The game is played from a third-person perspective and lets players control Rikimaru or Ayame through infiltration missions. Objectives include reaching a target area, eliminating specific enemies, rescuing characters, or gathering information. Players must use rooftops, tall grass, shadows, and vertical routes to avoid detection, while tools like kunai, smoke bombs, and grappling hooks create openings. If spotted, enemies raise an alarm and pursue the player, which can affect mission ranking. A mission editor and performance grading encourage replaying stages with different routes.

Rikimaru

A disciplined Azuma ninja known for reliable stealth and efficient close-range kills.

Ayame

A fast and agile ninja who excels at sneaking, mobility, and chain assassinations.

Master

The clan instructor who guides Rikimaru and Ayame during their training and missions.

Move along walls, shadows, and rooftops whenever possible, and study patrol patterns before committing to an attack. Use elevated positions for stealth kills, and smoke bombs to escape when you are detected. Kunai are useful for distracting or handling distant guards. For better mission ranks, avoid unnecessary combat and keep enemy alerts to a minimum. The mission editor is also a good way to practice route planning and guard timing.

Tips and tricks

Learn the map layout first; high ground routes are usually safer.

Tips and tricks

Against groups, avoid direct combat and break line of sight before picking enemies off.

Tips and tricks

Use the mission editor to practice patrol timing and infiltration routes.

User Reviews

Players often praise the game for having more depth and tighter stealth design than the original.

User Reviews

Rikimaru and Ayame’s dual-character structure is widely liked and adds replay value.

User Reviews

Some players find the difficulty steep, but many see that as part of the series’ identity.