Princess Shizuhime of your clan, the Azuma Shinobi Ryu, has been kidnapped and a curse has been placed on her, and it's now up to you to rescue her from the clutches of the enemy. Featuring the DS incarnation of one of the most popular ninja stealth games in the market, Tenchu: Dark Secret (or Tenchu: Dark Shadow, as it is known in Japan), is sharpening its blades for its European release which is slated for November 24. It will be retailed for 30.

For those who are familiar with other games from the Tenchu series, our heroes in this version of the game will consist of Rikimaru and Ayame who is known for her appearances in Tenchu: Fatal Shadows for the PS2. As with the previous games, players are expected to lay down brute force and instead use discretion and careful observation to mow down enemies, one or two at a time. Attack from the shadows and use ninja techniques to conceal yourself. As an addition though, players can now gather items and assemble traps which they can set in the path on unwary guards, that is, once you've figured out their routes.

Developed by FromSoftware, this game features almost 40 levels to complete. Tenchu: Dark Secret also makes use of the DS' two screens as well as its Wi-Fi capability where players can buy and sell items from each other or from anyone else on the network.

Okay, first things first. Will we get our hands on the Wii before the year ends? Yeah!

At least that's what Nintendo confirmed during their press conference at the Leipzig Games Convention. What else did Nintendo say? Let's find out.

Dr. Bernd Fakesch, General Manager of Nintendo Germany, opened the event with the so-called typical Nintendo speech. Basically, he emphasized the gaming possibilities that Nintendo would and will offer in the future for an expanding audience. He goes on to cite the success of Nintendogs and Brain Training, which go beyond the "usual games" category.

A pink DS Lite was also shown onstage, to confirm the said product's release in Germany on October 27. As for other announcements, an "English training" game would be released on October 13th, which would hopefully aid people in learning the language.

Of course, we cannot forget the various games showcased on the said event: Super Mario Strikers, Red Steel and a bunch of other titles for the Wii; as well as upcoming DS games like Tenchu DS, Yoshi's Island 2 and Tomb Raider.

It seems that Nintendo has much in store for both fans and curious new users alike. "End of this year" is just a few months away, so we do the waiting game.

You had a rather strange dream last night. It seems that it was about two ninja assassins who have sworn to protect a certain Princess Shizu from being murdered.

You watch as the ninjas lay down bamboo traps, stalk enemies with swords in hand, and throw out shurikens for unsuspecting opponents. You learn that one of them is named Ayame, a stealthy, young ninja you'd rather not get int trouble with. The other is Rikimaru, leader of the Azuma Shinobi Ryu ninja clan, whom you think is rather obsessive-compulsive but nonetheless passionate with his craft. The Princess they're tasked to protect is Kagemasa Hakkaku's wife, who seems to hold a mysterious secret.

Paths lead you to a bamboo forest, where surprisingly, directs you to a GameStop store. Then you woke up.

Well, you might pay a little attention to that dream. According to our source, Tenchu: Dark Shadow (Tenchu: Dark Secret in Japan) is exclusively available to GameStop stores at the moment. You might wanna beat others to the nearest GameStop store as well, as today is the said game's release. Tenchu: Dark Shadow is developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and carries a price tag of $34.99.

This week's Play-Asia Weekly Special is Tenchu: Dark Shadow. Tenchu Dark Shadow is supposed to be $50 but is going for $25 for another four days.

The game is about two ninjas who must protect a princess from assassins. You will use weapons and tools that would be realistic for a ninja. That is to say, this game is about stealth, not full-out action. The game also takes advantage of the Nintendo WiFi Connection. You will be able to buy and sell items online.

If you just can't wait for the English version coming out this August, then now is a good time as any to import!

Name: Tenchu: Dark Secret
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.

Tenchu: Dark Secret follows the story of two ninja assassins who must protect Princess Sizu who is being targeted by a murderer. The game takes place after Tenchu: Birth of the Stealth Assassins. The game has already seen a release in Japan and will be here on August 21st, 2006. Here is what Nintendo has to say:

• 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 embed 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.
• 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.

   
  

A few snickers were heard when FromSoftware, a Japanese development studio originally into business applications, decided to do video games. But its initial offering, King's Field (PS), established the company as a serious console developer. Now they’re back with the classic ninja stealth action series Tenchu: Dark Shadow for the Nintendo DS. The premise is archetypal Tenchu. Ninjas Rikimaru and Ayame must slash through missions that include disemboweling the bad guys and rescuing damsels in distress. The game is already available in Japan, but the company has yet to set a release date for North America.

Download: [Tenchu: Dark Shadow Game Play Movie 3]

This TV commercial is featured by real actors. A ninja who has a Nintendo DS Lite in his hand has sneaked into a mansion. A guard has noticed his existence and rushed to him. But as the ninja planned, all kinds of the traps (from the game) started to appear to hurt the samurai.


The TV commercial will be broadcasted on Japanese TV stations from April 1. But the official has already released it for download.

Download: [Tenchu: Dark Shadow - Humorous TV Commercial]