View source for Software:Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins

{{Short description|2000 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins
| image = Tenchu 2 - Birth of the Stealth Assassins Coverart.png
| developer = [[Company:Acquire|Acquire]]
| publisher = {{vgrelease|WW|[[Company:Activision|Activision]]|JP|Acquire}}
| director = Takuma Endo
| producer = Yutaka Hoshina<br />Masami Yamamoto
| designer = Nobuhito Kuramochi<br />Yoshiaki Arimura
| programmer = Daisuke Hisamatsu
| artist = Kiyoshi Arai<br />Koshi Nakanishi
| writer = Mikasa Hiragi
| composer = Noriyuki Asakura
| series = ''Tenchu''
| platforms = [[Engineering:PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
| released = {{Video game release|NA|August 8, 2000|EU|September 8, 2000|JP|November 30, 2000}}
| genre = [[Software:Stealth game|Stealth]]
| modes = [[Software:Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}
{{Nihongo foot|'''''Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins'''''|立体忍者活劇 天誅 弐|Rittai Ninja Katsugeki Tenchū Ni|lit. "''Stereoscopic Ninja Theatrical Drama: Divine Retribution 2''"|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} (published in Japan as "''Rittai Ninja Katsugeki: Tenchu 2"'') is a 2000 [[Software:Stealth game|stealth]] video game developed by [[Company:Acquire|Acquire]] for the [[Engineering:PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. The second entry in the ''Tenchu'' series, it was published in the West by [[Company:Activision|Activision]] and in Japan by Acquire. ''Tenchu 2'' is a prequel to ''[[Software:Tenchu: Stealth Assassins|Tenchu]]'' (1998), following the early lives of Azuma ninja Rikimaru and Ayame as they and their fellow Tatsumaru must confront a militant force called the Burning Dawn. Gameplay follows the chosen protagonist as they complete missions, the goal being to remain undetected and either avoid or silently kill enemies.

Production on ''Tenchu 2'' began following the original's success at the request of Activision. Originally intended as a Western exclusive, consequent adjustments were made to reduce its niche Japanese elements while also polishing the gameplay and graphics. Composer Noriyuki Asakura returned from the first game. Reaching high positions on sales charts, it saw praise from critics and was generally seen as an improvement over its predecessor. Following ''Tenchu 2'', Activision acquired the [[Social:Intellectual property|intellectual property]] and shifted production to newly-formed company K2 for the next entry ''[[Software:Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven|Tenchu]]''.

==Gameplay==
The game consists of controlling a character in a 3D environment through a third-person viewpoint. The player can use a variety of ninja tools and equipment and stealth to dispatch enemies and complete the game's missions. Missions are set in different locales at varying times of day, ranging from rural farmland, bamboo forests, mountainous regions, beaches, ships, villages and caverns. After the player completes a mission, they are given a rank depending on their accomplishments during that mission such as number of enemies killed, number of times spotted etc. High ranks are then used to unlock special gadgets that can be used in-game.
One of the game's most acclaimed features was the Mission Editor. This gave the player the opportunity to create their own missions, including level layout, deciding which characters to place in it and mission objectives to complete.<ref name="Manual"/><ref name="EuroPreview"/><ref name="GSdiary1"/><ref name="GSpreview"/>

==Synopsis==
''Tenchu 2'' is set in Japan during the Sengoku period, four years prior to the events of ''[[Software:Tenchu: Stealth Assassins|Tenchu]]''.<ref name="GSpreview"/><ref name="FamInterview"/> Following the death of the elder Lord Godha, a coup against his benevolent son Matsunoshin is launched by his uncle Motohide. Each is supported by a ninja clan; Matsunoshin is supported by the Gohda's long-standing allies the Azuma Ninja, while Motohide ends up manipulated by both a neighbouring lord and the rogue ninja group called the Burning Dawn led by Lady Kagame. The lead characters are three young ninja of the Azuma clan who trained together since childhood. They are Rikimaru, dedicated to his duty as a ninja; the rebellious and free-spirited Ayame; and Tatsumaru, the chosen successor to their mentor Azuma Shiunsai.<ref name="Manual"/>{{Rp|4–5}}<ref name="GSdiary1"/><ref name="TenchuAcquire"/> The storyline is split across three campaigns following first Rikimaru and Ayame, and then Tatsumaru.<ref name="GSpreview"/><ref name="Tenchu2NA"/>

Motohide allies himself with the warlord Toda Yoshisada in order take control of the Gohda lands. Toda launched an attack against Gohda castle which resulted in the death of Lord Gohda's wife and the kidnapping of his daughter Kiku. Motohide is later killed by Toda, only to be killed in turn by Kagame, who founds the Burning Dawn to the goal of turning ninja into an acknowledged political force. Kiku is successfully rescued, forming a strong bond with Ayame. Over a period of time following Toda's death, the Burning Dawn partake in a series of underground criminal activities such as kidnapping, theft, forced labor, smuggling and murder. During one such conflict, Tatsumaru is apparently killed while fighting Kagame, but in fact suffered amnesia and was adopted by Kagame into the Burning Dawn under the title "Seiryu". Under this identity, Tatsumaru kills all the Azuma ninja aside from Rikimaru and Ayame, then kills Shiunsai who reveals he killed Tatsumaru's father before adopting him.

In a final campaign by Lord Godha against the Burning Dawn on their flagship ''Fire Demon'', Rikimaru kills Suzaku and then mortally wounds Kagame. Tatsumaru slowly regains some of his memories, and when fighting Ayame kills himself with Rikimaru's sword as penance for his actions against the Azuma and Godha. Kagame dies embracing Tatsumaru, having fallen in love with him, as the ''Fire Demon'' is destroyed by Godha's forces. Rikimaru pledges himself to Lord Godha as the Azuma's new leader, and Ayame while depressed by Tatsumaru's death chooses to keep living for Kiku, who has come to see her as an older sister. In the post-credits scene of Tatsumaru's campaign, Suzaku is revived as Onikage, servant of the demonic Mei-Oh and a leading antagonist of the first ''Tenchu''.

==Development==
''Tenchu: Stealth Assassins'', developed by Japanese company [[Company:Acquire|Acquire]], was released in 1998 and went on to sell one million units worldwide, prompting the creation of a second title.<ref name="GSdiary1"/><ref name="FamInterview"/> The original's director Takuma Endo had wanted to develop a potential sequel on the [[Engineering:PlayStation 2|PlayStation 2]], but unfamiliarity with the new technology and demands from Western publisher [[Company:Activision|Activision]] led to a sequel being produced on the original [[Engineering:PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], which Endo regretted.<ref name="DevBlog5"/> The game's budget was [[Finance:Japanese yen|¥]]200 million, with a production team of thirty people.<ref name="GuardianInterview"/> The success of the original ''Tenchu'' allowed Endo to hire more people to ease production.<ref name="FamInterview"/> Endo returned as director.<ref name="DevBlog5"/> The producer was Masami Yamamoto of Sony Music Entertainment Japan, with Activision's Pat Dwyer acting as associate producer.<ref name="Manual"/>{{Rp|22–23}}<ref name="GSdiary1"/> The scenario was written by Mikasa Hiragi of Studio Angina.<ref name="Manual"/>{{Rp|22–23}} Character designs are attributed to both original artist Koshi Nakanishi, and Kiyoshi Arai.<ref name="660book"/><ref name="DevBlog3"/> The lead programmer was Daisuke Hisamatsu.<ref name="DevBlog2"/> Nobuhiro Obata returned to design an expanded level editor mode.<ref name="DevBlog4"/> Production lasted eighteen months.<ref name="GuardianInterview"/> During production of both ''Tenchu'' and ''Tenchu 2'', mistrust and tension had built up between Acquire and Activision over requests for changes, making working together increasingly difficult.<ref name="660book"/>

The original game ended with Rikimaru presumed dead, so rather than face the problems resolving that issue, it was decided to make the game a prequel. This decision was reinforced by a lack of character development in the story of the first ''Tenchu''.<ref name="GSdiary1"/> The mission structure and accompanying narrative links were redesigned, as the original had its story missions handed out "in a slightly capricious fashion" from the character Godha, with missions instead emerging from the narrative and building on each other. The setting of a civil war over the Godha lands allowed for greater gameplay variety including escort missions.<ref name="NGinterview"/> As part of Activision's requests, more overtly Japanese elements were toned down to make the game more appealing to Western players.<ref name="DevBlog5"/> For his work on the character art, Arai gave them an earthenware texture.<ref name="DevBlog3"/> Noriyuki Asakura returned as composer.<ref name="Asakura"/> Compared to the style of the original, the music for ''Tenchu 2'' was made more Japanese in tone at the request of the producers. As with the original, the opening theme used [[Social:Hausa language|Hausa]] for the lyrics.<ref name="RocketInterview"/>

Hisamatsu remembered creating a new draw engine and incorporating new control options as the hardest part of his job. He had a lot of trouble with technical problems which persisted until the later part of production, mostly due to issues with getting the graphics to run smoothly.<ref name="DevBlog2"/> The enemy AI was upgraded to be more reactive, greater ability to hear sounds made by the player, and able to call reinforcements. The number of stealth kills were also increased.<ref name="NGinterview"/> The swimming controls were redesigned, with Acquire coming up with five different versions before Activision settled on an option.<ref name="GSdiary4"/> The [[Motion capture|motion capture]] was recorded at a studio in Okinawa.<ref name="GparaMotion"/> The motion capture performer for the game was Tsutomu Kitagawa, who previously performed in and supervised motion capture for the first game.<ref name="Manual"/>{{Rp|22–23}}<ref name="GparaMotion"/> Real-time event scenes were handled by Ayako Takenaga, who called the project exhausting for her, and saying some scenes were planned and drafted but ultimately dropped from the final product.<ref name="DevBlog1"/> The CGI cutscenes were co-created by Technonet, Sasahara-Gumi and Trilogy.<ref name="Manual"/>{{Rp|22–23}}

==Release==
''Tenchu 2'' was officially announced in May 1999 during that year's E3.<ref name="GSpreview"/> Promotion of the title at E3 2000 was problematic, as it drew staff away from the American and European localizations, the latter requiring technical alterations by Acquire to match different frame rate displays for PAL televisions.<ref name="GSdiary2"/> Notable bugs that needed to be caught were a common freezing bug, and Rikimaru being able to clip through walls.<ref name="GSdiary2"/><ref name="GSdiary3"/> It was published in North America by Activision on August 8, 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-08-16 |title=PSX Nation: News |url=http://www.psxnation.com/news/080100b.shtml |access-date=2023-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816000851/http://www.psxnation.com/news/080100b.shtml |archive-date=August 16, 2000 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-08-18 |title=PlayStation: Tenchu II: Birth of the Assassins |url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/161/161797p1.html |access-date=2023-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020818081750/http://psx.ign.com/articles/161/161797p1.html |archive-date=August 18, 2002 }}</ref> The European version saw substantial alterations, featuring less blood, no decapitations, and shurikens removed due to laws prohibiting their portrayal in the United Kingdom.<ref name="GuardianInterview"/><ref name="Shuriken"/> It released in Europe by Activision on September 8.<ref name="EuroPreview"/><ref name="GuardianInterview"/>

The demand from Activision was for a sequel aimed at Western markets, with a Japanese release originally not being planned.<ref name="DevBlog5"/> To get it released in Japan, Acquire chose to self-publish the title.<ref name="FamInterview"/><ref name="DevBlog5"/> This version saw further improvements graphically and technically, in additions to expansions to the level editor with new objects for level creation.<ref name="DevBlog5"/><ref name="DevBlog4"/> The game was released in Japan on November 30.<ref name="TenchuAcquire"/> A guidebook was published in Japan by Dengeki PlayStation on December 11.<ref name="Guide"/>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 77/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tenchu-2-birth-of-the-stealth-assassins/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation |title=Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins for PlayStation Reviews |work=Metacritic |accessdate=August 11, 2013}}</ref>
| Allgame = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=23502&tab=review |title=Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins - Review |last=Knight |first=Kyle |publisher=[[Software:AllGame|AllGame]] |accessdate=October 11, 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113184324/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=23502&tab=review |archivedate=November 13, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Edge = 6/10<ref>{{cite journal |title=Tenchu: Birth of the <nowiki>[Stealth]</nowiki> Assassins |author=Edge staff |issue=89 |date=October 2000}}</ref>
| GameFan = 72%<ref>{{cite journal |title=REVIEW for Tenchu II: Birth of the Stealth Assassins |journal=GameFan |date=August 10, 2000}}</ref>
| GamePro = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://gamepro.com/sony/psx/games/reviews/6348.shtml |title=Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins Review for PlayStation on GamePro.com |author=Cheat Monkey |magazine=GamePro |date=August 10, 2000 |accessdate=December 12, 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050207032620/http://gamepro.com/sony/psx/games/reviews/6348.shtml |archivedate=February 7, 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GameRev = B−<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/tenchu-2-birth-of-the-assassins |title=Tenchu 2: Birth of the <nowiki>[Stealth]</nowiki> Assassins |last=Sanders |first=Shawn |publisher=Game Revolution |date=August 2000 |accessdate=December 12, 2013}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.3/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tenchu-2-birth-of-the-stealth-assassins-review/1900-2613253/ |title=Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins Review |last=Fielder |first=Joe |website=GameSpot |date=August 8, 2000 |accessdate=December 12, 2013}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.1/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/10/tenchu-ii-birth-of-the-assassins |title=Tenchu II: Birth of the <nowiki>[Stealth]</nowiki> Assassins |last=Perry |first=Douglass C. |website=IGN |date=August 9, 2000 |accessdate=December 12, 2013}}</ref>
| NGen = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="NG"/>
| rev1 = ''Maxim''
| rev1Score = 6/10<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.maximonline.com/articles/review_videogames.asp?videogame_id=560 |title=Tenchu 2 |last=Boyce |first=Ryan |magazine=Maxim |date=August 8, 2000 |accessdate=November 9, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010626151813/http://www.maximonline.com/articles/review_videogames.asp?videogame_id=560 |archivedate=June 26, 2001 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
During its North American month of release, the game was the sixth best-selling title during the period.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/26/tenchu-2-debuts-in-top-10 | title=Tenchu 2 Debuts in Top 10 | date=August 26, 2000 }}</ref> According to a press release, it continued to sell well over the following months.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.activision.com/investor/pressreleases/259.html |title=Activision : Corporate Info : Press Releases : ACTIVISION ACQUIRES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS |website=www.activision.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010210184812/http://www.activision.com/investor/pressreleases/259.html |archive-date=10 February 2001 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It also reached the top ten best-selling multiplatform titles upon its release in the UK.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-04-27-remembering-the-original-pok-mon-snap-launch-uk-time-tunnel_6 | title=Remembering the original Pokémon Snap launch &#124; UK Time Tunnel | newspaper=Gamesindustry.biz }}</ref> According to ''Famitsu'', the sequel sold over 101,000 units in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://geimin.net/da/db/2000_ne_fa/index.php |title=Test |website=geimin.net |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224042148/http://geimin.net/da/db/2000_ne_fa/index.php |archive-date=24 February 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

''Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins'' received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic.<ref name="MC"/>

Jim Preston reviewed the PlayStation version of the game for ''Next Generation'', rating it four stars out of five, and stated that "''Tenchu 2'' doesn't surpass the original but does succeed in capturing its smooth gameplay  and despite some minor weaknesses, the game is without a doubt exceedingly cool."<ref name="NG">{{cite magazine|last=Preston|first=Jim|title=Finals|magazine=Next Generation|volume=3|issue=10|publisher=Imagine Media|date=October 2000|page=115}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Legacy==
{{main|Software:Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven}}
Following ''Tenchu 2'', the series' licenser Sony Music Entertainment Japan underwent restructuring, resulting in Activision buying the ''Tenchu'' [[Social:Intellectual property|intellectual property]] in November 2000.<ref name="660book"/><ref name="ActivisionPurchase"/> This prevented Acquire from developing any more titles for the series, as Activision shifted production to another company.<ref name="660book"/> The development studio K2, newly-formed in 2000 by industry veteran Mitsuo Kodama, created the sequel ''[[Software:Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven|Tenchu]]'' for release in 2003.<ref name="Tenchu3Interview"/><ref name="Kodama"/> Acquire's inability to work on ''Tenchu'', but continued wish to develop titles using a feudal Japanese setting, resulted in them partnering with [[Company:Spike|Spike]] to create ''[[Software:Way of the Samurai|Way of the Samurai]]''.<ref name="4Gsamurai"/>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=

<ref name="Manual">{{cite book|editor=[[Company:Activision|Activision]]| title=Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins European instruction manual|publisher=Activision|year=2000}}</ref>

<ref name="EuroPreview">{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/tenchu2_psx_prev|title=Tenchu II: Birth of the Assassins - Silent-em-up previewed|author=Bramwell, Tom|website=Eurogamer|date=June 5, 2000|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130120110/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/tenchu2_psx_prev|archive-date=November 30, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GSpreview">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tenchu-2-birth-of-the-assassins-preview/1100-2549684/|title=Tenchu 2: Birth of the Assassins Preview|author=Fielder, Joe|website=GameSpot|date=May 28, 1999|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824152927/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tenchu-2-birth-of-the-assassins-preview/1100-2549684/|archive-date=August 24, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="RocketInterview">{{cite web|url=http://interviews.rocketbaby.net/interviews_asakura.html|title=Interviews: Noriyuki Asakura|website=RocketBaby|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020109015436/http://interviews.rocketbaby.net/interviews_asakura.html|archive-date=2002-01-09|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="660book">{{cite book|script-title=ja:ゲーム開発最前線『侍』はこうして作られた―アクワイア制作2課の660日戦争|publisher=Shinkigensha|date=June 1, 2002|isbn=4-7753-0043-1}}</ref>

<ref name="DevBlog1">{{cite web|url=http://www.acquire.co.jp/tenchu2/index/inter/inter01.htm|script-title=ja:第一回イベントシーン担当： 武長 綾子さん|language=ja|website=[[Company:Acquire|Acquire]]|date=2000|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040416020400/http://www.acquire.co.jp/tenchu2/index/inter/inter01.htm|archive-date=2004-04-16|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="DevBlog2">{{cite web|url=http://www.acquire.co.jp/tenchu2/index/inter/inter02.htm|script-title=ja:第二回メインプログラマー担当：久松 大輔さん|language=ja|website=[[Company:Acquire|Acquire]]|date=2000|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040416064412/http://www.acquire.co.jp/tenchu2/index/inter/inter02.htm|archive-date=2004-04-16|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="DevBlog3">{{cite web|url=http://www.acquire.co.jp/tenchu2/index/inter/inter03.htm|script-title=ja:第三回キャラクターデザイン担当： 新井 清志さん|language=ja|website=[[Company:Acquire|Acquire]]|date=2000|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040416063936/http://www.acquire.co.jp/tenchu2/index/inter/inter03.htm|archive-date=2004-04-16|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="DevBlog4">{{cite web|url=http://www.acquire.co.jp/tenchu2/index/inter/inter04.htm|script-title=ja:第四回「虎の巻」プログラム担当：小幡 展弘さん|language=ja|website=[[Company:Acquire|Acquire]]|date=2000|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040416064459/http://www.acquire.co.jp/tenchu2/index/inter/inter04.htm|archive-date=2004-04-16|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="DevBlog5">{{cite web|url=http://www.acquire.co.jp/tenchu2/index/inter/inter05.htm|script-title=ja:第五回「天誅 弐」監督：遠藤琢磨さん|language=ja|website=[[Company:Acquire|Acquire]]|date=2000|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040416064026/http://www.acquire.co.jp/tenchu2/index/inter/inter05.htm|archive-date=2004-04-16|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="FamInterview">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201412/13067477.html|script-title=ja:創立20周年を迎えたアクワイアのこれまでとこれから――遠藤琢磨氏インタビュー全文掲載|language=ja|magazine=Famitsu|date=December 13, 2014 |accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214113551/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201412/13067477.html|archive-date=December 14, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GparaMotion">{{cite web|url=http://www.gpara.com/contents/creator/bn_251.php|script-title=ja:クリエイターズファイル 「ゲーム作りは天職」『トロと休日』井上雅晴さん|language=ja|website=Gpara.com|date=2006-12-04|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212085823/http://www.gpara.com/contents/creator/bn_251.php|archive-date=2007-02-12|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GSdiary1">{{cite web|url=http://videogames.gamespot.com/features/universal/tenchu2_dd/050300/index.html|title=Tenchu 2: Birth of the Assassins - Part One: The Introduction and the Prequel Explanation|author=Dwyer, Pat|website=GameSpot|date=2000-05-03|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000903005149/http://videogames.gamespot.com/features/universal/tenchu2_dd/050300/index.html|archive-date=2000-09-03|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GSdiary2">{{cite web|url=http://videogames.gamespot.com/features/universal/tenchu2_dd/061200/index.html|title=Tenchu 2: Birth of the Assassins - Part Two: Post-E3 Update|author=Dwyer, Pat|website=GameSpot|date=2000-06-12|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000903005141/http://videogames.gamespot.com/features/universal/tenchu2_dd/061200/index.html|archive-date=2000-09-03|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GSdiary3">{{cite web|url=http://videogames.gamespot.com/features/universal/tenchu2_dd/070600/index.html|title=Tenchu 2: Birth of the Assassins - Part Three: Putting It to the Test|author=Dwyer, Pat|website=GameSpot|date=2000-07-06|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000903005137/http://videogames.gamespot.com/features/universal/tenchu2_dd/070600/index.html|archive-date=2000-09-03|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GSdiary4">{{cite web|url=http://videogames.gamespot.com/features/universal/tenchu2_dd/080800/index.html|title=Tenchu 2: Birth of the Assassins - Looking Back|author=Dwyer, Pat|website=GameSpot|date=2000-08-08|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000903005128/http://videogames.gamespot.com/features/universal/tenchu2_dd/080800/index.html|archive-date=2000-09-03|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GuardianInterview">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2000/sep/10/features.akinojumu|title=Cutting edge style|author=Ojumu, Akin|website={{wipe|The Guardian}}|date=September 11, 2000|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301220614/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2000/sep/10/features.akinojumu|archive-date=March 1, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="NGinterview">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/NextGen64Apr2000/page/n61/mode/2up|author=Russo, Tom|title=NG Alphas - Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins|magazine=Next Generation|issue=64|publisher=Imagine Media|date=April 2000|pages=60–61}}</ref>

<ref name="Asakura">{{cite web|url=http://www.n-asakura.com/dsco/game.html|script-title=ja:Discography - Game|language=ja|website=Noriyuki Asakura official website|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040405135806/http://www.n-asakura.com/dsco/game.html|archive-date=2004-04-05|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Shuriken">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Official_NZ_PlayStation_Magazine_Issue_038_2000-10_ACP_PUblishing_NZ/page/n19/mode/2up|title=PSM vs The Shuriken Masters|magazine=Official NZ PlayStation Magazine|issue=38|publisher=ACP Publishing|date=October 2000|pages=20–21}}</ref>

<ref name="Tenchu2NA">{{cite web |url=http://www.activision.com/investor/pressreleases/241.html |title=Activision Releases Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins, the Ground Breaking Prequel to the Worldwide Hit, Tenchu |first=Julia |last=Roether |date=August 15, 2000 |website=[[Company:Activision|Activision]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010107210800/http://www.activision.com/investor/pressreleases/241.html |archive-date=January 7, 2001 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="TenchuAcquire">{{cite web|url=https://www.acquire.co.jp/tenchu/|script-title=ja:Acquire - 天誅|language=ja|website=[[Company:Acquire|Acquire]]|accessdate=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508005231/https://www.acquire.co.jp/tenchu/|archive-date=2021-05-08|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Guide">{{cite web|url=https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/199978021662/|script-title=ja:立体忍者活劇天誅弐公式攻略ガイド|language=ja|website=Kadokawa Corporation|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202144928/https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/199978021662/|archive-date=2021-12-02|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="4Gsamurai">{{cite web|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/479/G047991/20200122020/|script-title=ja:なぜ「侍道」の外伝だったのか。アクワイアのキーパーソンが語る，「侍道外伝 KATANAKAMI」誕生の経緯と“和風ハクスラ”制作に懸ける思い|language=ja|website=4Gamer.net|date=January 22, 2020|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130202039/https://www.4gamer.net/games/479/G047991/20200122020/|archive-date=January 30, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ActivisionPurchase">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/03/activision-makes-ps2-tenchu-official|title=Activision Makes PS2 Tenchu Official|website=IGN|date=November 3, 2000|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126000349/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/03/activision-makes-ps2-tenchu-official|archive-date=November 26, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Tenchu3Interview">{{cite web|url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/psworld/game/interview/tenchu.html|script-title=ja:『天誅 参』スペシャルインタビュー|language=ja|website=[[Engineering:PlayStation|PlayStation]]|date=2003|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040604123446/http://www.jp.playstation.com/psworld/game/interview/tenchu.html|archive-date=2004-06-04|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Kodama">{{cite web|url=https://cgworld.jp/regular/educat011-kodama.html|script-title=ja:第11回：児玉光生先生（ケーツー）|language=ja|website=CGWorld|date=August 8, 2016|accessdate=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811201019/https://cgworld.jp/regular/educat011-kodama.html|archive-date=August 11, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

}}

{{Notelist}}

==External links==
* {{moby game|id=/playstation/tenchu-2-birth-of-the-stealth-assassins}}
* {{IMDb title|0262820}}

{{Tenchu}}

[[Category:Action-adventure games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]

{{Sourceattribution|Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins}}