Tenchu: Stealth Assassins

The Good
First thing which struck me was simplicity. You're ninja, know how far away enemies are and whether they know about you. Explaned as Chi-meter. It was very similar to listening to mumbling of guard in Thief.

Controls were intuitive and catchy music helped a great deal to sink into atmosphere.

Story showed that main character are ninjas, very loyal ninjas, and they are not big thinkers... some of we're annoying at first but then they felt they belong to the story ... so naturally you can't expect them to understand some events.

Although I bash it a little, I must admit that AI of characters is quite impressive for it is challenging. For me personally thugs were very quite dumb, but those new to stealth games and season players they are OK.

The Bad
It's very easy to cause bloodbath here. Fortunately some fights can be frustrating which forces you to move slowly and think about your next step.

Also sometimes it's too easy to just run between and from enemies. And enemies have much simpler mind than in games like Pacman.

Enemies can't swim, they can only sunk. But they are not afraid to pursue you into water.

The Bottom Line
Well made stealth game. I'd say well balanced if there was not few glitches. Very simple game mechanics. For it's time only alternative to Thief. And a must for those interested in stealth games and their development.