Summary
Ghost of Tsushimahas been called anAssassin’s Creed-like game based on its formulaic open-world trappings, but what it achieved in its overall atmosphere is criminally understated in that deduction. It’s easy to reduceGhost of Tsushimato its core activities and its narrative emphasis, and yet where it thrives—where any open-world game should thrive, really—is in the moments players take between climactic, epic action to enjoy what little respite such a tragic story affords.
Much of what players do involves engaging with Mongol forces in overrun encampments. Players are always deciding whether to initially attempt a stealth approach with crouched movements and a tanto at the ready or brandish their sword defiantly as they approach a camp’s entryway to initiate a standoff. But whenJin Sakaiisn’t immediately pressed by an issue that his blades can resolve, players always have an opportunity to be swept up in the serenity and beauty of Tsushima.
Ghost of Tsushima 2 Needs the Same Blend of Anguish and Tranquility
Ghost of Tsushima’s Mongol Invasion is a Constant Reminder of Tragedy
IfGhost of Tsushima 2follows its predecessor asa direct sequel with Jin’s storynot having concluded, there is a wealth of opportunity that Sucker Punch can dive into. It would be thrilling to see how Jin has evolved as Tsushima’s resident Ghost, such as how he has chosen to arm himself or how he carries himself during a second Mongol invasion, let alone while purging the remaining Mongols from the first game’s invasion.
It’ll be important forGhost of Tsushima 2to challenge Jin with even more obstacles—both physical and psychological—to keep emotional stakes high while obviously giving players fun combat and stealth encounters. Toning this down at all will depend on the context of the story and where it takes place, and as neither is currently confirmed it is anyone’s guess how much that will continue to play a role in the sequel, though Sucker Punch probably won’t idly abandonGhost of Tsushima’s exciting combat and duel mechanicsentirely.
Ghost of Tsushima 2 Can’t Forget to Emphasize Peaceful Exploration
That said, while the Mongol invasion of Tsushima proved brutal and devastating inGhost of Tsushima, players still got to see how gorgeous the island was between objectives.Tsushima is lush with vibrant color and diversityin its landscapes and traversing on horseback through fields of billowing flora is astonishing. Jin has a lot to reconcile with in his adventure, but it’s wonderful to see him still able to periodically rest in a hot spring or reflect on his journey while writing haiku.
Pursuing cuddly foxes and scaling shrine passageways are also relaxing activities that don’t necessarily involve the player running into enemies, allowing for moments when the player and Jin are at ease and can enjoy hunting collectibles and navigating the island in repose. This sensation will be essentialabove all else inGhost of Tsushima 2if it’s a direct sequel in order to demonstrate that rare balance, and depending on how harrowing its story is that might be a difficult tightrope for Sucker Punch to walk again with the same degree of authenticity.
If there’s too much respite, for example, then Jin’s story has no urgency and the Mongols will lack any ferocity or intimidation. If there’s not enough, though, thenGhost of Tsushima 2might have less of a unique stamp on the oversaturated open-world action-adventure genre in comparison to the original game.
Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut
WHERE TO PLAY
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, courageous samurai warrior Jin Sakai stands resolute. As one of the last surviving members of his clan, Jin is resolved to 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.
