PS5 Games

Review: Ghost of Tsushima – The Ultimate Samurai Masterpiece Released in 2020, Ghost of Tsushima is a PlayStation exclusive from Sucker Punch Productions. This third-person open-world game takes place in 13th-century Japan. You play as the samurai Jin Sakai. Your mission is to free the island of Tsushima from Mongol invaders. On the surface, the gameplay feels like a standard action title. It reminds me more of early Assassin’s Creed games than The Last of Us. The game gives you total freedom. You can fight as an honorable samurai or use stealth as the “Ghost.” A Rich World and a Simple Story The story balances a complex world with a simple, easy-to-follow plot. You clear out the Mongols and save your uncle. The writers took heavy inspiration from classic Japanese cinema. This makes the game feel familiar and epic. The side quests add the most depth to the narrative. These missions feel meaningful. They are far better than standard fetch quests. You support allies who stay with you throughout the campaign. I personally loved hunting the wayward archer and seeking vengeance for a fallen samurai house. The Island as a Living Character The island of Tsushima itself is the real star. The game is stunningly gorgeous. It features diverse terrain and beautiful vistas. Sucker Punch avoids cluttering the map with too many icons. The island is Jin’s home. It acts like a character in the story. At times, it is peaceful. At other times, it is a warzone ravaged by fire. By the end, I felt truly invested in the island’s future. I recommend playing with Japanese audio and English subtitles for the best experience. Mastering the Way of the Samurai Sucker Punch removed the morality system found in their Infamous games. This was a smart choice. It allows the story to stay focused on a specific path. However, the game still makes you feel the weight of your choices. It feels “dishonorable” to use stealth at first. The world is much bigger than I expected. The map stays fogged until you explore it. I was shocked to find two more massive sections after “finishing” the first island. This discovery was a very pleasant surprise. The swordplay is fluid and satisfying. You can master different sword stances and secondary weapons. The samurai showdowns are beautiful and brutal. The animations look fantastic even after forty hours of play. You can also choose the “Lethal” difficulty for a more realistic challenge. Final Verdict: A PlayStation Jewel Ghost of Tsushima is a jewel in Sony’s first-party crown. It is a massive reason to own a PlayStation. It belongs in the same conversation as God of War and Spider-Man. It is the samurai game many of us have wanted for years. Jin Sakai’s journey to becoming the Ghost is tragic and exciting. I will not soon forget this character. I hope Sucker Punch is already working on a sequel for the PS5. If you love open-world action, you must play this game.   If you love gaming and pop culture, don’t miss our upcoming shows