This is a brilliant yet simple idea that really keeps you on your toes. Light is obvious as again its reach can be seen visually, and then you have the sniffer dogs who also have a sniff radius. Noise is represented visually and by this I mean, if you run, a large circle will surround you showing you the radius at which enemies could hear if they were within it. Spike mines will go off when an enemy walks over them, or maybe you would prefer a poison dart that makes the enemy go a bit crazy and start shooting with a possibility of friendly fire J
You can always use items to kill if you don’t want to get your hands dirty. An action indicator will show you the stealth kill move ie push left and X but if you get it wrong the enemy will scream whilst dying which could lead to your presence being known. When you’re close enough to an enemy to kill them you will press X. If you want to complete the game without killing anyone you can, and if you want to take everyone out you can. You don’t have much health which I love because it means you really have to think outside of the box in order to progress or it’s game over. Being detected will lead to you being shot at and an alarm being activated for at least 10 seconds. Some soldiers are patrolling with guns, some have shields that have to (if you choose) be killed from behind, some are very tough and can only be killed after being dazed and dogs will sniff you out and give away your location. I prefer to explore off of my own accord.Įnemies vary but are equally dangerous to you. I didn’t find the map to be great but at times it was a help. This map supplies you with area knowledge as long as that area has been discovered by you. You have a map that you can check by pressing the back button. Many objects and doors are located throughout the levels so luckily for you there is always something for you to hide behind but again, be careful leaving your hiding spot especially if you chose not to take out a guard as he walks past! If there is a laser, turn it off or if you cant, throw a smoke bomb and walk through. If a light could lead to you being spotted, take it out and maybe it will become a distraction so that you’re able to sneak past the guard(s) or maybe it will fall and take the guards out. Each level is mainly set at the height of darkness with nothing more than slight moonlight but, once within a vicinity lights and motion sensors become a danger to your progress. The environments are unique and very well designed. Depending on your play style will depend on what you choose to unlock and use on each level and trust me, the slightest change will have a greater outcome so choose wisely. The money earned can be spent on some vital items/abilities etc such as techniques (new moves), Distraction items (smoke bombs) or Attack items (spike mine). Throughout your journey you will be rewarded money, either for collecting collectible items, completing challenges or for general completion of the level. The controls feel very natural very early on so, after you’ve completed 2 levels you know exactly what you’re doing without feeling hindered. Mark of The Ninja does not have any control issues! A is jump, B use, Y Ninja item, X attack/assassinate, RB grappling hook, RT run, LT focus and D-Pad select item… Simple. Splinter Cell on the other hand has far too many controls/abilities when all you want to do is be a sly unseen man going about his work. Although Tenchu Z had reasonably simple controls they were at times still a bit of a negative. Nowadays when we think of stealth games we mainly think of Splinter Cell and Tenchu Z. The story is pretty good but to be honest, I didn’t really care what was said but instead just soaked up the great comic style animations. Your clan is in danger of extinction and it is up to you to ensure this doesn’t happen. You’re a ninja who’s tattoos withhold unbelievable powers but at a great cost.