Been Newgame+ing the everloving shit out of this game for the past few months. I would like to play at 60 FPS, but still can’t locate a PS5. I’m
not paying a dime over MSRP for that fucking thing, damnit.
Aside. I absolutely adore Ghosts of Tsushima. Time to gush some hyperbole.
Far past the honeymoon phase now, and I’m still enthralled and drawn to play it often. This is one game that, IMHO, really lands everything it tries to achieve in execution above average. Albeit with some aspects admittedly weaker than others (stealth, some forgettable characters, AI), but none I feel are ever so detrimental as to compromise the greater over the sum of its parts.
The open world is gorgeous and its areas distinct, unburdened by an obtrusive UI, kept alive by constant motion, particles, adept usage of color and contrast, effective lighting, and an innovative navigation system seamlessly interwoven to afford utility alongside complimenting the world aesthetically. The music and sound design is well-suited and knows when to keep itself subtle and when to let fly. The story is simple and well-told. What I find especially impressive is the pacing and development of your character into the Ghost, with skill advancement and reflection seen in the world
(“it’s the Ghost!!”) by the populace, the enemy’s fearful reactions of you, as well as your Uncle’s gradual disapproval reinforcing your divergence from his wishes, and how the story builds and culminates all this into an ending that actually moved me a bit...vocals soaring into a fade out to white, wrapping up everything beautifully all while letting you make a crucial choice central to the narrative. Simply brilliant. All done without having to
“subvert my expectations“ while telling me I’m a bigot because I found the writing and execution to be utter shit.....but I digress.
....and this isn’t even mentioning the combat. While not the best the medium has to offer, Tsushima’s combat is some of the most engaging and satisfying in an open world I’ve experienced to date. The visual and audio feedback is gratifying as fuck. The feeling after taking down 10-15 enemies on lethal without a scratch and wiping the blood off and sheathing your blade to calmly walk away
never gets old. Months later it still leaves me grinning, and I often roam around looking for fights. I’m fairly disappointed SP didn’t include challenge arenas (ala Arkham) considering how enjoyable the combat engine is, especially the duels. This was a missed opportunity that I hope gets addressed in the sequel.
I often hear the complaint GoT is generic....eh, I don’t see this. I suppose if I were to align with any criticism towards Ghost in similar vein, “
rote” would be the word that first comes to mind, but I don’t find this to be a problem nor a detractor from the experience. The formula stagnates, but works, and a well-formed wheel is still an enjoyable ride. Assassin‘s Creed is what I’d consider generic....cookie cutter, assembly-line, obligatory garbage. Tsushima feels like a love letter to the source material and fans of it, as the Arkham games did before it. It’s the samurai game I’ve always wanted.
As ACG noted in his review, it really feels like Sucker Punch grew up a bit with this one. I loved every second of this game, and eagerly await a sequel. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish on the PS5.