Summary
Ghost of Tsushimais a samurai game that takes place on Tsushima island during the Mongol invasion. To save his people, Jin Sakai must learn new ways of combat that go against the values that he has been taught. Hence, he must choose whether he will stick to tradition or become Tsushima’s ghost.
When Jin isn’t in combat with the Mongols, there are a host of mini-games to complete on the map. One of them is the bamboo strikes which implement QTEs. Although QTEs are controversial,Ghost of Tsushimaimplements them in an entertaining way, and any sequel shouldn’t interfere with the formula too much.
QTEs in Ghost of Tsushima
As players exploreGhost of Tsushima’s beautiful map, they’ll come across pillars of bamboo. By pressing buttons in the correct sequence, players can cut through the bamboo in a single strike. Successfully completing the challenge increases Jin’s resolve, which assists him during combat.
There’s a total of 16 bamboo strikes scattered across the map, and they get progressively harder. For the harder ones, concentration and a good memory are required. Finding all of them unlocks theBody, Mind, and Spirit trophy. Though most of them can be found freely, some have prerequisites, such as the Azamo bamboo strike which requires players to complete the Unfinished Business side tale first.
QTEs, orQuick Time Events, tend to have a bad reputation. This is because they are seen as a lazy way to implement gameplay.Ghost of Tsushimademonstrates that QTEs can be implemented smartly, as the bamboo strikes are a nice mini-game that provides a break from the regular action and tests players' memory and dexterity. The QTEs aren’t used too much, and their implementation makes sense within the game’s context.
Ghost of Tsushima 2 Shouldn’t Change the Formula
A Ghost of Tsushimasequel hasn’t been confirmed. However, with the success of the first gameboth on PC and PlayStation, it is almost a given that Sucker Punch will expand the franchise. A sequel should include the bamboo strikes once again, as they are an example of QTEs done right.
QTEs in a Ghost of Tsushima Sequel
If there is a sequel, QTEs should certainly not be implemented into the combat gameplay. This would represent everything that is loathed about QTEs. Instead, the sequel should keep the QTEs for mini-games such as thebamboo strikeswhere they provide a break from the action and test other skills besides combat.
The game has been well received, so much so that aGhost of Tsushimamovie is in the works. A sequel has the chance to expand on Jin Sakai’s story or to explore Mongol invasions in other parts of the world. Regardless of what Sucker Punch chooses to do with theGhost of Tsushimasequel, the studio should tread carefully when it comes to QTEs. They should be kept for side mini-games and not be used in combat, as there is already an enjoyable combat system that could use a little tweaking but is nonetheless fun.
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.
