Summary
- The core combat mechanics in Ghost of Tsushima are satisfying, and when combined with astounding presentation and a compelling story create a terrific experience.
- Sucker Punch should continue using winning formula for its future games, while adding a few new features to keep things fresh.
- The Ghost of Tsushima formula can be adapted to various historical settings and different types of characters for spin-offs.
Finding a winning formula in the world of video games is much easier said than done, but somehow, Ghost of Tsushima pretty much nailed it right off the bat. Though its open-world activities became a tad repetitive in its later hours, Ghost of Tsushima's core combat mechanics were satisfying, the game's presentation was astounding, and its story was compelling, combining to make a set of incredibly strong foundations for any potential Ghost of Tsushima sequels.
But Ghost of Tsushima's excellent formula shouldn't solely be used for a sequel. As FromSoftware has proven over the last decade, once a developer's found that award-winning formula, there's nothing wrong with using it over and over again, just as long as each new iteration has a handful of new features. With this in mind, Sucker Punch might want to use its Ghost of Tsushima formula as much as it possibly can.
Sucker Punch Could Live on Ghost of Tsushima-Likes
Ghost of Tsushima's Formula Could Be Used for Limitless Settings
As explained up top, Ghost of Tsushima laid some exceptionally strong foundations, foundations that can be used in a near-limitless number of potential settings. Following in the footsteps of the Assassin's Creed franchise, Sucker Punch could adapt Ghost of Tsushima's formula to work with a plethora of different historical settings, different enemy types, and new sets of characters, with many of its mechanical foundations being broad enough to suit different in-game environments.
For instance, a core element of Ghost of Tsushima's story and gameplay revolves around the idea that its playable character is facing off against overwhelming odds, and somehow finding a way to overcome those and push back the invading force from their homeland. There are countless real-world historical conflicts that would fit this general premise perfectly, from Ancient Goths and Scythians trying to fend off the Persian or Roman Empires with guerrilla tactics, to the various European nations that tried to fight back against Mongol invaders. There are plenty of settings in which Ghost of Tsushima's formula would feel right at home.
Similarly, Jin Sakai and his tale of reluctantly abandoning his honorable samurai ways and becoming the titular Ghost of Tsushima is one of the game's greatest strengths, but it's a narrative archetype that could easily fit countless other potential historical heroes. Of course, Sucker Punch would need to give each protagonist their own distinct narrative, but the general premise could be a natural throughline for any spin-offs.
Ghost of Tsushima's Combat Suits a Variety of Fighters
Ghost of Tsushima's combat would also suit a variety of different historical fighters. While Ghost of Tsushima's stances would probably need to change to better fit the respective historical setting and protagonist, the dodge, parry, and counter mechanics could be used across the board for just about any Sucker Punch project, just as long as the protagonist's main weapon was a sword.
What would need to change, however, is Ghost of Tsushima's gadgets and abilities, though that would be a pretty easy alteration to make. Instead of Kunai, players would simply be given whatever throwing weapon is associated with that specific historical setting and civilization, such as throwing knives, axes, or chakrams. Jin Sakai's Ghost abilities would also need to be tweaked a little for each new playable character, better fitting that civilization's guerrilla tactics.
Ghost of Tsushima
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 88%
- Released
- July 17, 2020
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity
- Developer(s)
- Sucker Punch
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Engine
- Proprietary
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS4 & PS5
WHERE TO PLAY
A storm is coming. Discover the expanded Ghost of Tsushima experience in this Director’s Cut. Uncover the hidden wonders of Tsushima in this open-world action adventure from Sucker Punch Productions and PlayStation Studios, available for PS5 and PS4. Forge a new path and wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsushima. Challenge opponents with your katana, master the bow to eliminate distant threats, develop stealth tactics to ambush enemies and explore a new story on Iki Island.
- Number of Players
- 2-4
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
- Metascore
- 83
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
