Tenchu: Return From Darkness

About

Tenchu: Return From Darkness is a stealth-based action game set in feudal Japan where players take on the role of a ninja tasked with halting a sorcerer’s plot to seize ancient relics. The single-player campaign spans 11 levels filled with environmental hazards and enemies to avoid or eliminate silently. Xbox Live support adds online deathmatch modes with 20 playable characters while split-screen co-op lets two players tackle missions together using new stealth takedowns. The game blends platforming and combat with an emphasis on careful movement and timing. The story shifts based on which character you play as but centers on Rikimaru’s return after a near-fatal ordeal and a conflict over three powerful jewels. A year after being left for dead Rikimaru resurfaces to protect his land from Tenrai a warlock amassing forces to dominate the realm. The multiplayer modes and co-op gameplay remain highlights with friends or rivals clashing in arena-style battles or working together to complete objectives. Though overlooked in later years the game’s mix of narrative flexibility and ninja mechanics carved a niche among stealth enthusiasts.

Storyline

After Lord Mei-Oh was defeated in Tenchu: Stealth Assassins, Rikimaru was left in Lord Mei-Oh's fortress carrying a giant boulder to provide an escape route for Ayame and Princess Kiku. He appears to be trapped and left for dead. Ayame stuck Rikimaru's sword, "Izayoi" (he is seen drawing this sword in the opening CG of Wrath of Heaven) in snow as a monument for her fellow ninja, now considered dead. A year later, Rikimaru reports to Lord Gohda that he has managed to survive this near-death experience; unbeknownst to them, the real Rikimaru is trapped in the 20th century trying to find a way back to their time. The game's plot plays differently depending on the character chosen, but connects at certain points. The story revolves mainly around Rikimaru's return and the struggle for the Three Jewels, which are said to give power to those who possess them. These are the Jewels of Heaven, Earth, and Virtue. Tenrai, an evil wizard who wants to get his hands on them, commands a band of his men to take the Jewels from whoever possesses them. However, upon encountering Rikimaru, he seems interested in his power and attempts convincing him to join his men. Rikimaru refuses, and he and Ayame face each one of them. One of the men in Tenrai's arsenal is Onikage, who only serves him to pursue his plan of reviving Mei-Oh (his former master) and Tatsumaru (the former leader of the Azuma Ninja Clan whom Tenrai revived). Rikimaru and Ayame follow Tenrai into his fortress to stop him from destroying the world using the power gained from two of the Jewels. If he can be defeated, peace will be returned to Gohda's land.