Ghost of Tsushima is a 2020 action-adventure game where players control Jin Sakai, a samurai defending Tsushima Island during the Mongol invasion. Players can either fight honorably or use stealth tactics as "the Ghost" to defeat enemies. Explore a vast open world on foot or horseback and choose between direct combat or sneaky assassinations. The game also features a multiplayer mode, Ghost of Tsushima: Legends. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions, the game emphasizes melee combat and draws inspiration from samurai cinema, especially Akira Kurosawa films, and the comic series Usagi Yojimbo. The game's stunning landscape and art style were influenced by Shadow of the Colossus. Released for PS4 in July 2020, it expanded to PS5 and Windows with the Director's Cut and Iki Island expansion. Ghost of Tsushima was critically acclaimed for its combat, story, and visuals, though its stealth mechanics and open world received some criticism. The game sold over 9.73 million copies by July 2022 and was nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year. A film adaptation is in the works.
Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure game played from a third-person perspective. Players control Jin Sakai, who can engage enemies in direct "standoffs" using his katana, utilizing different stances for various enemy types, or stealthily eliminate foes using an array of ghost weapons like firecrackers, smoke bombs, and poison darts. Unlock powerful abilities such as the "ghost stance," making Jin invincible for a short period. The game features a vast open world, gradually unlocking three islands of Tsushima as the player progresses. Players can explore on horseback, guided by wind direction, yellow birds, and foxes to find locations of interest like hot springs, bamboo strikes, and shrines. Completing these activities grants health boosts, resolve increases, and charms with passive perks. Side quests and interactions with NPCs offer additional rewards, including unique armors and special combat techniques from "Mythic Tale" quests. Players can liberate Mongol-controlled areas and upgrade Jin's armor and weapons by collecting materials. Customize Jin's appearance with various masks, helmets, and headbands for a personalized experience.
In Ghost of Tsushima, Jin Sakai, the last samurai of his clan, embarks on a quest to protect Tsushima Island from the Mongol invasion led by the ruthless Khotun Khan. As Jin witnesses the devastation of his homeland and the capture of his uncle, Lord Shimura, he realizes that traditional samurai tactics alone won't be enough to repel the invaders. To save Tsushima, Jin must adapt and adopt new methods, learning guerrilla warfare and stealth tactics, which clash with his samurai upbringing. Throughout his journey, he gathers a group of diverse allies, each contributing their own skills and stories to the fight against the Mongols. As Jin becomes the legendary "Ghost," he faces moral dilemmas, challenging the boundaries between honor and necessity. The story unfolds across Tsushima's vast, open world, filled with lush landscapes, historical settings, and cultural landmarks, offering players an immersive experience of feudal Japan. Jin's transformation from samurai to Ghost is a poignant exploration of sacrifice, duty, and the lengths one will go to protect their people.
Ghost of Tsushima features bold colors and constant movement inspired by samurai films. The wind guides players, replacing traditional navigation aids, enhancing immersion. The island's in-game geography mimics its real-life counterpart but with artistic liberties, creating distinct and visually appealing regions like the vibrant Golden Forest. The minimalist aesthetic extends to architecture and the HUD, contrasting serene landscapes with intense combat. A black-and-white "Kurosawa mode" pays homage to the filmmaker. Jin's historically inspired armors reflect his internal struggle between honor and practicality, while the antagonist Khotun Khan's colorless, angular armors symbolize oppression.
The audio design meticulously crafts combat and environmental sounds, enhancing immersion. The black-naped oriole guides players, adding a natural touch. Ilan Eshkeri and Shigeru Umebayashi composed the music, drawing from 13th-century Japanese traditions. Eshkeri's compositions feature traditional instruments and scales, while Umebayashi's exploration music complements the game's atmosphere. The soundtrack, released on July 17, 2020, includes a remix EP by artists like TOKiMONSTA, released on July 10, 2022.
Epic Games
Steam