Set in the 1570's, one year after the original Tenchu, Tenchu: Return from Darkness allows players to assume the role of the ninjas Rikimaru, Ayame or the mysterious Tesshu as they battle the evil Tenrai and his six lords of darkness. As silent assassins, players must use cunning, strategy, deadly stealth and an arsenal of weapons to overcome dangerous missions and defend the Japanese countryside from Tenrai's armies. Tenchu: Return from Darkness features three gameplay modes including single-player, two-player (versus and co-op) and Xbox Live. The title also includes 11 stages of gameplay in the story mode with two new single player maps, as well as six multiplayer levels. Additionally, the game features all new cut-scenes, enemy layouts and allows players to hone their ninja skills before embarking on deadly missions in the new training mode. Tenchu: Return from Darkness supports Xbox Live, allowing for two-player co-op missions through all six multiplayer levels as well as voice chat functionality for those who choose to break the code of silence. Players can also engage in simultaneous stealth kills as the online ninjas make their way through each danger-filled stage.