Tenchu Z Xbox 360
Metascore
56 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 51 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 51
  3. Negative: 11 out of 51
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  1. GameSpot
    49
    Ninjas, ninjas, and more ninjas can't save the technically flawed, uninspired Tenchu Z.
  2. Game Almighty
    48
    Assuming you actually take the time to understand the cryptic controls, you’ll find yourself never having to use your ninja abilities because you can simply hack and slash your way to the objective.
  3. Talk Xbox
    41
    The single-player campaign doesn’t even contain a full-blown plot. To add to this laundry list of blunders, the multiplayer is a snore-fest and a lag-laden cesspool. In short, avoid Tenchu Z like the plague and never look back.
  4. Xbox World Australia
    40
    Unfortunately for Tenchu Z there are games that do the stealth action genre a hell of a lot better, and with nothing else going for it other than ninjas, this one is best left in the dark.
  5. G4 TV
    40
    Tenchu’s been chugging along as a slightly-above-average series for quite a while now. And it’s disappointing that such a great concept has once again fallen victim to poor game design and crappy presentation. Even if the online co-op mode ran better, it doesn’t help the product feel any more fun.
  6. GamingExcellence
    39
    Yes, sneaking around as a ninja in dark and eviscerating your enemies is good for a bit of fun in short bursts, but Tenchu Z's gameplay is so broken and poorly designed that even the parts that the designers got right are lost in the shuffle.
  7. Eurogamer
    30
    As Tenchu Z is already outclassed in every area by last generation stealth games like "Metal Gear Solid 2," it fails almost completely when stacked up against "Hitman: Blood Money," "Splinter Cell: Double Agent" or upcoming treats like "Assassin's Creed."
  8. VideoGamer
    30
    A sloppy co-operative mode adds little to the overall experience, and a laughably restrictive customisation mode is the final nail in the coffin for this dreadful game.
  9. Xboxic
    30
    It’s too much hard work to get any enjoyment out of this game, there are just too few good parts to make up for the many flaws. Instead of offering a fun ninja experience by itself, you’ll have to look up ways to enjoy it yourself. Not even the four way multiplayer can save this hopeless attempt at a fun game.
  10. Game Revolution
    25
    Repetitive, sloppy and inane, Tenchu Z trots out an old ninja that is more of a nut-kicker than a stealth killer.
  11. WHAM! Gaming
    20
    The pithy cut-scenes are about as easy to follow as a quantum physics lecture and are as elaborately detailed as a newspaper comic strip.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 47 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. AaronC.
    9
    A fantastic game! I had loads of fun and huge replayability factor, I only wish it had more missions so I can keep on playing!
  2. YourMommaMomma
    9
    Best Tenchu Game to date. Don't hate on me too much. I've played them all, and none of them are as fast as Z, nor do any of them require as much skill. Skill not required to beat it, but to beat it and make it look easy as well as stylish. The fact is, there is problems with it. AI is crap, graphics are poor even for being an xbox 1 port, and the customization, while interesting, doesn't add anything to the game. I suggest a better co-op, able to have two players on one system, more extensive ninja techniques, a little revamp on the graphics, and physics engine (But keep the fast pace!) and an AI overhaul should make a winner out of the next Tenchu game. Just keep it away from the Wii, please, stay with 360 or PS3.… Full Review »
  3. AdamB.
    8
    This is a very fun game once you get past the steep learning curve for the controls (I hadn't played in a year and had to do the tutorial again). It's not a standard fast-paced fighting game; it's a much slower game with a more intelligent, deliberate feel. Though you can storm through the stages, to get real enjoyment you have to go for the Ninja 5 rating which requires very careful gameplay. Character customization and online play are fun, though there is a bit of lag and most frustrating to me, there's no ability to have multiple save slots or to change your character mid-game (or even give them a name). If you want to try a different ninja you'll have to start over and lose all your hard-earned items and Ninja ranks. This significantly hampers replay value, especially since there are only a few types of map to play in. As for the AI and combat system, it's not meant to be about enemies planning complex strategies and chasing you around the map, but it's about the placement of the opponents and figuring out the best way to cut a hole in the defense, avoiding combat. Reviewers complaining about the AI and combat depth is like complaining about Super Mario Bros. for the same reasons. Still, an improved sequel would be appreciated.… Full Review »
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