The long wait for Sucker Punch's next title is almost at an end. Ghost of Tsushima finally launches on July 17 and it promises to be the studio's biggest game yet. For Sucker Punch, Ghost of Tsushima is a vast departure from its previous work coming off beloved franchises like Sly Cooper and the inFamous series. However, it's fitting that the company is releasing its latest game near the end of the PS4 era as it also helped start the current generation by releasing inFamous: Second Son.
Over the past month, Sucker Punch has steadily increased its marketing push as well as sharing more information regarding the game. Fans have learned a lot about Jin's journey, the world he inhabits, and the enemies he's up against. New trailers, a dedicated State of Play event, and plenty of social media posts have hopefully given fans a glimpse at what the game is all about.
Still, there's a ton of information out there to catch up on for those who may have missed it. Here's everything fans need to know before picking up Ghost of Tsushima.
What is Ghost of Tsushima About?
Ghost of Tsushima puts players in the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai warrior from the small Japanese island of Tsushima in the year 1274. The Mongol Horde, led by General Khotun Khan, are on the march from the Korean pennisula with an eye on conquering Japan. Tushima is all that stands between them and the mainland and unfortunately for the small army on Tushima Island, they're quickly overwhelmed and defeated.
The Mongols have since moved in, occupied territory, and are using the land to rebuild their strength. Jin, one of the last surviving members of his clan, takes it upon himself to forego his Samurai ways in order to follow the path of the Ghost. Using unconventional tactics, Jin aims to distrupt and push back the Mongols before they can assault mainland Japan.
Historical Fiction
While the game is a work of fiction in terms of characters and events depicted, it is actually inspired by real world events. The Mongol army, led by Kublai Khan of the Yuan Empire, led and invasion force of Japan in 1274. They landed on Tsushima Island on November 4, 1274 and quickly wiped out the 80 cavalry defenders waiting for them there. They departed to the next island chain days later before making it to the mainland of Japan on November 19.
Ultimately, the Mongols were pushed back after taking heavy losses including one of a highly respected general. Unfortunately for the fleet, the retreating Mongols encountered severe storms and losing nearly half their troops.
A Breathtaking Open World
Players will be transported to 13 century Feudal Japan to roam the island of Tsushima. This open world is made up of over 40 kinds of biomes from open plains, swamp lands, forests, villages, and mountains. What makes this even more special is that during development, Sucker Punch developers visited the island to take in inspiration to mix certain real-life elements with inspired sections for the game. The sound team even managed to record nature sounds and photo-scanning leaves from the island itself.
The wind is also a key component of this adventure as players can utilize it to help guide them to different destinations in the world. As the wind blows, the game world reacts from cloth, trees, and particles blowing with it. The landscape also uses a diverse color palette for the art style of the game making areas feel unique with elements like leaves falling, flowers swaying, and snow blowing. Ultimately, there are hundreds of locations to explore on the island, so players are encouraged to get lost and discover what's out there.
Grounded Combat
Sucker Punch's mantra in developing this title was Mud, Blood, and Steel. Essentially, players will be relying on the katana as their primary weapon. Combat is brutal and inspired by classic samurai movies to make sure it felt and looked as accurate as possible. Katana combat is defined by fast attacks, sharpness that could take most enemies down in a couple of strikes, and precision accuracy. Jin is able to parry and block attacks as well as switch various stances to utilize new attack techniques.
Of course, players aren't restricted to only the way of the Samurai. Using deception, trickery, and stealth, players can become the Ghost to silently infiltrate and take out their targets. The Ghost playstyle also makes enemies susceptible to fear, a tactic which can be further exploited by the player. Players also get access to tactical equipment like the longbow, grappling hook, kunai, smoke bombs, and much more.
Customize Your Playstyle
In addition to different ways to play, Ghost of Tsushima allows players to change the look of their Jin. There's numerous armor styles in the game and some even provide passive bonuses. Different sets of armor can give the player different advantages towards a certain play style as a Samurai or Ghost. Armor color can also be changed by finding certain flowers in the world to craft a dye.
While exploring the world, players may also come across different charms which also provide different bonuses to the player such as regenerating health outside of combat or using smoke bombs to restore health. Techniques are basically skills that can be unlocked after the player levels up. Unlike charms, players can unlock new active skills and abilities through the technique system.
Bonus Features
This being a Sucker Punch game also means that a photo mode is included. While players have access to a number of standard options like depth of field and filters, Ghost of Tsushima ups the ante by adding a bunch of brand new options as well. Players can add in particles, change the wind speed/direction, add music, and create a gif or video from it.
Players can also turn on a Japanese voice track with English subtitles to help make the experience feel a bit more authentic. Samurai Cinema is another option for players who want a completely different experience. To give the game a real Samurai movie feel, this option adds a black and white filter to the game with heavy film grain and particle effects like rain.
Release Date and Pre-Order Bonus
Players can experience this journey on July 17, 2020 through a few different ways. Of course, there's always the standard version of the game, but those who want a bit more bang for their buck can opt for the Special or Collector's Edition. Pre-orders also receive a digital mini soundtrack, a Jin avatar, and a Ghost of Tsushima dynamic theme.
The Special Edition comes with the base game and a handful of digital goodies as well including a mini art book, director's commentary track, a PS4 dynamic theme, Hero of Tsushima skin, 1 technique point, and a special charm.
The Collector's Edition gets all of the previously listed content including a physical version of the art book, a cloth map, Sashimono war banner, Furoshiki wrapping cloth, and a Jin Sakai mask and stand.
Ghost of Tsushima launches on July 17, exclusively for the PlayStation 4.