More Articles on Tenchu: Return from Darkness
Tenchu: Return from Darkness - Gameplay TrailerTenchu: Return from Darkness - New ScreensExclusive: Tenchu Return from the Darkness Q&ATenchu DetailsTenchu: Return from Darkness ScreenshotsLatest Features
Exclusive: Dawn of War 2: Eldar RevealedUK Exclusive: Lineage II Chaotic Throne Gracia FictionUK Exclusive: Dawn Of War II Q&A - Part 2The Bourne Conspiracy Dev Diary 4UK Exclusive: Dawn Of War II Q&AUser Reviews
There are currently 0 User Reviews for Tenchu: Return from DarknessWrite your own review for this game today and you will receive 100 Gamer Points.
Click here to register
Exclusive: Tenchu Return from the Darkness Q&A Feature
Derek dela Fuente
09/01/2004
We talk about Xbox Live! and Xbox extras exclusively to the producer of the forthcoming port of a PS2 classic...
Tenchu, the acclaimed stealth ninja series, arrives on the Xbox delivering a top-notch fix of realistic ninja action-adventure. Based on Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven, which appeared on the PlayStation2, Tenchu: Return from Darkness offers several new enhancements including two exclusive single-player maps, improved gameplay balance with re-tuned enemy intelligence and item placement, a user-interactive training mode, realistic graphics and an Xbox Live component featuring two player online co-op action. TVG managed to track down Tad Horie, the Producer of the game, at Activision Japan. We were eager to find out what new ideas and implementations were on offer and we werenât disappointed.
TVG: What crossover, continuity, will there be from the team that created Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven and what is the full premise and aspirations for Darkness? Is this more than a 'directorâs cut' extended version of the PS2 offering?
One of the main ideas for Return from Darkness is to deliver an in-depth and complete authentic ninja experience on the Xbox. Though the game is a âdirectorâs cutâ in the sense of added polish and features, one of the new key features is the Xbox Live function. This will let players play as ninjas online and cooperate with each other to accomplish missions.
TVG: What kind of technical improvements will be apparent in this new offering and have the few negative comments taken from Wrath of Heaven, like the controls were slightly 'clunky' or that the game is slightly too forgiving, been taken onboard?
There will be many technical improvements apparent in this new offering as a lot of the feedback from Wrath of Heaven was explored and taken into account. With this game the team got a second chance to do everything they want to do so, as for most of the negative comments, weâve either improved upon or fixed them as best we could. Many of the small things have been re-polished and improved and we have added new features. An example of a new feature is that you will be able to drag dead bodies and use ninja mind control moves to make enemies kill themselves.
TVG: There will be two entirely new levels. Can you expand on one, with the kind of feel and tasks on offer and what thoughts have been in your mind pertaining to designing them? What qualities and extended 'stealth techniquesâ or gaming ideas are you trying to create?
One of the new stages will be a Samurai Mansion filled with samurai that are forming a rebellion against Lord Gohda. The main idea is to have the ninja enter a tense environment that offers both indoor and outdoor gameplay. One of the new moves that weâve created is the ability to camouflage into the wall that you have pressed your back against. This will enhance the tension/stealth factor a bit by allowing you to stand still while an enemy walks right in front of you within stealth killing distance. Of course youâll have to earn this new move.
TVG: There is also a number of new enemies and weapons on offer. Roughly how many will there be and could you give us some details on a few of the enemies and weapons?
We will be including a total of two new items and four new enemies. One of the new enemies will be a female boss character that uses two swords. Her father will be the one that is forming the rebellion against Lord Gohda. She will be the ârich girl gone badâ type that we all love to fear. Her name is Mifuyu and in Kanji her name is written as âthree wintersâ. Her two blades and her body are the coldest weapons. One of the new items will be a special Viper Potion that gives you more strength temporarily but it will use up your HP when used.
TVG: How do you feel the 'stealth' game genre will evolve especially with other stealth titles such as Splinter Cell and Hitman 2 and competition being high?
The quality of games within the stealth game genre is certainly high. We will likely see different rules for stealth and different presentation techniques that will be used to pull the player into the game. As for Tenchu, we will stay true to its original ninja authenticity and that itself should be enough to keep it separate from the modern day type stealth games.
TVG: What is the average age of the team creating Darkness and how much research do you do on the weapons and even Ninja moves, for these moves are very precise? (Are there certain positions, etc. you have to adhere to?)
The average age of the team creating Return from Darkness is 29. We have done quite a bit of research regarding ninjutsu, martial arts and the weapons that ninjas used. Weâve studied them through books, movies and martial arts videos. Many of the artists have been to Kyoto to study the architecture of shrines and old Japanese buildings.
TVG: How focused will the team be on improving the AI and are there any apparent improvements or even refinements you can talk about?
We have retuned the AI and are working on including Specular Lighting effects. This will add reality to the lighting within the game.
TVG: What has development been like on the Xbox?
Development for the Xbox has been terrific. The hardware capabilities are simply amazing.
Thank you!
To anyone who may not know about this great brand, gamers take on the role of three characters - Rikimaru, Ayame and Tesshu - unlockable assassins, utilizing over 20 authentic ninja weapons and tools and earning new abilities and combos by racking up stealth kills. Tenchu: Return from Darkness features 11 single-player maps including the two new levels mentioned, that take players on a journey to a samurai mansion and deserted pagoda temple.
The player will have to complete unique mission objectives including espionage, theft and assassination. Crafted levels allow players to determine the most efficient way to achieve mission goals. Multiple game endings based on earlier decisions in the game and enemy placements, keep players coming back for more.
