Need this game have an introduction? Ghost of Tsushima is a 2020 open world game by Sucker Punch, following Jin Sakai, a samurai of the titular Tsushima island during the 13th century, as he defends his island from a Mongol invasion that forces him to consider breaking his code of honour in order to save the people of his homeland against a ruthless enemy.
From the very opening of the game, you can tell that it is beautiful. The environments you see are absolutely spectacular, from the lush fields, flowing waters, thick forests with wind-swept leaves. All of it at any given time becomes one of the most visually pleasing games I've ever played, especially considering how it is a vast open world rather than a contained, level based experience like Uncharted 4. The NPC character models and animations aren't as detailed I will admit, but it strikes a fine balance with the world, weather system, and combat, and isn't really something that detracts from the game.
The story is also surprisingly compelling, especially the dilemma Jin Sakai faces, torn between the Samurai Bushido Code and his duty to his family, and becoming a brutal force capable of repelling the invading forces that show no remorse for Tsushima or its people. Through his interactions with his friends and companions, we get to see the two different sides of this dilemma, informing our decisions so by the end we can understand the choices that he makes, even if we agree more with those in opposition to him.
The experience of being a samurai in 13th century Japan really is sold here, from the details of fighting stances and weapons, to architecture and sake, and even calmer, more spiritual activities like sitting down and writing haiku or bathing in the hot springs, all accompanied by stellar sound design. Everything about it gives a deep sense of history and culture, celebrating a rich and vibrant land and people, and peaking the interest for those experiencing it for the first time. It's no wonder the lead developers were given the titles of tourism ambassadors for the island.
Sadly, the game, being open-world, falls for many of the same issues that any open world game does; huge sprawling spaces with only a small set of activities to complete, but copied everywhere, from the collectibles, items and shrines, along with a general lack of variety in enemy types, bosses and smaller settlements in each region. Gulfs in the story where the opportunity to explore or complete side quests also leaves the pacing of the narrative odd and disjointed, although this is down to the player just as much as it is to the developers, and depending on your play style and preferences doesn't really matter, it is just a nit-pick of mine.
Many of these aspects, like the rest of the game, are polished to perfection, particularly in the early game where many typical conventions game across as almost completely new and fresh when seeing them in such a beautiful and compelling game, but that doesn't change the fact that they are still limited by their repetition and simplicity. Visuals can only go so far to elevate them, even when they are as good as they are here. Still, if open world games generally appeal to you and maintain your interest through their entirety, then this game won't prove any more frustrating than the likes of Horizon: Zero Dawn or Batman: Arkham Knight where the same issues I listed above apply.
All in all, Ghost of Tsushima has dozens of reasons for you to play it - samurai action, beautiful scenery, a narrative that becomes surprisingly emotional the more you play it, a terrific slice of culture, possibly the best visual direction I have see in any game before, I could go on. For the reasons I gave earlier, I won't give it full marks, but it comes damn close...
I give Ghost of Tsushima a 9.5/10
SPOILER SECTION
I like how Sakai's journey from Samurai to The Ghost begins from the opening battle - he watches just about every other Samurai on the island die, with Khotun Khan immediately mocking the code of honour by burning alive the warrior who came to him, setting up the idea that Sakai will have to go further if he wants to save his island.
Yuri and Lord Shimura act as the angel and devil on his shoulder, both telling him the different approaches he could make: either break his code and lose his dignity to do whatever it takes to protect the people of the island, or continuing to follow the Bushido code, not stooping to the levels of the invading Mongols and to face them or die with honour and respect, even if that means risking more than himself.
This dilemma is a great work of drama, as no matter what he chooses, he will fail someone. Ultimately, he makes his decision, using painful and bloody poisoning in order to win the decisive battle at the climax of act two of the game. You understand his reasoning, especially after seeing Yuri's brother beheaded by the Khan and his kind, elderly family servant die in one of the most heart-breaking missions I've played in a game, but even still, you can't help being a little repulsed by it. He knows what that means for his relationship with his uncle and mentor Lord Shimura, and the cost it weighs on himself, but he makes that sacrifice, making it a brilliant moment that defines his character.
However, some of the other side quests don't seem to finish quite as satisfyingly, like the Sensei Ishikawa quest, which ended on a final, but fairly standard way. Although, the ascent up the mountain for the use of adding fire to weapons was a visually striking and engaging quest that provided a well needed departure from the rest of the game.
UP NEXT
Hollow Knight. I've been putting it off for a while now, but it should be interesting to put my thoughts on it down into words. See you then!
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