I could list off a number of games that let you play as a ninja. Shinobi comes to mind. Ninja Gaiden also pops up in there. But, really, part of the mentality of the ninja is missing there. A ninja is not only lethal and swift, but also a master of camouflage, allowing the ability to sneak up on an enemy and take them down with minimal noise. One series that seems to have stealth fully in mind while keeping the ninja action in check is Tenchu. Created by the good folks at K2, the series has already seen two strong entries on the PlayStation, as well as a sweet PlayStation 2 effort, Wrath of Heaven. Now, for the first time, the series is taking a bow on a new platform, the Xbox, with Return From Darkness.

The plotline is basically the same. You take control of one of two different ninjas, an aged but agile male or a lethal and swift young female. Through the many levels, stealth plays a large part in taking on enemies and using a number of items during your mission like shurikens, health packages, or even a grenade for... ahem... explosive moments. This time around, however, there's a dark master at work, and him and his disciples are creating chaos in the surrounding villages. So, with darkness by your side and your skills being put to the test, you must stop them before it's too late.

Wrath of Heaven was a strong game in itself, but Return From Darkness looks to have a major advantage with one component to its credit... Xbox Live. Through Microsoft's online gaming network, you can challenge friends with a sweet co-op mode, where you can compete for the most kills and see who is the best ninja. You can also go at it in deathmatch mode if you just aren't up to building up a high kill count and just want to go at someone's throat. Nice to have both options available here.

If you don't have Xbox Live, however, you can also challenge friends in different multiplayer scenarios offline, via a split-screen set-up. Kinda takes away from secrecy if you peek at your friend's side of the screen, but oh well. If playing friends aren't your bag, there's a number of single player levels that will put your skills to the test, as you work on keeping guards unaware of your presence and build up your skills to unlock new combo moves to make you even more lethal.

The game's presentation looks to be as nice as the PS2 version, with the same kick provided in the game's look. Authentic Japanese villages never looked so great, and the animation and lighting effects also look to be backing things up. Hopefully, the ambience of Japanese music and hokey but acceptable voice acting will be found in the final version. You can probably count on them making the cut.

I am psyched about Tenchu: Return From Darkness. It looks to be one-upping on the already great Wrath of Heaven with its own components, and the addition of Xbox Live capability just makes it that much more tempting. Look for a full review of the game upon its arrival in March 2004, along with plenty of battle cries with that twentieth stealth kill.