Shane
The year is 1274, you are Jin Sakai, a Samurai.
your clan is outnumbered as your protect both your heritage and land against the ever encroaching Mongol army.
Your Uncle, who has been your sensei since childhood is at your side. The leader of the Tsushima Samurai, but victory on the battlefield is not in your favour.
You fall, left for dead.
That is until some short time after when you awake – you had been rescued by a villager whose encampment is under siege from the Mongols.
But she didn’t rescue you to preserve the Tsushimi clan, she needs you to help her find her brother. She also informs you that your Uncle, refused to surrender and was taken as prisoner.
And this sets the premise and main narrative for the massively open world game Ghost of Tsushima exclusive to PlayStation 4.
An RPG third person action title made by Sucker Punch, who have spared no expense at the level of action, tasks on hand and detail to this game.
There are three main areas on your map which is accessed via the touchpad.
As you undertake your main mission you will encounter alot of side objectives. You can set way points and pin the next task on your map.
To know where to go in this incredibly detailed game you will harness the power of the wind.
A left swipe across the DualShock4 controller sets the wind blustering. Follow its direction.
There are a lot of collectables to be found. Every village you encounter, inhabited or abandoned is likely rife with supplies. Some have merchants where you can upgrade or get new equipment by trading supplies or the game’s currency for the most part, flowers.
Jin uses his Samurai skills and his finely tuned senses to get through this Mongol infestation his lands and his people are now faced with.
You will acquire a horse and this is yours for the entire of the game. This saves Ghost of Tsushima from being a walking simulator as there are parts where you’ll need to traverse great distances. Your horse is always on immediate call.
If you need to or want to visit an area where you have completed an objective you can fast travel there via the map.
Initially you will start out with only your Samurai sword and dagger. Soon though you’ll be mastering the bow and arrow and more.
Again these can be upgraded.
Yourself will also upgrade in the sense you will learn or earn new skills some Jin has issues with in the sense that it goes against his Samurai teachings, such as stealth (which happened to be my favourite).
You’ll also take on differing stances that aid you in your combat and overall wellbeing. The more melee combat you take on, the better off you are health wise aswell as nearing the next character level, as it were.
Often you’ll come across Mongol bandits or just general naughty countrymen who will challenge you to a stand off. Where you can, take them on as it is usually rewarding.
Ghosts of Tsushima is a game that keeps on giving.
It’s gritty, raw and mystical. The only true spiritual Samurai game that has ever been made to date.
There are flashbacks throughout play which give you insights to Jin’s relationship with his Uncle, the emotional history surrounding his father and these flashbacks are payable.
Environments are beautifully crafted, narrative so engaging that playing an hour of Ghost of Tsushima ends up being 10 hours in the blink of an eye.
As the sun slowly begins to set on the almost seven year old PlayStation 4 we are seeing a spectacular send off with titles such as The Last of Us Part 2 and this one, Ghost of Tsushima.
It’s up to you now Samurai. The last warrior of your clan. Save your lands against tyrannical rule, uncover more about your family and don’t let them see you coming.
Submerse yourself in to the Japanese Samurai lore.
You are the Ghost of Tsushima.
Released: July 2020
Rating: M15+
Platforms: PlayStation 4
Genre: Action
Developer: Sucker Punch
Publisher: Sony
