VIDEO GAME REVIEW: Ghost of Tsushima - Sucker Punch

Release Date:  17/07/20

Publisher: Sucker Punch

SYNOPSIS:

In the late 13th century, the mongol empire has laid waste to entire nations along their campaign to conquer the East. Tsushima island is all that stands between mainland Japan and a massive mongol invasion fleet led by the ruthless and cunning General, Khotun Khan. As the island burns in the wake of the first wave of the mongol assault, Samurai Warrior Jin Sakai stands as one of the last surviving members of his clan. He is resolved do whatever it takes, at any cost, to protect his people and reclaim his home. He must set aside the traditions that have shaped him as a Warrior to forge a new path, the path of the Ghost, and wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsushima. 

 

REVIEW:

I loved the look of this game from its very first teaser trailer that I saw and couldn't wait to give this title a go especially as it had a great studio behind it (Sucker Punch) whose other previous titles I'd had a lot of fun with.

So what does this title offer?

Well firstly and perhaps most importantly its a game that is a huge open world setting during the time of the Mongol invasion of the Japanese island of Tsushima in 1274. It has beautiful scenery, is idyllically coloured and brings a realism to the landscape that just captures your imagination.

The protagonist has flaws who in the opening sequence sees his beliefs and way of life devastated and has to find his own way in a new world that challenges him to the core in order to save his people. There are multiple twists and turns to his arc, each of which allows you to change your tactics as well as re-evaluating what you will and won't do to save your world which is then also given additional believability with a huge supporting cast of characters who each have their own back stories as well as goals throughout the game.

Each aspect adds multiple layers to draw you in as well as giving the player the chance to see how each section develops the various arcs with numerous options on tactics and combat styles and whilst I loved getting new additions the key thing I found was you could quickly be overwhelmed and hit area's of the story that you weren't quite ready for earlier than expected.

I would say to have multiple saves in case you need to go back because you hit an area too soon and encourage gamer's to fully explore the section of the world that they're in, in order to get the most of finding things such as charms, shrines and hot springs. Its worth doing as not only do you get to fully explore the beauty that this world has to offer but also affords you many opportunities to try out the unique photo mode that will have you taking multiple snaps throughout.

All in I had a lot of hours put into this and whilst I haven't fully picked up every trophy yet, I'm working on it even after the main story and the only two complaints that I had at the end of it was that I wasn't ready to finish and that I would have liked the options of other main weapons not just a katana. Don't get me wrong it was extremely well done especially when fighting duels, becoming cinematic but as a fan of pole arms I would have liked to be able to use one or even a chain weapon or two. That said, it is a really a minor gripe and for the final AA title for the PS4 its one hell of a swan song although I do wonder if they might have been better saving this for the release of the PS5.