Over the last few years, the Tenchu series provided gamers ample opportunities to go ninja-style, without the embarrassment of donning a black outfit and jumping over the neighbor's fence. However, the last couple of games, most notably Tenchu: Fatal Shadows for the PlayStation 2, came up short. Fortunately, K2 and From Software learned from its mistakes and crafted the most intricate entry in the series to date, Tenchu Z for the Xbox 360.

Those familiar with the series should find the controls rather easy to learn. A would-be ninja begins their mission by choosing from several weapons, such as smoke bombs, throwing shurikens and exploding darts. These secondary tools work amicably with the player's main abilities, which include speed, ability, a razor-sharp sword and a grappling hook. The hook by itself plays a crucial part in the game, enabling players to reach rooftops and higher surfaces by simply aiming and throwing.

Death has a heavy presence in Tenchu Z. Players encounter enemies through each of the game's fifty-plus levels, taking them out in one of two ways. They can either perform a stealth kill or enter into a one-on-one contest. The stealth kill requires players to sneak up on the enemy without being seen and perform a brutal fatality. If the guard discovers the ninja, a fight sequence forces the player to use defensive moves (such as flips or dives) and various combat moves (including combos) to finish them off. Obviously, the stealth kills reward the player more than normal ones, giving them more points at the end of the level.