Ghost of Tsushima Review: A Perfect Farewell to PlayStation 4

Sucker Punch Studios was one of the first to release games for the PlayStation 4, starting with *Infamous Second Son*. Now, they close the generation with one of the most anticipated titles of the year, *Ghost of Tsushima*. Does the studio deliver a unique and unforgettable experience to cap off the PS4 era? Let’s find out in this review.

Story Overview

Set in 1274 on Japan’s Tsushima Island, *Ghost of Tsushima* follows the story of Jin Sakai, one of the last samurai defending the island from the Mongol invasion. Despite their efforts, the samurai are overpowered by the massive Mongol forces. Jin survives thanks to Yuna, a thief who saves him during the battle. Together, they embark on a mission to free Tsushima from the Mongols.

Throughout the story, Jin encounters numerous allies, such as Yuna, and recruits a team to fight alongside him. Each character, whether part of the main or side quests, is well-developed and adds depth to the narrative. The game highlights their struggles and motivations, making them feel real and relatable.

Completing the main story will take around 20-25 hours, offering a well-paced experience without unnecessary filler or rushed moments. The character development, especially for Jin, unfolds beautifully as the story progresses.

Gameplay Highlights

As a samurai, the game emphasizes direct combat, which is thrilling and challenging. While stealth mechanics are also well-implemented and innovative, direct battles provide a more engaging experience. If you’re familiar with *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice*, the combat will feel familiar. If not, it might take some time to adapt to the fast-paced and unforgiving combat system.

The gameplay revolves around your primary weapon, the Katana, which can be upgraded. You also have access to bows and various tools, like throwing knives and smoke bombs, to aid in combat. Boss fights are intense, requiring mastery of dodging and parrying as you rely solely on your sword.

The stealth system is incredibly satisfying, allowing you to eliminate enemies in one hit (except bosses). Clearing an entire Mongol camp without being detected truly makes you feel like a ghost.

The game features a robust skill tree, letting you choose abilities that enhance either combat or stealth. There’s also a smaller skill tree for exploration, helping you uncover the secrets of Tsushima Island.

World and Side Missions

While the main story takes around 20-25 hours, completing all the side missions can extend gameplay to 40 hours. Side missions are captivating, often more exciting than the main story. Completing them rewards you with new abilities, gear, or charms that help in your journey.

Exploring the open world is rewarding, with secrets scattered across Tsushima. Following birds or animals often leads to hidden treasures or unique side quests. Don’t leave any part of the map unexplored for the full experience!

Graphics and Sound

*Ghost of Tsushima* is visually stunning, with diverse and breathtaking environments that encourage players to use Photo Mode. Character designs are detailed, though facial animations could have been better. Voice acting is excellent in both English and Japanese, with standout performances from Jin Sakai and the antagonist Khotun Khan.

The soundtrack, composed by Ilan Eshkeri and Shigeru Umebayashi, is phenomenal, enhancing the emotional and action-packed moments in the game.

Performance

The game runs at 1080p on PlayStation 4 and 1800p on PlayStation 4 Pro, targeting 30 FPS. Unfortunately, there are occasional frame drops during large battles, but they don’t significantly detract from the experience.

Conclusion

*Ghost of Tsushima* is a masterpiece, offering a rich story, compelling characters, and stunning visuals. Despite minor flaws, the game is a fantastic farewell to the PlayStation 4 era. Sucker Punch Studios has proven their ability to create outstanding new franchises, leaving us eager for their next project.

Pros:

• Engaging story
• Well-developed characters
• Excellent gameplay for both stealth and combat
• Gorgeous visuals on PlayStation 4
• Immersive soundtrack
• A world filled with unique side missions and secrets

Cons:

• Technical performance issues during large battles
• Lip-sync designed for English only

Final Rating: 9/10