Tom Talks #5: Ghosts of Tsushima

 

Welcome back to Tom Talks and this time we're looking at a video game! Back in 2013, we saw the end of the PS3 generation, giving us three of that console's defining games in 'BioShock Infinite,' 'The Last of Us' and 'Grand Theft Auto V.' All three pushed the system to it's limits and delivered three different, but amazing experiences.

I thought 2020, despite all the chaos going on around us, would provide something similar for the end of the PS4 generation with 'The Last of Us 2,' 'Cyberpunk 2077' and the topic of this review, 'Ghosts of Tsushima.' As of this publication, I am still waiting for the patch to make 'Cyberpunk' playable, let alone enjoyable and 'The Last of Us 2' while captivating and a great revenge story, it couldn't hold a candle to the original. So it was down to 'Ghosts' to end the generation on a high and for once, it lived up to my expectations.

Sucker Punch is one of my favourite game studios, having made the inFamous series that I have loved, but I was eager to check out their new IP. The game focuses on samurai 'Jin Sakai,' (voiced by Daisuke Tsuji or Kazuya Nakai,) who must save the island of Tsushima from a Mongol invasion, using tactics that his code forbids, creating for an intriguing storyline that will keep you invested, throughout the 40-60 hours of gameplay. 

On the way he meets a wide range of characters from the determined, but caring 'Yuna' (Sumalee Montano/Mizuno Yufu) to the loveable fool Kenji, (James Hiroyuki Liao/Setsuji Sato) each with unique personalities, who provide Jin with different skills in his fight against 'Khotun Khan.' (Patrick Gallagher/Tsutomu Isobe) To avoid spoilers I will not go into great detail, but in summary it's a heartbreaking tale, that taught me a lot about Japanese culture and gave us one of the most developed characters of the generation.

Besides the main story missions, which range from big battles on castle walls to sneaking through an enemy camp, the open world of Tsushima has much to offer the player. The main side quests see the player help key allies like Sensei Ishikawa (Francois Chau/Shigeru Chiba) in their quests, that are separate from the main story. These side stories are some of the most developed missions not connected to the main plot I have ever seen in a game, creating deep and meaningful tales that are just as impactful as the main quest.

Other side missions see you follow the tales of a musician (who apparently was the go to guy for news back then) in a quest for new armour or moves, developing the lore in an interesting way, while giving us some fun combat and gameplay. There are also farms and forts to free, which vary enough to keep you interested and make for excellent ways to quench your taste for blood and upgrade your character.

Collectibles range from Mongol Artifacts and Records, which expand the story and history of the game, to Haiku and Inari Shrine's, that are different and fun at first, but do grow quite tiresome towards the end. (although petting the fox who leads you to a shrine, never gets boring.)

The amount of stuff to do will keep you occupied, but good gameplay is what keeps you playing and 'Ghosts' certainly has that in abundance. The samurai combat with it's different moves and killer combos, is truly satisfying and fun, never getting old and making you feel like a true warrior. Upgrades allow you to vary up your skill set, allowing you to cope with the more difficult enemies on all three islands.

The sword combat is not the only gameplay, with the grapple hook making for decent climbing and platforming, that the developers have admitted took inspiration from their previous titles. (it reminded me a lot of the hook blade in 'Assassin's Creed: Revelations.') This along with the more stealthier gameplay and side weapons like smoke bombs, allow for different approaches to each mission, increasing the replay value.

Sword fighting is your primary means of attack, but a skill with a bow and arrow, will make you stand out and allows for more ways to combat a mission. From flaming arrows to poison darts, your secondary weapons allow you to reman hidden or take out hard to reach enemies, leading to a more well rounded experience, for those who don't want to go into battle, head first.

These elements do take inspiration from other series' like 'Assassin's Creed' and the 'Batman:Arkham' games, but they are done well, allowing for a enthralling adventure that keeps you wanting to come back again and again.

Like most new games on the market, RPG elements have an impact on your ability to fight, allowing Jin to improve his weapons or be able to survive an enemy onslaught longer. The many different stances allow for a range of ways to combat different enemy types, whether that be an archer on top of a podium or a charging spearman. The upgrading of these styles allow for new combos, that really help towards the end of the game.

You can also upgrade armour, primary weapons and secondary weapons through collecting items on your travels like bamboo or predator hides. The ability to max out your character came fairly easy to me, but the length of the game made you feel like you earnt it, beginning as a novice samurai and ending as the legendary Ghost.

But what makes this game stand out, is the beautiful scenery on display, as this is one of the most colourful and dynamic worlds I have ever seen in a game. The attention to detail is amazing, whether it be a Blossom tree or blood spurting out a deceased enemy, no detail is left out. It truly feels like you are in a samurai movie and is one of the best ways to see History in motion.

Graphically there is not many that compare to 'Ghosts of Tsushima,' with Sucker Punch pushing the console to its absolute limit, making me question how can the PS5 make games that are better looking than here? (they have done somehow!) The sceneries in this game are magnificent and I took many a screenshot on my controller, to remind me of how epic this game looks. 

To top this all off, you can play the game in Kurosawa mode, allowing the player to play the game in black and white. I chose to do this and boy am I glad I did, as it leaves you feeling like you have lived out your 1950s Samurai movie fantasy, while still showing off how gorgeous the game is. (plus it gives me another reason to go back and play the game in colour.) Plus there is the option for the more authentic experience, by providing subtitles for the Japanese dialogue, as well as the English language option. (one I am sure people who watch anime and other content outside the British isles will appreciate.)

There are some minor issues that stop this from being perfection, such as side quests becoming a little tedious and the main antagonist 'Khotun Khan.' While other antagonists have in depth back stories and make for characters you feel emotionally invested in, the Khan feels like a generic villian. He does not ruin the story, but he does not really add to it either and I feel like this is a missed opportunity to add some more depth to a great story.

All in all, this is a phenomenal game with an enthralling story that develops one of this generations most loveable and developed protagonists, whilst delivering a gameplay experience that takes inspiration from the best to create a fantastic depiction of the way of the samurai. The PS4's final year may not have lived up to expectations, but this game here will live long in my memory and will be one I definitely return to in the future.

9/10

Thank you for reading this review and stay tuned for up coming game reviews including 'Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.' But until then keep your eye out for more music reviews and thought pieces, leave a comment and I hope you have enjoyed another article of Tom Talks!