Play Tenchu Dark Shadow (J) Online

Tenchu Dark Shadow came out on the Nintendo DS in 2006, developed by FromSoftware. It was part of that early wave of DS games trying to figure out how to use both screens and the touch controls in a meaningful way, without just being a gimmick. You play as either Rikimaru or Ayame, two ninja from the Azuma clan, working in the shadows during Japan's Sengoku period.

You control your character from a third person perspective, moving through tightly designed, multi path levels to complete assassination or infiltration missions. The core of the game is stealth; you spend most of your time clinging to rooftops, hiding in tall grass, and waiting for the perfect moment to strike an enemy from behind with a silent kill. The touch screen is used for selecting and aiming tools like shuriken or caltrops, which feels deliberate when it works. The game is methodical and punishing, as being discovered often leads to a frantic and difficult sword fight against multiple guards. It creates a tense, patient rhythm where every cleared area feels like a genuine accomplishment.