A Unique Journey Through Feudal Japan
In 2020, as the world was navigating the challenges of isolation and social distancing, a PlayStation exclusive offered an escape into a distant land and ancient time. This game allowed players to step into the shoes of a noble samurai with a sacred mission, providing a perfect distraction during those uncertain times. Playing as Jin Sakai, a man driven by the desire to avenge his fallen allies, the game delivered a straightforward and compelling narrative. While the battles were numerous and intense, they didn’t require precise timing, and the quest indicators and large icons guiding players to their next destination were reminiscent of other flagship PlayStation titles. The progression was smooth and easy, free from the confusion often associated with games like Elden Ring.
This simplicity is at the heart of the enduring appeal of Ghost of Tsushima, developed by Sucker Punch as the final PlayStation 4 exclusive and one of the first titles to be played on the new console generation. Although the story leaned toward the generic, with elements that felt more like a Hollywood blockbuster than a deep narrative, it still managed to capture the imagination of players. Some critics found the stealth sections too predictable, and the climbing mechanics had conveniently marked ledges that felt familiar, similar to those in games like Final Fantasy. However, Ghost of Tsushima never aimed to be a literary masterpiece; instead, it fulfilled its promise by delivering an experience akin to Assassin’s Creed in Japan, long before the franchise caught up with what fans truly wanted.
By March 2023, Ubisoft finally released Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in Japan with dual protagonists, but the idea already felt dated. Ghost of Tsushima had already satisfied the craving for an open-world stealth game where players could run around swinging a samurai sword or quietly assassinate enemies from behind. Even though the game featured its own original world and characters, it incorporated all the elements that fans of existing franchises loved. These included an easy way to travel via horses, similar to Red Dead Redemption 2 or GTA, reasons to explore the Photo Mode, and surprisingly deep side quests where the real narrative depth was hidden.
At the start of the game, players are given a horse, allowing them to roam freely through the open world, collecting herbs and flowers along the way. Beautiful meditation spots and natural springs offer opportunities to recover between battles. The game blends the delightful tourism of visiting feudal Japan with epic samurai fights, while also offering branching skill trees and various combat options. These elements made the game not only fun but also deeply engaging during a difficult time.
For many, Ghost of Tsushima was one of the first PlayStation exclusives they ever played. Exploring other titles like God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Ratchet and Clank revealed that Sony had mastered a unique gaming formula that worked exceptionally well, even if some elements began to feel repetitive over time. Ghost of Tsushima doesn’t overcomplicate things, and this simplicity is exactly what makes it successful. Getting from point A to point B in the game is extremely easy and enjoyable, and boss battles can be scaled up to match the player’s desired difficulty level.
While the main campaign might leave some players rolling their eyes due to its predictable plot points, the more complex storytelling lies in the side quests. One such example is a storyline involving a woman samurai companion who is gay, which was both fascinating and historically accurate. Sucker Punch’s creative director expressed surprise when told that the player had taken the time to explore this storyline to its end.
Looking back, Ghost of Tsushima may not have been groundbreaking or revelatory. It is essentially an Assassin’s Creed-inspired game set in Japan without any ties to that franchise’s lore. However, timing played a crucial role in its success. It arrived just when players needed an escape, and for that reason, it will always hold a special place in the hearts of many. Ghost of Tsushima is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.