Overview

Sony has let many of their first party studios branch out from their franchises that built them and while Ghost of Tsushima isn't a huge departure from Sucker Punch’s previous open world fare, the genre and aesthetic couldn’t be more different. Ghost of Tsushima succeeds on nearly every level even if it doesn't provide anything ground breaking the genre hasn't seen before.

Story

Like all open world games it can be difficult to keep up the pace of the main narrative. Many of the side quests build directly into the main story or at the very least expand character depth for the companions that will help you on your quest to take back the island but Ghost of Tsushima is guilty of allowing the player to lose the plot. While the freedom to stop any quest right in the middle of it and start another one, free roam or really do whatever you want allows for great freedom it can hinder the storytelling.

Despite the free approach to the primary narrative, Jin's journey is quite compelling. It's a linear tale in the sense that the player's choice makes no impact. Sucker Punch wants to tell you a specific story and luckily it pays off. It also doesn't interfere with the style of gameplay that you prefer, with either style lending to Jin's arc.

While most of the side quests deal with your companions tie directly into the story there are plenty of one off quests that do nothing to add to that narrative except to further the legend of the ghost. There are some special side quests that result in a special piece of gear or skill that do just as much to flesh out the mythology of the land. The island of Tsushima is the ultimate story mechanic here, it is why Jin is doing what he is doing. Defending the history, the culture and the breathtaking scenery at whatever the cost.

Ultimately the sacrifices Jin makes or doesn't make leads to interesting relationship dynamics and an ending the carries much more weight than the revenge story against the mongols. It's a rather damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario; the context of the island, politics, class structure, supporting characters and some of the mythology are all bettered by many of the quests away from the main storyline, but it does remove some of the urgency and the drama of keeping the main story's pace.

Technical

It's hard to argue that there is a more beautiful, stunning and awe inspiring game during the generation than Ghost of Tsushima. The world has been meticulously crafted and is just as much of a character as the characters themselves. Every scene is a perfectly taken photograph of the most dramatic sunrise and sunset, lightning soaked skies, sun rays peaking through the clouds onto long grass or yellow autumn leaves falling onto your path. It's cinematic to say the least and astonishing more often than not. Lighting is perhaps the catalyst for this beauty, and at a whim the player can control it through a lovely flute melody. Even the moonlight shining on the marsh lands takes your breath away. There is no understating how many times Ghost of Tsushima impresses with its environments. The Kurosawa mode, while a cool feature that allows you to play the game in black and white with fil grain, is a disservice to the beauty of it all.

Because of how impressive the environments are, the character models and facial animation can't possibly match. It's still great but it's not generationally defining. Much of the detail is put into Jin's gear. The katana looks immaculate and sharp and the handle and sheath, both customizable, are detailed down to the thread. Same goes with armor and hardware. these details make the customization worth the coat of acquiring.

The gameplay animations are quite superb. They are crucial due to the timing and precision needed during swordplay, which is just glorious and balletic. Jim switches stances and performs techniques that are never jarring. There are some clipping moments outside of combat and Jin can get caught on cliffs that make for some interesting animations, it's not flawless when it breaks but flows well almost all of the time. These minor issues do nothing to detract from the most stunning environments seen on the PS4.

Music

The score perfectly captures and updates the Kurosawa age ofnSamurai films. There is nothing to distinguish this soundtrack from any of the best period pieces in cinema. The main theme is used to perfection, particularly in an early sequence that won't be spoiled here. The soundtrack has a different kind of quality than a catchy sequence that you find yourself humming. The score is complex and sweeping, contributing so much emotion to the scenery or weight to a duel.

Gameplay

It comes down to the superb swordplay to put it succinctly. Combat is both simple and deep while centered around your katana. There are no hit points or or a specific number of hits needed to fell your enemies, when a fatal slash meets its mark you or your enemy will die. This is the same at the beginning or the journey as it is towards the end. This doesn't mean that you can deliver this fatal blow everytime however. Breaking an opponent's guard, parrying their attack to create an opening requires timing and knowledge of your enemy's attack type to do so. There are four stances acquired throughout the game, each with designed to combat specific enemy types. For example, a swordsman with a shield versus without a shield can be fought differently. Technically, any stance can down your enemy, but their effectiveness is quite different. This is the primary factor to why the most combat never gets old. Movements are quick and precise and landing that killing blow is gratifying. This open world katana combat with the aid of your ghost skills combine to make taking down enemy encampments pure joy. If walking in announced and fighting the hoard with your katana is preferred you can do that, but the other option is a more stealth-like approach.

Jin comes to the realization early on that to beat the Mongols he cannot solely rely on his Samurai tactics. It is in this that he becomes more like a ninja, using throwing objects, bombs, smoke, and most of all, assassinations from behind. Stealth is rather rudimentary compared to say Metal Gear Solid the early Assassin’s Creed games, but is more akin to Marvel's Spider-Man, other than alerting more guards, there really isn't much punishment for being found, and by then you're using your compliment of Ghost weapons to aid your Katana. It's seamless and never once did it feel like a failure when stealth failed.

This free roaming style isn't all that is to be offered with sword play. There are special abilities that make taking on enemies easier but the standouts are the one one one duels. Straight for Samurai cinema these duels require you to master swordplay without the use of the aforementioned Ghost weapons. They are definitely a highlight and are essentially the bosses of Ghost of Tsushima.

While not all physics are obeyed, the combat style is based in reality. Weapons and armor can be upgraded and provide different advantages and it really depends on your style of play determine what you prefer or it can be completely situational. However, it is the excellent katana swordplay that elevates Ghost of Tsushima above similar open world games combat.