Oh man, I do not know where to begin. This was a game I initially had spite towards without having played it because I wanted Sucker Punch to go back to Infamous or Sly Cooper so bad, and knowing a Ghost of Tsushima sequel is on the way, I felt even more resentment. In saying that, I felt I should at least give it a try and see what all the hype is about, and man did this game not hold back. Out the get go, it impressed me so well, with a great cinematic opening act that really makes you feel like you are caught in between a war between the Samurai and the Mongols. This game has color to it like no other, with a world filled to the brim with detail. This game is an open world game that is much unlike others where you follow pinpoints across a vast empty map, instead, this game has you paying attention to its world, whether it is following foxes down secret holes, or following birds or the wind towards your next destination. I felt that many of its characters and locations felt extremely real and purposeful, with no space really feeling too similar to the other. Each section of this worlds huge open world map felt unique and new, with enemies that improved in both their gear and weapon techniques as time went on. Enemies did not get harder in the sense that they gained more health, rather, they improved in their fighting styles and became much more cohesive in their attacks as the games story goes on. The combat is definitely the highlight of this game, with many different ways of approaching enemies whether it be through ghost weapons (stealth) or full-blown frontal assault. The soundtrack is phenomenal and truly pays off when it has to, especially in the most gut-wrenching emotional scenes. The duels and boss battles in this game are like no other. I got chills every time the heavy drums and orchestral score began once you and your foe opposed each other with sword in hand, ready to strike with beautiful, vast, centerpieces making the backgrounds. Everything feels real, feels badass, and it truly just makes you feel like a samurai.
While its collectibles are fun, it can be overbearing at times. I feel this game has much padding added to it through its side missions and bases, which fun at first, can feel like a drag if you decide to take on this ambition of clearing all of Tushima islands pins, which is what I decided to do. I felt at times was it worth pursuing the 100%, but convinced myself to go off into the main story once again and come back to the side content once I was getting too tediously distracted with all of its fluff. Granted, that is a criticism that can be said for many open world games that force you to take on that said side content, and it was great that Ghost of Tsushima respects my time and allows it to be optional. While the 100% was fun, I feel I would have had a better time simply playing through this games fantastic main story, however, it was at no detriment of its own as this game was glorious in every sense of the term. I look forward to what Sucker Punch has in store for us next.
Will be playing the DLC and updating this review*
5/31/24 - I just finished the DLC and got the platinum, and I stand with my review. The DLC was fun, the Eagle was a great villain and we got to explore some cool new enemy challenges, events around the world and got to see a little bit more in Sakai’s past. I love this game.
While its collectibles are fun, it can be overbearing at times. I feel this game has much padding added to it through its side missions and bases, which fun at first, can feel like a drag if you decide to take on this ambition of clearing all of Tushima islands pins, which is what I decided to do. I felt at times was it worth pursuing the 100%, but convinced myself to go off into the main story once again and come back to the side content once I was getting too tediously distracted with all of its fluff. Granted, that is a criticism that can be said for many open world games that force you to take on that said side content, and it was great that Ghost of Tsushima respects my time and allows it to be optional. While the 100% was fun, I feel I would have had a better time simply playing through this games fantastic main story, however, it was at no detriment of its own as this game was glorious in every sense of the term. I look forward to what Sucker Punch has in store for us next.
Will be playing the DLC and updating this review*
5/31/24 - I just finished the DLC and got the platinum, and I stand with my review. The DLC was fun, the Eagle was a great villain and we got to explore some cool new enemy challenges, events around the world and got to see a little bit more in Sakai’s past. I love this game.