An excellent example of stealth videogame starring ninjas: when stealth meets an exciting storyline. In one word: WOW!
Though I still find myself struggling for getting the highest score in each mission, I must say that this title is a good-quality game which truly describes how real ninjas were supposed to complete the various missions given to them by their lord.
As such, Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven has both positive and negative features which I'm going to analyse now.
The first good aspect has to do with the storyline: another amazing hidden crusade starring the Azuma ninja, Rikimaru and Ayame, this time trying to prevent an evil warlord/sorcerer from recovering three jewels granting endless power to the one who holds them. In order to do so, Rikimaru and Ayame will have to deal with an army of humans, ninjas, wooden puppets created by a mad scientist, demons, undead soldiers and a few old enemies of the Azuma clan led by said evil lord.
The second aspect is related to the high degree of versatility and adaptability required in order to complete the various missions taking place in extremely well-defined environments: the same goal can be achieved in various ways, all depending on the player's skill and strategy (which must change according to the level of alert of your enemies). Believe me, you're going to adapt your strategy if you really want to get the "Grand Master" ranking in all the various missions!
Third positive point: the items! You will be allowed to use all the traditional tools used by ninjas, from the trademark grappling hook to the kunai, the blowgun or the various spells available, all allowing you to dispose of your enemies with ease or simply sneak past them unnoticed. Of course, the higher your score at the end of a mission, the more valuable items you'll get as a reward! Be careful though: try to vary your "menù" as much as you can, because the more you use an item, the less effective it will be!
Now let's see the various cons: first we have the controls, which can be a bit rough for beginners. Second, we have the camera (whose controls are rough as well!). The final negative aspect is related to the amount of items you are allowed to carry in each mission: you can't carry too much equipment, so you are encouraged to "choose" wisely in order to have the right item at the right moment.
In the end, I have got to say that this game is not meant for impatient players, which can easily screw up a perfect mission: ninjas were trained to be invisible, but invisibility is a matter of discipline, patience and dedication.
Don't worry though: if you are patient enough to master the control system, then you'll really start to enjoy this title!