressed though, this game will probably end up in the bargain bins alongside its DS brethren.
posted April 26, 2007