Ghost of Tsushima was developed by Sucker Punch Studios, produced by Sony Interactive Entertainment, and released back in 2020. Ghost of Tsushima is set in the Kamakura Period in Japan and follows a fictional interpretation of the real Mongol invasion of Tsushima during the 13th century. Ghost of Tsushima centers on the heroic story of Jin Sakai, the last remaining member of Clan Sakai, and one of the few valorous samurai left on Tsushima.
Nate Fox, the Creative Director of Sucker Punch Studios worked closely with Shuhei Yoshida, the President of Sony Interactive Entertainment, in a combined effort to make Ghost of Tsushima a collaborative project. Fox consulted the expertise of Dr. Kazuto Hongo, a Professor at The University of Tokyo, and an expert in the Kamakura Period in Feudal Japan to establish authenticity.
In the prologue, you are immediately thrust into combat as Lord Shimura, Jin Sakai, and Tsushima's samurai suddenly charge the Mongol invaders on Komoda Beach. The immediacy of action in the opening scene projects the urgency and pace that Sucker Punch Productions stresses. The barbaric killing of Lord Adachi by Khotun Khan rouses the player's frustration as you descend upon the murderous Mongol invaders.
The Acts structure of the story progression gives you the required guidelines to move forward in the game, but also gives you the freedom to choose which Tales and side missions to prioritise minimal hand-holding. There is an rich diversity of both essential and side missions including those of Jin's Journey, Tales of Tsushima, and Mythic Tales.
Tsushima is split into three prefectures: Izuhara, Toyotama, and Kamiagata. Each prefecture has vastly different environments, boasting over 40 different biomes. The difficulty of Mongol warriors also increases as you explore throughout Tsushima. Supplying the player with an ever-increasing challenge in combat by introducing more well-equipped, tougher, and perceptive foes. This prevents stale fighting sequences and stagnant skill progression. The induction of skilled Ronin, rapid-firing Mongol archers, and fire-wielding Mongol swordsmen in Toyotama and Kamiagata was a much-needed inclusion.
Ghost of Tsushima featured a multiplicity of fighting stances inspired from genuine stances in Kenjutsu. These include the Stone Stance (similar to the In No Kamae stance), the Water Stance (similar to the Ko Gasumi stance), the Wind Stance (similar to the Sha No Kamae stance), and the Moon stance (similar to the Jodan No Kamae stance). The variety of stances to attack and defend against different classes of Mongol warrior is a dynamic approach in achieving exhilarating combat sequences that require quick-thinking and flexibility. The stand-off sequences are also a challenging test of reaction-speed and timing; paying homage to the art of Iaijutsu, the koryū practice of unsheathing and striking from the saya (the scabbard) in one fluid motion.
Ghost of Tsushima hosts an impressive variety of different biomes and distinguishable environments. Just a few of the visually breath-taking locations include: the serene, golden sandy beaches of Azamo Bay, the blistering, frozen wastelands of Kamiagata, the verdant, watery swamps in Old Kanazawa Marsh, the desolate, charred earth in the Endless Forest, and the swaying bamboo thickets of the Hidden Springs Forest. The vividity of colour elevates Tsushima's stunning nature into a new degree of beauty, some of these locations include: the purple chrysanthemums near Tadayori's resting place, the blue hydrangeas near the Hiyoshi Coast, the dense forest of thin, white-leafed trees on Shigenori's Peak, the sparse grove of tall, orange-leafed trees of the Golden Forest, and the endless fields of white pampas grass in the Kishi Grasslands.
The Hidden Altars are an exploratory feature that is untrackable, offering you magical moments where you unknowingly stumble upon these secret locations. When bowing infront of these Hidden Altars there is sudden burst of wildlife that appears, as if nature is grateful for your sign of respect. Some Hidden Altars include: the eruption of red dragonflies from a Pillar of Honour near the Ijima Farmstead, the sudden flurry of fish leaping from the surface of Lake Omi, a spiraling group of blue butterflies at a cemetery near the Adachi Estate, and a collection of scuttling crabs spawn from the sand near a Pillar of Honour, found north of the Kaneda Inlet.
Exploration in Ghost of Tsushima is an element that is skillfully attuned and thoroughly enjoyable. The Hot Springs offer peaceful moments of introspection and meditation, often reflecting on recent events. The Inari Shrines extend the significance of Inari in feudal Japan and the respect for foxes in Shinto as spiritual messengers. The Haiku locations provide moments of imagination through observation in tranquil natural settings. The Bamboo Strikes celebrate the graceful yet vicious techniques in Kenjutsu and the strength of the katana. The Shinto Shrines give an insight into the Shinto religion and the kami that are worshipped and revered. The Lighthouses supply hope to the people of Tsushima and fear to the Mongol invaders. The Pillars of Honour mark the heroic deeds of honourable samurai who died to bring peace and order to Tsushima.
Resource collection is a swift and seamless action and doesn't jump to an unnecessarily long, animated cutscene, making it an enjoyable pastime in the game.
The Guiding Wind directs you toward your quests with a simple swipe of the Touch Pad, preventing you from tediously opening and closing the map feature again and again. The mechanic of the Guiding Wind ensures continuous exploration, allowing you to be entranced by Tsushima's natural beauty. Jin is cleverly placed on the far right-hand side of the screen when he is on horseback and travelling through Tsushima. This gives two-thirds of the screen empty space so the player can soak up the resplendent scenery as they travel through it.
Ghost of Tsushima exhibits a diversity of complex, personable, and well-written characters, each with their own personal agendas, traumatic pasts, character flaws, impressive talents etc. This game does a tremendous job of illustrating strength and weakness, and virtue and vice in each of Jin's companions, instead of reducing them to shallow, unrealistic interpretations. The prescence of struggle, grief, fear, cowardice, deceit, and betrayal develop your fictional allies to a new degree of realism, furthering the connection with the player.
Kenji, the impetuous, greedy swindler yet also a selfless sake merchant. Kenji has admirable intentions but lacks the virtuous habits of a good man. Kenji is very much regarded as the comic relief of the game.
Yuna, an able combatant, a renowned thief, the protective older sister of Taka, and a dear friend to Jin. A capable and compassionate woman, with a tendency for shrewd ruthlessness. There is an unspoken bond between Jin and Yuna, one that can be perceived as somewhat romantic.
Taka, a skilled blacksmith and the younger brother to Yuna, they share an unbreakable bond of siblinghood. Taka is gentle, kind, and somewhat naive. Taka idolises Jin, which leads him into dangerous situations in order to impress him.
Masako Adachi, the widow of Lord Harunobu Adachi, ally of Jin, and the sole survivor of Clan Adachi. Lady Masako was once a kind-hearted and loving mother. However, we now observe her as a grief-stricken and vengeful woman, prone to acts of rage and emotional outbursts.
Sadanobu Ishikawa, a renowned archer, a former member of Clan Nagao, and the past sensei of Jin. Ishikawa is an old, rigid cynic, a skilled archer, and a wise tactician. Sensei Ishikawa is guilty of deceit and hypocrisy at times, but displays a great amount of wisdom and restraint in important moments.
Lord Shimura, the Jitō of Tsushima, Lord of Clan Shimura, brother to Lady Sakai, brother-in-law to Kazumasa Sakai, and uncle to Jin Sakai. Lord Shimura is a firm defender of the principles of Bushidō including honour, duty, and loyalty. Shimura is made out to be a caring and nurturing maternal uncle in the beginning, but the further the game goes on, the more negative attributes we begin to observe. Shimura's steadfast devotion of the Bushidō code and stubborn nature causes a fracture between Shimura and Jin.
Ryuzo, the leader of the Straw Hat ronin, and a childhood friend of Jin. He is protective of his men that he regards as dear brothers, enduring hardships to ensure their loyalty and survival. Ryuzo still harbours bitterness against Jin for their last interaction at Shimura's tournament where Jin bested Ryuzo and embarrassed him in the process.
Norio, the stout and proud warrior monk. Norio fights as a valiant protector of Tsushima's helpless people to honour the memory of his fallen warrior monk brothers. Burdened with guilt and regret, Norio adheres to Buddhist spiritual practices to cleanse his conscience.
Yuriko, Jin's beloved childhood caretaker and an experienced healer with a vast knowledge in herbs and plants. Yuriko is a sweet, elderly lady who regales heart-warming memories of a young and troublesome Jin. Yuriko's diminishing mental health is a sad sight to witness as her amnesia worsens.
By Lucas Barker, a niché gamer with a passion for games with visceral combat, thrilling gameplay, aesthetic environments, well-developed characters, and complex story plots. 18/8/22
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