We reviewed Ghost of Tsushima

davton
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 | 4:00 PM
20 comments

GSY Review PS4

Ever since it was first announced during Paris Games Week back in 2017, we have been particularly impatient to play Ghost of Tsushima, a new open world game by Sucker Punch (inFamous, Sly Raccoon) set in feudal Japan. As the last PS4 exclusive to have been developed by a first party studio, we had high hopes concerning the game, but we were also a bit worried. Now that we've had plenty of time to discover the island of Tsushima, it's time to share our verdict with you guys.

Verdict

The few doubts we had at the end of the State of Play which was put up last May didn't stay for long after we started playing Ghost of Tsushima. The last PS4 exclusive of this generation is obviously not perfect as we have a few complaints to make that prevents it from being even more impressive than it is. For example, we wish stealth hadn't been that easy in hard mode. The game could also have used some more charismatic secondary characters or a faster-paced first part, textures could have been a bit sharper at times and climbable rocks should have been better integrated to the cliffs. That being said, after completing the adventure and having seen most of all the island had to offer, it's hard to deny the fact that Ghost of Tsushima is another major PS4 exclusive. Not only does it provide breathtaking vistas and incredibly satisfying combat, but it also features a story that has kept us on tenterhooks as soon as it's second part (out of 3). Exploring the world is great, we never felt overwhelmed by useless content thrown at us for the sole purpose of making the experience longer, we have fully embraced the game's atmosphere and setting, which will please all Japan lovers out there. Ghost of Tsushima is not just the Assassin's Creed in Japan we've always wanted, it's simply a great game.

On the upside
Stealth is very satisfying...
Excellent combat system
Visually gorgeous
Animations are smooth and nicely detailed
The open world is well-built and majestic
Side activities are both pleasant and gratifying
Great longevity
Enemies can be dealt with in many different ways
Solid soundtrack
Fast travel is indeed fast
The horse moves well and is fun to ride

On the downside
... but enemies take so long to react it makes things way too easy
Some secondary characters lack charisma
The swimming animation made Driftwood laugh
Some textures are a bit disappointing considering the rest

Commented on 2020-07-14 18:00:42

Thanks for the review, davton.

I'm glad to hear it's not just an Assassin's Creed re-skin and that it's actually it's own thing. I'm also very interested in the story, since you say it kept you hooked. I don't have time to play it now, very busy with Destiny 2, but will dive in later in the year. I hope it sels very well, we need more Samurai games or just games set in Feudal Japan.

In reply to

catfish

Commented on 2020-07-14 18:10:28

Thanks for this, excellent review and footage.

Jesus, this game looks incredible visually. Just a tour de force.

unknownuser0001

Commented on 2020-07-14 18:30:07

The swimming animation made Driftwood laugh

Funniest negative I've ever read from you guys :D

Driftwood

Commented on 2020-07-14 18:51:32 In reply to unknownuser0001

Not as much as the swimming animation did for me I'm sure. :P

menghina

Commented on 2020-07-14 19:22:54

Can't wait to get this game !!! hope I get it on 17th :D
Thanks for the review !

Commented on 2020-07-14 22:41:01

You've undone yourself with this footage. You showcase the game spectacularly well. It looks incredible really.

Commented on 2020-07-14 22:46:02 In reply to catfish

Thank you so much, that's exactly the kind of compliment we love to hear. :)

alitig

Commented on 2020-07-14 23:58:33

Thanks for those hq screenshots

GangstaNip

Commented on 2020-07-15 01:53:32

Thanks for the review.

Commented on 2020-07-15 09:53:41 In reply to Driftwood

Posted by Driftwood

I've been a long term fan of the site, and you all do a fantastic job.

Also, haha i said 'undone' in my original message. I meant 'outdone!'

MrWhite

Commented on 2020-07-15 17:12:48 In reply to unknownuser0001

Posted by unknownuser0001

Should be viewed as a positive. Anything that makes you laugh is.

Anyway, this game is mostly getting really high praise without it being ridiculously lavished upon with such hyperbolic nonsense *cough*"It's the Schindlers List" of Samurai games *cough* Ten out of ten. Best thing ever made! It's even got a few middling reviews, to good ones. That to me is the mark of intrigue and possibly a great game. The fact it's often described as being evocative of Breath of the Wild and a homage to Kurosawa has me sold on it immediately. I don't care for trite rating systems these days.

Grimbarian

Commented on 2020-07-16 10:31:20

For anyone that has it, I watched the video review and the one thing that really puts me off is all the arcadey UI stuff, everything from the way enemies are highlighted to the trails on swords and arrows etc. etc. can all that rubbish be turned off? I know the flashing trees in the environment can't unfortunately but I find the other stuff far more annoying :(

Commented on 2020-07-16 10:52:15 In reply to Grimbarian

There's an expert HUD option, maybe that could do the trick.

Commented on 2020-07-16 11:16:21 In reply to Driftwood

Thanks :)

Commented on 2020-07-16 11:26:08 In reply to Grimbarian

I'll try to see tonight if I get a chance. I just need to be sure what really bothers you. ^^

Commented on 2020-07-16 16:54:43 In reply to Driftwood

Thanks! I uploaded some pics here of the stuff I really hate: https://imgur.com/a/FoJLJX5

I just don't get how you create a beautiful looking world and then ruin it with silly fake arcade effects and hud/UI prompts etc etc!

Commented on 2020-07-16 17:10:31 In reply to Grimbarian

I doubt you can get rid of the sword effect but the visibility arrow I think you can independently from the rest. It's one of the few options they left to tweak the experience.

Commented on 2020-07-16 23:10:16

Expert HUD seems to remove almost everything you don't like, including the "blinking trees/flowers" you can pick up. The sword effect in slow motion during confrontation remains though but it's pretty discrete I think.