Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure set in feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island and follows the samurai Jin Sakai who aims to liberate his homeland. The game's art direction is the best I have seen in any video game with some of the most visually stunning dynamic landscapes, weather conditions and lighting. This is best illustrated in the standoff duels, minimal UI and cutscenes that visually bring feudal Japan to life.
The story is well-paced and very immersive with the feeling that it is authentic to the era. That being said the story plays it very safe and doesn't give the Mongol villains much development when you compare it to the relationship-building happening between Jin and his uncle. That said the ending of the main campaign is very satisfactory and feels like a complete story.
The combat is surprisingly varied with different samurai techniques and equipment that you progressively unlock ensuring combat stays fresh. Even after 30 hours, it is still so satisfying to cut down Mongols one by one. Unfortunately, the stealth mechanics are not as fully fleshed out.
While the story remains compelling throughout the open-world elements the side quests are anything but. The side quests are all a variation of the Mongols having killed someone so you must investigate and/or track them down to kill them. This repetition hurts the character development of your allies as they begin to feel like a chore to complete. The open-world activities vary wildly but apart from the platforming at temples are very unsatisfying including chopping bamboo and lighting lighthouses. The Mythic Tales are the only exception as they have some terrific cutscenes, lore and abilities for you to unlock.
Overall, Ghost of Tsushima is a game with excellent visuals, combat, story, and cultural representation but the basic open-world elements mean it isn't a complete and polished package.
The story is well-paced and very immersive with the feeling that it is authentic to the era. That being said the story plays it very safe and doesn't give the Mongol villains much development when you compare it to the relationship-building happening between Jin and his uncle. That said the ending of the main campaign is very satisfactory and feels like a complete story.
The combat is surprisingly varied with different samurai techniques and equipment that you progressively unlock ensuring combat stays fresh. Even after 30 hours, it is still so satisfying to cut down Mongols one by one. Unfortunately, the stealth mechanics are not as fully fleshed out.
While the story remains compelling throughout the open-world elements the side quests are anything but. The side quests are all a variation of the Mongols having killed someone so you must investigate and/or track them down to kill them. This repetition hurts the character development of your allies as they begin to feel like a chore to complete. The open-world activities vary wildly but apart from the platforming at temples are very unsatisfying including chopping bamboo and lighting lighthouses. The Mythic Tales are the only exception as they have some terrific cutscenes, lore and abilities for you to unlock.
Overall, Ghost of Tsushima is a game with excellent visuals, combat, story, and cultural representation but the basic open-world elements mean it isn't a complete and polished package.