Game Details

Size 1 GB
Region Europe
Genre Stealth, Action, Adventure
Format 7z / ISO
Release Year June 23, 2006
Console PlayStation Portable (PSP)

Tenchu: Time of the Assassins (known in Japan as Tenchu: Shinobi Taizen) is a celebration of the series’ history, packing almost every major character and a robust level editor into a portable format. While it never saw a North American release, it became a cult favorite in Europe and Japan for its sheer amount of content.

The All-Star Roster

The game features five distinct story campaigns, allowing you to see the plot from multiple perspectives:

  • Rikimaru & Ayame: The classic Azuma Ninja duo.

  • Tesshu: The doctor by day, needle-wielding assassin by night.

  • Rin: The vengeful protagonist from Tenchu: Fatal Shadows.

  • Onikage: The series’ recurring demonic antagonist (unlockable).

  • Bonus: You can unlock a massive list of secondary characters and bosses for use in the Mission Editor, including fan favorites who died in previous games.

📝 Game Description

Time of the Assassins follows the traditional Tenchu formula: infiltrate a fortress, avoid detection, and perform a “Stealth Kill” (Hissatsu) on your target.

Key Features:

  • The Mission Editor: This is the game’s crown jewel. It is a significantly upgraded version of the editor from Tenchu 2, allowing you to build complex maps, set enemy patrol routes, choose music, and even write your own dialogue and cutscenes.

  • Ad-Hoc Multiplayer: You can play Co-op missions or Versus mode with a friend nearby. You can even play on custom maps you’ve created in the editor.

  • Classic Stealth Mechanics: Includes the grappling hook for rooftop navigation, various ninja tools (caltrops, poison rice, etc.), and the signature “Ki Meter” to track enemy proximity.

  • Narrative Structure: Instead of one long linear story, the game is composed of short, character-specific vignettes that eventually converge.

⭐ Short Review: The Editor Saves the Day

The Good

  • Endless Replayability: The Mission Editor is arguably the best in the series. During the PSP’s heyday, fans shared thousands of custom missions online, effectively making the game “infinite.”

  • Massive Cast: Being able to play as villains or obscure NPCs is a dream come true for Tenchu lore buffs.

  • Classic Music: Features the atmospheric, traditional Japanese-fusion score that the series is famous for.

The Bad

  • The “Black Fog”: To keep the game running on the PSP, the draw distance is extremely short. You’ll often see enemies and buildings pop out of a thick black fog only a few feet in front of you.

  • Clunky Controls: Without a second analog stick, the camera can be a nightmare to manage during high-speed combat.

  • Dated Graphics: Even for 2005, the textures are somewhat blurry and the environments feel “boxy” compared to the PS2 entries.

Verdict: If you are a casual fan, the technical limitations might frustrate you. However, if you are a Tenchu veteran who loves the “creative” side of gaming, the Mission Editor alone makes this a must-own title. It’s a literal sandbox for ninja fantasies.

Screenshots

Tenchu Time of Assassins PSP ISO
Tenchu Time of Assassins PSP ISO