E3 2006: Tenchu: Dark Secret Fact Sheet @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on May 19, 2006

News: This headline is stealthy.

Tenchu DS has been in the works for a little while now and it's finally nearing release. Tenchi: Dark Secret is coming this August and it will be published by Nintendo of all companies.

Here's what the ninjas have revealed:

Format: Nintendo DS
Launch Date: Aug. 21, 2006
ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)
Game Type: Stealth Action
Players: 1-2 on DS Local Area Network or Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Developer: FromSoftware, Inc.

KEY INFORMATION

Tenchu: Dark Secret places players in the shoes of ninja assassins charged with protecting the life of a princess. Stalk enemies with sword in hand, plant explosive traps in the underbrush or strike with an assortment of realistic ninja weaponry. With more than 40 single-player missions and the ability to construct weapons and items, Tenchu: Dark Secret is sure to keep players' sword hands busy for a long time.

Players can prove their mettle with the metal by challenging friends to a local wireless multiplayer match. Tenchu: Dark Secret boasts three unique modes and a host of options to keep each match fresh and fun. Whether players are creeping through a bamboo forest to imbed a dagger in their friend's back or setting a trap to steal his precious dumplings, they're going to need a towel to wipe the sweat from their hands.

Need a new bamboo trap? Short on shurikins? Just hop online. Tenchu: Dark Secret allows players to buy, sell and trade items via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. They can choose to transact with either friends or strangers.

Game storyline: Tenchu: Dark Secret takes place after the events of Tenchu: Birth of the Stealth Assassins (the second game in the series, but the first chronologically). The plot revolves around Princess Shizu, a young woman who is married to a cruel warlord named Lord Hakkaku. After an attempt on her life, she is discovered by Rikimaru and Ayama of the Azuma Shinobi Ryu ninja clan. They vow to protect her from further harm and discover the identity of her mysterious assailant.

Characters: Ayame, a young ninja prodigy who excels at stealth attacks. Though calm and collected on the battlefield, she can be a pain off of it. Rikimaru, an experienced ninja and the leader of the Azuma Shinobi Ryu ninja clan. As a perfectionist who has dedicated himself to the art of war, he can hold his own in face-to-face combat. Kagemasa Hakkaku, the evil warlord of Hakkaku. His lust for power makes him feared by all. Princess Shizu, Kagemasa Hakkaku's wife. She holds a mysterious secret that could destroy Ayame and Rikimaru. Akunosuke Murai, the fallen general of Toda who now leads a group of mountain bandits. Kurokaze, a mysterious ninja whose skills are feared throughout the land.