When Does Ghosts of Tsushima Get Good?

When Does Ghosts of Tsushima Get Good?

Fans of Ghosts of Tsushima will tell you that you’ll be immediately captivated by the beautiful setting, but that it might take a while to get into the overall (but quite rewarding) story. Most fans argue that by about the 10 hour mark, if you’re not feeling Ghosts of Tsushima the game isn’t for you, but if you’re hooked by that point, the rest of the experience is well worth the journey.

What Fans Say

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Ghost of Tsushima has garnered immense praise from fans for its exceptional art direction, expansive open world, and respectful portrayal of Japanese culture. Players commend the game for immersing them in a setting that feels historically grounded yet artistically stylized, often likening it to a playable Kurosawa film. The game’s unique mechanics, like following the wind or animals to navigate, stand out as fan-favorite features that enhance immersion without overloading the screen with typical HUD elements.

Fans also appreciate the moral complexity of Jin’s journey, finding his struggle between honor and pragmatism a fresh and compelling narrative arc. The game’s combat system, allowing players to choose between the samurai’s honor-bound path or the “ghost’s” stealth approach, is widely celebrated for letting players shape Jin’s development. Additionally, Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, a free co-op multiplayer mode added post-launch, has become a beloved feature, letting players team up in supernatural-inspired battles and raids, extending the game’s longevity and adding another layer of enjoyment.

What Haters Say

While the game is celebrated, some critics argue that Ghost of Tsushima plays it too safe by following the familiar open-world formula, making it feel less innovative than anticipated. Detractors point out that certain repetitive objectives, like liberating outposts or gathering collectibles, mirror activities from other open-world games, which can detract from the immersive experience for those looking for more variety in gameplay.

Others feel that the game’s AI, particularly in stealth sections, lacks the sophistication expected in a title of its caliber. Some stealth mechanics are deemed forgiving, leading to sequences that lack tension and realism. Furthermore, certain purists have critiqued the game’s portrayal of samurai culture, feeling that the “ghost” tactics stray too far from traditional values associated with samurai conduct, though many acknowledge this as a central theme of Jin’s character arc rather than a fault of the game itself.

Aggregated Critic Commentary

Critics widely praise Ghost of Tsushima for its breathtaking visuals and successful blend of samurai cinema and open-world exploration. Many highlight the stunning environmental design, noting how the dynamic weather, ambient sounds, and flora create a uniquely immersive world that feels alive and atmospheric. The game has been applauded for creating an experience that emphasizes visual exploration over conventional map markers, with The Guardian’s reviewers describing it as a “new standard for open-world games” in terms of world-building.

The combat system is often cited as one of the game’s strongest assets, with critics noting how it combines simplicity with depth, allowing players to switch between stances to counter different enemies effectively. Reviewers from outlets like IGN have lauded the game for this, stating it offers a satisfying learning curve that rewards timing and skill. Conversely, some critics, such as those from Kotaku, express reservations about the lack of innovation in mission variety, noting that while the game is visually distinct, its structure occasionally feels conventional for the genre.

Overall, Ghost of Tsushima is celebrated for its dedication to creating an authentic, respectful homage to Japanese history and culture, with most critics considering its aesthetic and narrative choices commendable, even if it doesn’t entirely escape some typical open-world pitfalls.

Game Highlights

1. The Samurai’s Honor and the Ghost’s Path: Jin’s journey challenges him to choose between honorable combat and a stealthier, more ruthless approach, allowing players to shape his character development.
2. Innovative Navigation System: Environmental cues replace traditional HUD, making exploration feel organic as players follow wind, animals, and sounds to discover hidden secrets and missions.
3. Breathtaking Visuals: The dynamic weather system and meticulously designed landscapes evoke cinematic beauty, making Ghost of Tsushima a visual standout in the open-world genre.

Similar Games

If you enjoyed Ghost of Tsushima, here are some games that offer similar experiences:

1. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Like Ghost of Tsushima, Valhalla allows players to blend direct combat with stealth tactics in a vast open world, but within a Viking setting.
2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – With intense samurai combat and a focus on precision, Sekiro offers a more challenging experience with similar themes of honor and personal growth.
3. Red Dead Redemption 2 – Known for its intricate open-world design and deep narrative, Red Dead Redemption 2 provides a similarly immersive experience with themes of honor and survival.
4. Nioh 2 – For fans of samurai and supernatural elements, Nioh 2 offers a challenging combat experience with customizable character builds and a similar setting.
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Though thematically different, The Witcher 3 is often praised for its storytelling and open-world immersion, appealing to those who value exploration and character-driven narratives.

If You Like These, You’ll Like Ghost of Tsushima

1. Horizon Zero Dawn – Known for its strong storytelling, expansive world, and unique combat mechanics, Horizon Zero Dawn offers a similar blend of exploration and mission-based gameplay, with a character-driven plot.
2. Shadow of the Tomb Raider – Players who enjoy stealth and environmental exploration will find Shadow of the Tomb Raider a fitting match, with its immersive landscapes and a protagonist who also grapples with survival and honor.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – With an open-world focus on environmental storytelling and a non-linear exploration style, Breath of the Wild offers players freedom and discovery, akin to Ghost of Tsushima’s exploration-driven gameplay.
4. Middle-earth: Shadow of War – The Nemesis system in Shadow of War adds depth to its open-world experience, allowing players to build rivalries and engage in fluid combat that fans of Ghost of Tsushima may find appealing.