Tenchu: Return From Darkness - Strategy Guide (Page 01)
Below are the cheat codes, hints and help for Tenchu: Return From Darkness - Strategy Guide (Page 01).
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_________ , _ ___ , _ .
(_) | / (_)/|/ \ / (_)/| |(_| | . RETURN
| \__ | | | |___| | | .
_ | / | | | | |\ | | . FROM
(_/ \___/ | |_/\___/ | |/ \__/\_/.
%.%DARKNESS
%%.%%
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%%&
FAQ/Walkthrough
>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==
For Microsoft X-BOX
Version 1.0
By Chris Zawada
User: antseezee
E-mail: antseezee@epix.net
Website: www.antseezee.com
Created: 05/31/05
Last Update: 06/16/05
Copyright 2005 Chris Zawada
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Author's Note
----------------------------
Stealth-based games always have a hidden agenda amongst them. Whether they're
legendary like the Metal Gear Solid series, or a complete spoof like Spy
Fiction, stealthy games often employ their own type of gameplay system. Now,
imagine a stealth-based game with ninjas. Heck, it's tastier than a mighty pie.
Tenchu was one of the first games to mold stealth and ninjas into one, becoming
a smash hit for the original Playstation. Unfortunately, ever since Tenchu
became a smash hit for the original PS, very little has changed. While the game
does employ a somewhat stealth-based approach (with some arcade-fighting
elements included), Tenchu has never seemed to be able to improve their
original fighting system to parallel depths. Tenchu: Return from Darkness is a
partial port of Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven (PS2), featuring a few enhanced
elements here and there. As much as I'd like to love this game, it has a few
flaws intermittantly visible. Above average graphics, fuzzy sounds, and a
lackluster addition of Live play simply does not make this an amazing game.
Nonetheless, this guide will provide a complete walkthrough of the game, talk
about the uses of certain items, and discuss multiplayer strategies. Will you
silently neutralize samurai guards around the eastern perimeter, or get your
limbs cut off in the process?
Contributing/Feedback
----------------------------
If you have any contributions, feedback, or strategies you'd like to have
added to the guide, contact me via e-mail. I'll be more than content to add
your segment of information, and will also provide credit. If you have any
questions you'd like added to the Common Questions section, ask. I simply
don't have the time to sit around thinking of questions. Provide me with what
you want to know!
Updates
----------------------------
=06/16/05= v1.0
Finished the FAQ. Took longer than I expected, but it was slightly worth the
amount of time put into it. The game's single player mode is quite in-depth,
but I just found Live play to be horrible.
=05/31/05= v1.0
Started the FAQ. I'm not sure what to expect from this game. It didn't get
truly great reviews overall, even though the game has mediocre Live play. This
game is quite a disappointment for being both a port (with few improved
elements), and released a month after Ninja Gaiden.
============================
- Table of Contents -
============================
1) Introduction
2) Game Basics
> Controls
> Screen HUD
> Characters
3) Game Modes
> Description of each
4) Rikimaru Walkthrough
> Mission 1: Punish the Evil Merchant
> Mission 2: Execute Hamada and Return to Lord Gohda
> Mission 3: Find the Shichishito Sword
> Mission 4: Kill all who Follow You
> Mission 5: Cross the Ronin Village
> Mission 6: Rescue the Kidnapped Princess
> Mission 7: Retrieve the Steel for Ressai
> Mission 8: Stop Tadokoro's Rebellion
> Mission 9: Find Ayame's Imposter
> Mission 10: Infiltrate the Buddha Temple
> Mission 11: Assassinate the Evil Tenrai
> Mission 12: Assassinate the Evil Tenrai - Part II
5) Ayame Walkthrough
> Mission 1: Rescue the Village Girls
> Mission 2: Execute the Evil Merchant
> Mission 3: Assassinate the Traitor Hamada
> Mission 4: Retrieve the Yoto Swords
> Mission 5: Stop Tadokoro's Rebellion
> Mission 6: Find the Jewel of Heaven
> Mission 7: Go to the Red House of Zennosuke
> Mission 8: Escape from Amagai Castle
> Mission 9: Retrieve the Jewel of Heaven
> Mission 10: Rescue Counsel Sekiya
> Mission 11: Assassinate the Evil Tenrai - Part I
> Mission 12: Assassinate the Evil Tenrai - Part II
6) Tesshu Walkthrough
> Mission 1: Assassinate Nasu and Echigoya
> Mission 2: Teach Rikimaru a Lesson
> Mission 3: Execute the Rebellious Yuge
> Mission 4: Find the Author of the Message
> Mission 5: Rendezvous with Senkichi by the Waterfalls
> Mission 6: Escape from the Limestone Cavern
> Mission 7: Go to the House in the Cemetery
> Mission 8: Return to Zennosuke
7) Extras
> Items List
> Secrets
> Enemies List
> X-BOX Live
8) Codes
9) Common Questions
10) Copyright/Distribution/Reproduction Guidelines
11) Proper Credits
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============================
- 1) Introduction -
============================
To be honest, Tenchu was one of the first ninja/stealth games to combine both
in a fun fashion. We all think of ninjas as being masked marauders, who wear
entire black clad uniforms, usually rely on stealthy kills (no honor in that),
and do whatever they must to accomplish their mission. The most worthy ninja
game by far is Ninja Gaiden, although Tenchu was one of the first games to
actually make you use agility/navigation to kill enemies. Think of Tenchu as a
Metal Gear Solid, except with more blood, a Japanese medievil setting, and a
stretched storyline just as skewed as most complex games. Originally, Tenchu
began as a simple game where you chose from one of two ninjas, and continued to
finish each of their quests to quell an evil force from rising.
Tenchu itself was a blockbuster hit for the original Playstation. People loved
running behind innocent guards, and watching complex decapitations occur. Soon
enough, after a sequel, the game was eventually launched as a moderate success
on the PS2. However, a majority of the graphics and gameplay elements remained
the same. Nothing emerged as a bright innovation to the series. Finally, the
XBOX received their version of the game, which was a partial port of Tenchu:
Wrath of Heaven (PS2 expansion pack version), except it has a few unique
features of its own. Sadly enough, all of these stacked elements turned out to
be fairly disappointing. Graphically, a majority of the polygons still appear
blocky, and the XBOX version hardly looks finely tuned as was expected.
Gameplay is the same, relying on stealth kills as one-hit knockouts, and a
combat system which can be sluggish/unrewarding. Other elements come into play.
The hyped XBOX Live mode looks very unorganized, with no pregame lobby for
anyone to search games, but rather a simple message box displaying whether or
not games are available. All in all, when you compare this game for the time it
came out (early 2004), and only a month after Ninja Gaiden, it's very
disappointing to come across.
Here's a brief excerpt from the instruction manual (credit to Activision):
^%%^ PROLOGUE ^%%^
It was a time of hiatus in a period of bitter wars and great turmoil.
The Azuma ninja clan conducted the traditional ceremonies to end its year of
mourning for the tragic death of Rikimaru. Meanwhile, the land of Lord Gohda
celebrated the passing of the fourth season of peace since the defeat of Lord
Mei-Oh. Only the Azuma ninjas knew the truth after he was defeated. It was a
secret even Lord Gohda did not know. Lord Gohda did know that the Azuma ninjas
served him with their lives and with their honor - delivering midnight messages
to neighboring states and punishment in the shadows to those who turned against
him. They were a feared yet unknown group, a faceless arm of justice masked in
a cloud of secrets. Most importantly, they were his merciless force of silent
assassins. This is the sequel to a tale of two shadows born unto darkness
destined to die in darkness.
----------------------------
_____________________
##### GAME INFO #####
//////////|\\\\\\\\\\
Players: 1-2 (offline or Live support, co-op available)
Developer: Activision
Released: 2004
Rarity: common
Special Features: HDTV 480p, Voice, Scoreboards, X-BOX Live
ESRB: Mature (17+)
Cover Art on box:
- Shows Rikimaru diving down with his blade into the head of a guard
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============================
- 2) Game Basics -
============================
The X-BOX controller fits fairly well to the entire theme of Tenchu, although
it can get complex at times. Combat feels awkward if you're use to playing
first person shooters, so it takes some practice to become a combat master.
Other than that, most functions are set to one primary button.
KEY representation for each button:
Thumbstick = left/right thumbstick pads (black)
Control Pad = left directional pad (black)
A = A button (green)
B = B button (red)
X = X button (blue)
Y = Y button (yellow)
R = R trigger (black, underneath right side of controller)
L = L trigger (black, underneath left side of controller)
START = Start button (black, center)
BACK = Back button (black, center)
Black = Black button (black, right)
White = White button (white, right)
______________
/Game Controls/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Left Thumbstick - moves character
Right Thumbstick - shifts camera view slightly
Right Thumbstick Click - detonates any deployed sticky bombs
L - enters stealth mode, crouches, if next to wall -
slides along it
L + B - drags dead bodies on the ground
R - autolocks onto nearest enemy, hold to stay locked,
strafes when no enemy is nearby
START - pauses game
A - jumps, tap again to double jump
L + A - performs various somersaults in specific positions
B - block, perform special attack (usually close range)
X - attacks
Y - uses selected item, hold down to aim manually
depending on item selected, let go to fire projectile
Black - shifts through items in inventory
White - hold down to look around manually with camera view
Directional Pad (Up) - shortcut to grappling hook
Directional Pad (Down) - shortcut to health potion
- For starters, understand that your main and only attack button being used is
the X button. It can be altered with various directional presses and tapped
repeatedly to mix up combos. Direction-pressed attacks often swing your weapons
at various angles, catching opponents off guard, but they're tougher to
execute. When crouching along a wall, you can slide along, and use the right
thumbstick to adjust the view around corners. Dragging bodies to dark places,
or off of guard routes helps make your missions easier to complete without
being detected. Autolocking onto enemies is crucial during duels, since it's
various hard to adjust the camera manually. Your fighter also seems more aware
to your enemy when locked on. The double jump is not as high as you think, but
extends the length of the jump. It's ideal to double jump on top of an enemy
for a stealth kill. Block must be held down moments before the enemy begins
their attack. The reaction time is sluggish, and some attacks are unblockable
(arrows, projectiles, various power moves). Holding down Y to aim manually with
projectiles is very useful, especially the hook shot, and shurikens.
_______________
/Combo Controls/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
X + X + X - three hit combo
X + X + X + X + Up - three hit combo with melee kick (great finisher)
Left Thumbstick rotate + X - 360 degree attack
B + B - melee throw, get within close range, tap B to
pick up an enemy, then press B to toss them
again, this attack only works for Rikimaru
- While there are many more combos that can be made up, these are just a few.
Remember that both Ayane & Rikimaru have varying speeds on their combos, or the
restriction limiting the amount of consecutive moves. The 360 degree attack is
sort of like a whirlwind attack - useful for multiple enemies.
___________
/Screen HUD/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The interface of a game decides whether or not you've having success as an
actual skiller gamer. Tenchu's interface is quite simplistic, easy enough to
enjoy while watching the blood spurt out of your opponents.
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Meaning KEY:
[1] - Enemy Health Meter - This shows how much life your opponents has,
with both a meter and small number saying how
many hit points. It's better to lock onto an
opponent to get an exact estimate.
[2] - Kuji Meter - This acts almost like an energy bar in a sense. Each
stealth kill executed on the stage rewards you with a
Kanji symbol. After 9 Kanji symbols are collected, you're
given a special ability to use on that mission. These
abilities can be selected in the main menu. You'll also
become a stronger fighter with a more powerful Kuji
meter. Basically, get as many stealth kills as possible.
[3] - Ki Meter - In a typical sense, this is the awareness factor of the
guards. It's a symbol picture that shows four different
symbols:
"?" = Not aware of your presence
"!" = Unsure on whether or not you're a hostile
"!!" = Spotted and identified
"!?" = Aware of current situation and searching
The Ki Meter also has a normal green globe that sort of
gets larger as you get closer to enemies. The number will
increase as well as a proximity factor. Use this to
determine where guards are, then use this intel, and attack
for a stealth kill.
[4] - Your Health Meter - Shows your health just as if it would show a
guard's health. Only healing potions can refill
it.
[5] - Inventory - Shows a brief amount of items you have collected, along
with their quantity shown by a small number. The current
selected item is highlighted by red crosshairs.
___________
/Characters/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Tenchu has always employed emphasis on a somewhat complex storyline, that
revolves around the ideals of a ninja. It appears that some of the characters
in the original continue to spiral through the series across various paths.
^!~ Rikimaru ~!^
================
Age: 26
Description: Leader of the Azuma Shinobi-ryu ninja sect. His thoroughness,
patience, and bravery have proven worthy of the Izayoi sword by
the sect's master Shiunsai. Terrifyingly focused and withdrawn,
his sense of destiny and of composure give him the strength to
take on missions that most would consider similar to suicide.
+ Powerful Striker
+ Uses single Samurai Sword
- Slow reaction times
- Heavier build lowers agility
^!~ Ayame ~!^
=============
Age: 22
Description: Bold yet quick, silent yet cunning, Ayame has been trained
since childhood as a ninja. Sharp with her tongue as with her
sword, Ayame uses an acrobatic style of ninjitsu to overcome
obstacles living or dead. Ayame adores Gohda's daughter Kiku as
if Kiku were her own baby sister.
+ Quick Striker
+ Uses dual knife blades
- Better fighter in groups
- Weak attacks
^!~ Tesshu ~!^
==============
Age: ??
Description: A powerful martial artist, who uses uplifting punches, and a
concealed ninja to dispose of opponents. Tesshu is actually a
mercenary who can be hired to assassinate others if a feel of
injustice arises behind their position. Little is known about
his background, although he is a fierce warrior in combat. Also
a trained doctor by day, who knows of vital points, and key
areas to "snap" for maximum effectiveness.
+ Extremely Powerful Striker
+ Uses concealed needle in wrist band
- Lacks speed
- Slow attacks
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============================
- 3) Game Modes -
============================
Tenchu has a small mix of actual game modes to choose from. To be quite honest,
there's either the Story Mode, consisting of various chapters for different
characters. The alternative, via off-line Multiplayer, or X-BOX Live mode
probably entertain in the long run. While the Live features weren't as great as
I expected, they exist, and the elite fans of Tenchu will love every second of
it. This section will briefly go over each of the game modes in the game.
*" STORY MODE "*
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Ideally your typical single-player mode, this let's you play the one-player
designed in-game levels. There are three characters to choose from (two
initially, with one being unlocked). It can be engaged on three different
difficulties (easy, normal, or hard). Easy allows for continues, as opposed
to restarting the mission.
NOTE: It's necessary to unlock these levels in single-player mode in
order to play them online. BOTH players must have the unlocked
levels to play them, otherwise it prevents the host from picking
more levels. You cannot unlock co-op levels online.
*" OPTIONS "*
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Let's you view a sorty of various settings. The settings are:
- Records (view your best times/scores on each level)
- Difficulty (Easy, Normal, or Hard)
- Sound
- Controller (reconfigure layouts if you wish)
- Abilities (let's you view earned abilities and a brief description)
*" XBOX LIVE "*
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
One of the more premiere modes, although I found it to be somewhat sluggish
and limited. XBOX Live mode let's you play either Head-to-Head matches, or
co-operative matches. The limit is always two players. As usual, host
receives little lag. This mode is discussed in detail later on. Multiplayer
mode is identical to XBOX Live, except it's offline.
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============================
- 4) Rikimaru Walkthrough -
============================
One of the unique advantages of playing through Tenchu is that both characters
have two different campaigns. As opposed to previous beat-em-ups, or stealth
games, this feature tends to expand the replayability. Rikimaru is partially
the main character in the game, although I have preferences to use Ayame for
her quickness. This section will discuss Rikimaru's walkthrough, on the EASY
difficulty. LAYOUT 1 was picked by default. I originally planned to play the
entire game on Normal, but with the ability to not continue within a level, and
since I had to conserve my playing time, I decided to go with easy.
*The game begins with some screaming, most likely from Ayame & Kiku, Lord
Gohda's daughter. A cave is collapsing rapidly, and Rikimaru tosses a
samurai sword into a small slit to keep it from collapsing. He then exits
the cave to the outerworld. Very little is revealed as to what is going
on.*
- Start off by running down the beautiful stream. Walk to the ledge overlooking
the valley. Rikimaru will then do a kamikaze nose dive off of the waterfall.
____________________________________
/Mission 1: Punish the Evil Merchant/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
DIFFICULTY: ****
OBJECTIVES: + Find a way into the inner area
+ Kill the gun-wielding henchman
+ Kill the evil merchant
*Apparently, a trusted merchant to Lord Gohda was found of being a corrupt
individual. By blackmailing local peasants into paying him as part of
extortion, many villagers had no choice as family members would be
kidnapped at Nasu's will. Gohda wants you to punish this evil merchant now
that his identity has been revealed.*
RECOMMENDED ITEMS: + Healing Potion (x1)
+ Shuriken (x3)
+ Colored Rice (x3)
*Right off the bat, we see a corrupt deal occurring between the merchant and
one of his businessmen. Eventually, one of them is blindfolded, and led to
a small room containing a young captured woman. Those sick sons of
unrighteous dogs. You're inserted near the perimeter of the area.*
- Start off by ignoring the civilian down the road, but instead, cutting a
right. In this watery pit, walk across, and you'll eventually overhear a group
of 3 guards joking around with each other. It helps to crawl in the water. Jump
up on the ledgeway, snatch the item on the ground, then crawl into the small
inlet hole. You should be right next to the group of 3 guards, who have
probably spread out by now. Hold down the L trigger to stay crouched, as there
are some ranged guards in the distance. Wait for the guards to disperse on
their patrols, then sneak roll towards them, and go for stealth kills. Kill all
three guards, and look near where each of them were sitting. The key should be
laying on the ground. Snatch it up.
- Now, get out of this small area, and go down the alleyway to the left. Kill
the guard around the corner, but cut a sharp right into this small house.
You'll find a few health potions and varying items. Look in the farthest room
in the house for a crawlspace. Crawl through it, and you'll load into another
room farther into the complex. Pop out, and dispatch of the guard to the left
down this small entryway. Be careful, they're armed with Tantos/Spears, so
they're more lethal than usual. There's a second guard on the opposite
perimeter which should be disposed of ASAP. Try to hide this body if possible.
Now, snatch up the goodies on the merchant blanket and in the perimeter. You'll
have tons of items, ranging from bombs, to rice, to even the Spear as a
secondary weapon. Backtrack to the other side of the complex where you didn't
go. There's a lone stationed guard. Use your grappling hook to get on the roof
to your left, crawl behind him, and drop down for the stealth kill. Jump back
to this roof, and look on the other side. Another guard will strafe back and
forth near a temple entrance on the lower floor. Use the roofs to navigate
behind him. Drop down, then do it again for the stealth kill.
- Get back on the roof, and look at the small temple opposite of you. You'll
notice two guards near the front door. They can easily be dispatched of by
hopping up to the temple roof, then dropping down, and get stealth killed. No
real tricks here. Once they're both dead, enter the temple house. Immediately
to your left is a guard around the corner. Lean flat against the wall, wait for
him to walk past, then slice him. Go to the right now, and wait for the lone
patroller to walk to his left. Rush in and hit him from behind. Once they're
both dead, look at the wall with the colorful green pattern, and walk through
it. Don't go to the end of the hall. Instead, cut a left at the door, drop
down, and kill the sleeping guard with shurikens, or by distracting him by
annoying the cat near him. Once he's dead, run to the end of this room, and
look in the upper right corner. Grapple hook to this opening, and walk through
the door. Reach the ending doorway, and you'll be greeted by a henchman of the
Evil Merchant.
*******************************************************************
* Gun-wielding Henchman *
*******************************************************************
* The biggest difficulty I had with this battle was maintaining a *
* solid defense against him. The mini-boss has three attacks to *
* watch out for. His first is basic samurai-wielding attacks which*
* are not quicked and can be blocked. However, he can grab you in *
* close range, very similar to a Rikimaru flip-over toss. He also *
* has a triple-barrel gun that does multiple attacks when Rikimaru*
* is either out of range, or whenever he says "Suck on this." The *
* idea is to get out of the way before you're tossed in range of *
* his gunbarrel attack. Try to use any explosive bombs, or smoke *
* bombs in your inventory that you might have picked up. The room *
* is quite small, and prevents you from having any space in being *
* able to use health potions, so fight a defensive battle. The *
* strategy is to block his normal attacks and counter-attack. If *
* he says to eat this, quickly slice him. This prevents him from *
* shooting his weapon. *
*******************************************************************
- Head through the door where he came from. Go up the stairs, wait by the wall,
and decapitate the patrolling guard. In the next area, the left door has a
sleeping guard along with a health potion. Take the right door. A cat should
run by you, but will eventually shut up. Crawl through the small opening, then
look up against the wall, and grapple hook to this top area. Move ahead, and
eventually, you'll see a guard to your right in the attic. Throw a distraction
of some sort, or a smoke bomb, and lure him out. Finish him off via help from
the item. Proceed ahead. After the second door, drop down on the guard below
for a stealth kill. You'll find another health potion in the next room ahead.
Finally, drop down to the last area.
*The Evil Merchant ends up walking up to Rikimaru blindfolded, thinking he's
another captured girl. Suddenly, when they realize he's a ninja, Rikimaru
says he's going to kill them for their evil scam. Guards will be sounded.*
- This battle is tough for the simple fact that you'll have two guards on you
right off the bat. Try to line them up so that one guard is directly behind the
other. It leaves you with less attacks to block, and also will conserve your
health. Focus on combo attacking one guard until he's dead, then finish off the
other. As for the Evil Merchant, his fighting skills are merely pathetic.
Simply use basic blocking techniques, and counter-slash away. Be careful
though, around 30ish health, he'll offer you something to save his life. It's a
smoke bomb, and he'll also headbutt you away. Finish him off for his insolence.
*After everyone is dead, the evil Merchant's servant is scrambling for his
life. Rikimaru wants to know who else is in the scam, and apparently a man
named Hamada inside Lord Gohda's castle is responsible. Here we go again.
Before Rikimaru can ask another question, a man from the outside throws a
projectile killing the informant. It's a former nemesis of Rikimaru, one he
had killed in the previous Tenchu games.*
____________________________________________________
/Mission 2: Execute Hamada and Return to Lord Gohda!/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
DIFFICULTY: **
OBJECTIVES: + Kill Hamada, but do not harm Gohda's guards
+ Make your way to Lord Gohda
*There is a traitor named Hamada inside Lord Gohda's castle. Your mission is
to assassinate and kill this traitor, however, many of Gohda's guards do
not know of your existence. You cannot kill any of Gohda's guards in the
process.*
RECOMMENDED ITEMS: + Healing Potion (x1)
+ Shuriken (x3)
+ Smoke Bomb (x2)
*Rikimaru will be infiltrated into the roof of Gohda's castle. We'll see
Hamada with a narrow face, along with a Godha guard escorting him
throughout. This can be tricky.*
- Before going anywhere, look in this attic room for a Smoke Bomb in the
corner. Drop down in the second hole (not the initial one where you start).
Crawl around, and look across the dirt area. Wait for the guard to walk away,
drop down, then cut an immediate right. Take shelter here, and proceed through
the hall. Wait for this guard to move away. He should start to walk towards
you. Lean against the wall, wait for him to pass, but don't wait too long as
he'll turn and see you. Just wait for his back to pass you, then quickly tippy
toe past him and down this hall. Don't go in the room on the left, as a
sleeping guard will just begin to lay down. Instead, round the hall corner,
proceed ahead, and go in the door on the right where the traitor Hamada is. You
can reference to the Shuriken on your mini-map.
*Rikimaru will execute Hamada, ending the suffering of this darn traitor.
However, some of Gohda's guards will get killed. It's an enemy ninja.
Rikimaru must find Gohda quickly to inform him of what's going on.*
- Immediately proceed out of the door, and kill this lone ninja. Ninjas are
fairly immune to smoke bombs due to their masks, so focus on the combat. Around
the corner down the hall, you'll find a lone ninja. Try to stealth kill him if
possible, otherwise he will get reinforcements of a better ninja. You don't
have many life potions, so use them wisely. Now, jump back to the dirt area,
and crawl to the right side. There should be a crawlspace you can navigate
under. Crawl through it, snatch the grenade, then proceed through to the other
side. There's a lock on the door. You should have a key in your inventory, most
likely from one of the enemy ninjas or on the ground. Use it on the lock by
pressing Y. Now that this door is unlocked, head on through. Stealth kill the
patrolling ninja, who should have his back to you. Move up the stairs, and
check the side room for a health potion on the table. Up ahead is another lone
guard in the room with gray mats on the floor. Either lure him out, or sneak up
for the stealth kill. Run across, then down the stairs near the lower floor.
You'll find another weary ninja in this left side room. Wait for him to walk
away entirely, as he does quick shuffles looking back and forth.
- Head back out, continue to the main room ahead, and kill the patrolling
guard. Enter the single-tile door, but be careful, as an aware guard is usually
pacing back and forth. Lure him out, or decapitate him as he walks away. Up
ahead, you'll find another flight of stairs. Slowly climb it, and lean against
the sliding door panel. The guard is the next room is tricky to stealth kill,
mainly because he'll spot you, even if leaning against a wall. Once he's down,
you'll have a tough challenge up ahead. There are two guards in the next room,
and one or the other will discover you, even if you stealth kill one of them. I
tried using a grenade or smoke bomb to keep them busy, then quickly engage them
both from behind or with ranged shurikens. Head into the next room, and the
same situation will happen. The second guard is around the corner down the
hall, but you may have to lure him out. After they're both down, you should see
a courtyard to your right. Continue ahead, and stealth kill the guard who walks
past the shudders on the left portion of the room. Go down the stairs. You'll
enter some ornately colored rooms. The game will load eventually.
*Rikimaru greets himself to Lord Gohda. Gohda is surprised by Rikimaru's
presence, as so is Ayame with you. Rikimaru says he sent his "shadow"
across the lands to do dirty deeds.*
______________________________________
/Mission 3: Find the Shichishito Sword/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
DIFFICULTY: ****
OBJECTIVES: + Navigate through the caves to reach the location of the sword
+ Fight and kill both of Onikage's forms
*After analysis of some of the ninjas in Gohda's castle, it shows that there
was a crystal residue on their uniforms. Their origins can only be from the
Limestone Caverns. Deep inside, it is believed that the Shichishito Sword
lies deep within the cavern. It is the former weapon of Lord Mei-Oh, and is
believed to be attracting evil powers.*
RECOMMENDED ITEMS: + Healing Potion (x3)
+ Grenade (x2)
+ Colored Rice (x2)
- You'll begin in a small inlet near the caverns. Drop down this waterfall, but
do it silently. Grapple hook to the nearby guard tower, wait for him to turn
around, then stealth kill him. As for the two guards below, I simply ran in the
water around, and lured them over the by the grasslands. It was more of a waste
to try and figure out a distraction plan, so I took them head on. If you have
the Ninjitsu Block ability, it comes in handy. Run through the small cavern
entrance, and pick up the accessories near the lit corner. Jump up through this
walkway. Up ahead, you'll hear the conversation of two guards. Wait for them to
split, and sneak up on the one near the left. Try to stealth kill him first;
let the second guard spot you. Jump down to the plateau below, and fight this
ninja. In a hilarious effort, you can have him commit suicide. Get him to be on
the side where the ledge is, and approach him. He'll conservatively backflip
off the ledge to his death. Once they're both down, enter the small cave
entrance along the right.
- Up ahead are two guards, one to the left, and one to the right. The one on
the right should be a primary focus. Try to fight him one-on-one if you cannot
lure behind for a stealth kill. The one on the left can easily be snuck up on,
although grappling to get close is a good strategy. You'll find a health potion
on the ground. Go back towards the right path, and it should lead up a small
scaling path. Climb up it, and you'll see an undead warrior across the small
pit. Grapple across, then drop down, and combo him off the edge. Be careful not
to fall off yourself. Now, go ahead through the spurting water tunnel. You'll
eventually overlook two guards at a small dropoff point. This part is tricky
because if you don't have shurikens, or a ranged projectile, it becomes a
forced two-on-one battle. Try to eliminate them using any items in your
inventory, otherwise you'll waste two health potions. Speaking of which, you'll
find one health potion at the dropoff area.
- Head along the right pathway, then crawl in the small slit near the floor. At
the other end, jump up to the ledge. Move through the wooden panel area. You'll
have a series of jumps to do, along with grappling across chasyms. Use common
sense to hook to the most ideal spots. When you reach the dark room, hook
across to the green rock. Drop down to the log, jump across to safety, and pick
up the item on the ground. Look straight towards the ceiling. Now, hook onto
the wooden ledge to get you halfway up, then again to make it to the very top.
Look out back into the dark chasym. Hook over to the small ledge, and then to
your right, get to that area via the hook. The next part takes some looking
ahead. There should be a wooden pillar that will let you shimmy to your left to
the next area, find it, hook to it, and shimmy across. Once there, hook across
the thin wooden plank, and crawl into the next area after snatching up the
random gift item. Jump up above on the other side, and sneak up on the zombie
guard. Stealth kill him from behind with some acrobatic maneuvers.
- Ahead, you'll find another stationary ninja. I threw a smoke bomb to cover my
tracks, then rushed him for a stealth kill. Look across the small canyon. Hook
across near the upper lip of the cave to make it completely across. Grab the
gift on the ground. Don't run through this area ahead though. Instead, look to
your left, and you'll see a stationary zombie. You can perform an awesome
stealth kill combo. Using your grappling hook, look for the farthest area on
the ceiling you can go. Hook there, drop down, and tap X for an instant kill.
Grab the shurikens off his body. You should be able to drop down a pit to your
right which is lit up. Do so, and kill the guard standing still in the hallway.
Move ahead, and again, you'll have a chance to stealth kill a patrolling ninja.
Hide behind the threads if he rounds the corner. Head up along the left where
the large boxes are. Drop down, and rush the guard when he turns his back down
the hall. Now, proceed up ahead, and we'll see a bunch of mini-walkways, along
with some guards in the distance. I found it best to crawl up a bit, then
grapple hook along the left side, gradually making distance until you reach
solid ground. Ignore the guard on the right, but be careful, as a guard is near
a wooden walkway up top. Grab the red shuriken in the upper left corner, then
hook to the walkway, and hang there. Climb up when the guard passes you, and go
for the stealth kill. Run up the stone walkway that leads towards the sword.
You'll eventually see a large green pool of water. Jump to the center.
*Here we see Rikimaru enjoyed that he can take the Shichishito. Suddenly,
the revived Onikage (bad guy from previous game) comes down from above. He
says he was revived by an evil man, who wants the sword in order to
re-summon Lord Mei-Oh. Rikimaru won't let him do this, and decides to fight
to the death.*
*******************************************************************
* Onikage, Form 1 *
*******************************************************************
* In the first battle, Onikage will only be armed with his martial*
* arts techniques, so don't worry about any powerful blows. He is *
* very quick, and efficient with his combos, so blocking on time *
* is a must. Block his attacks, counter attack with a 2-3 swipe *
* combo, and repeat. Quick stepping helps in this matchup, since *
* he usually swings through his entire combo, whether you're close*
* to him or not. A very easy strategy to complete this match is *
* to use the (2) grenades you brought with you since the beginning*
* of the mission. Hit him twice for his life bar to go down to 0. *
*******************************************************************
*Rikimaru is superbly happy that Onikage was downed. Before he can
snatch up the Shichishito Sword, a second revived form of Onikage
sneaks up behind him and slashes his neck. Onikage looks more undead
than usual but is extremely happy now that he possesses the sword. He
attempts to summon Lord Mei-Oh, but is interfered! A revived form of
Rikimaru appears on the scene. It's like a friggin' Undead party. Anyhow,
you want to duel Onikage again.*
*******************************************************************
* Onikage, Form 2 *
*******************************************************************
* The second form of Onikage is tougher for one reason; you'll *
* have less items in your inventory to use. There are two attacks *
* to watch out for - his close-range melee grab & vertical up-down*
* kick. The up-down kick is performed at attacking range, and is *
* barely blockable. It's quick, and will also force your character*
* to get blown back when blocking. The first attack is done *
* similar to the melee throw that Rikimaru does. The only problem *
* is that it sucks life from you, and replenishes his life bar. *
* Use any remaining grenades you have, extra items, or what not. *
* If you need to recover health, jump up to the side adverts of *
* the arena, and drink a potion. Onikage will not jump up. Side *
* step to the left to avoid his triple attack combo, and slice as *
* he recovers his balance. Avoid blocking directly since he'll try*
* to close in with the melee throw. The toughest part about this *
* battle is that he will try to drink a health potion if he has *
* less than 15 life points. Attack him before he drinks it, *
* otherwise it's a long battle. *
*******************************************************************
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