Noble Shadows Report #1 — Grapple System Prototype

Hello Shinobi!

Welcome to the first development update for Kizoku no Kage (Noble Shadows).

I recently discovered Steam’s Events & Announcements feature. This looks like the best way to share progress directly with you and keep the community updated as development continues. I’ll be posting here whenever there’s something worth showing.

Today I want to share a major new system currently in prototype: the grapple.

WATCH THE RAW GAMEPLAY TEST

Grapple System — In Development

The goal is to capture the deliberate, committed movement of classic Tenchu. This prototype focuses on weight and positioning, not arcade-style swinging.

Current features being tested:

• Hooking & Swinging — Attach to wooden beams and ledges to cross gaps or reposition during stealth. Tuning the arc and momentum now.

• Ledge Movement Expansion — New controls for shifting, climbing, and dropping while hanging. Opens up vertical routes for planning assassinations.

• Contextual Stealth Kills — Additional takedowns performed from grapple points and ledge positions. Early implementation, but core flow is working.

Development Status

Please note: Character models, animations, and sound effects in this footage are temporary. The purpose of this test is to evaluate traversal feel before visual polish. Expect placeholder assets.

From the Developer

Tenchu is the reason I became a game developer. Kizoku no Kage is my attempt to honor that style of tense, methodical stealth with modern controls. The grapple is critical to that vision — it’s not just mobility, it’s part of the hunt.

Community Feedback & Feature Requests

This is early prototype footage, and your input directly shapes development. I’m looking for thoughts on the core movement first: does the swing have the right weight, and does it feel grounded compared to PS1-era Tenchu? Beyond that, I want to hear your feature requests. What Tenchu mechanics or new stealth tools would you love to see in Noble Shadows? If there’s anything about traversal, combat, or stealth that you think is missing, let me know.

Drop your feedback, ideas, and requests in the comments. I read everything, and your suggestions will help and are very important.

If you’re excited about the direction, wishlisting and sharing the project helps more than you know. It’s what keeps solo development possible.

Thank you for being here this early.

— Sherwin / Kizoku no Kage

Kizoku no Kage (Noble Shadows) is a stealth-action game inspired by Tenchu, set in feudal Japan. Wishlist on Steam to follow development and receive future playtest invites.