Summary
Ghost of Tsushimawas one of the previous console generation’s most acclaimed original games. This can be attributed to its stunning open world, engaging combat, and its effective recreation of Samurai film aesthetics, pulling inspiration from Akira Kurosawa and other titans of the genre.Ghost of Tsushima’s story is easy to connect with as it tells the tale of Jin Sakai trying to do what he believes is right while still pleasing his family. Jin’s battle to save Tsushima from the Mongol invasion and the way it impacts his personal story is intriguing but it’s also predictable and often feels like a vehicle for the game’s other content.Ghost of Tsushima2needs to deliver a better story to succeed.
Ghost of Tsushima’sstory starts with Jin Sakai and his uncle, Lord Shimura, leading the charge toward the invading Mongol forces on the island.Lord Shimura is captured, and Jin miraculously survives the attack. While searching for his lost sword, he encounters a young thief named Yuna. She eventually tells Jin that if he is to have any hope of saving his uncle and the island of Tsushima, he will have to compromise on his samurai code and use deception. While Jin fights for good, his methods eventually place him at odds with his uncle.Ghost of Tsushima’s endingrevolves around this conflict, forcing Jin to embrace his own code of honor.
The World is The Star of Ghost of Tsushima
The star of the firstGhost of Tsushimagame was undoubtedly its open world and how the developers approached content within it. In the menu, players can set a waypoint on the map. When this is done, the breeze in the world will blow towards that objective, replacing the need for a mini-map. This leaves the player to focus on the island of Tsushima and its breathtaking vistas, massive flower fields, and luscious forests. The island serves as a backdrop forGhost of Tsushima’s duels, shrine puzzles, Mythic Tales, and other story and side content. Much of this content, especially the Mythic Tales, reaches its conclusion in picturesque areas fitting the story.
Immersion is at the Heart of Ghost of Tsushima
The world ofGhost of Tsushimais utilized well to make its other elements more memorable. Jin’s first confrontation withboss and antagonist Khotun Khanis set on a castle bridge, making the conflict feel extremely cinematic. The story, especially, is propped up by the stunning set pieces in which its events are set. The predictability of Jin’s story is easy to look past because every fight feels epic, and every new area is a treat to explore.
Ghost of Tsushima 2’s Story Needs to Be Better
Ghost of Tsushima’s predictable story is made up for by its beautiful world and engaging content. Still, when the sequel comes around, picturesque locales and exciting things to do will be an expectation. On top of this, Jin’s tale in the first game works in part because it is an origin story. Now that fans know Jin and his comrades, Sucker Punch Productions needs to do something more exciting with them.Ghost of Tsushima’s sequelcould do this by immersing Jin in a world of political intrigue as he works to clear his name with the Shogunate or as he tries to keep his identity secret while fending off the second Mongol invasion of Japan.
Ghost of Tsushimawas defined by its stunning open world, but this is now expected of the series, as is the wide variety of engaging side content the first provided. Now that Sucker Punch has establishedJin Sakai’s character as The Ghost, it must take that character and place him in a situation where anything is possible, and events cannot be easily predicted.Ghost of Tsushima 2needs a more complex narrative with higher stakes if it is going to stand out from the original and capture the same amount of hype and critical acclaim.
