Ghost of Tsushima PC Review
“Review Copy Provided By PlayStation”
Originally launched for the PS4 in 2020, Ghost of Tsushima quickly earned its place as the year's standout game. A year later, it received a remaster for the PS5, boasting enhanced content and significantly improved graphical fidelity, leveraging the power of the new console. Since Sony began porting its first-party titles to PC, starting with Days Gone in 2019, these releases have become highly anticipated. Although they typically arrive years after their initial release, they consistently offer visually stunning, well-crafted open-world experiences. The PC version of Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch’s visually spectacular samurai stealth-action game, follows this trend. But does this PC edition offer enough to entice players back into Jin Sakai's journey through Japan? Let's find out.
Set in 1274, Ghost of Tsushima follows the tale of Jin Sakai, one of the last samurai on Tsushima Island during the first Mongol invasion of Japan. The Mongol Empire, with its advanced weaponry and tactics, had been conquering nation after nation. As the Mongols set their sights on Japan, Jin, the sole surviving member of his clan, stands as the last line of defense. Struggling to adhere to the samurai code of Bushido, Jin realizes that traditional swordsmanship is ineffective against the brutal Mongol forces. Thus, he adopts the unconventional fighting style of the Ghost, blending stealth and guerrilla tactics to protect Tsushima and ultimately Japan.
A key piece of advice: take your time with this game! While the main story can be completed in about 45 hours, engaging in the numerous side quests can extend your playtime by an additional 70-100 hours. The world of Ghost of Tsushima is vast and rich with content, ensuring you remain immersed for countless hours.
Ghost of Tsushima's open-world structure will feel familiar to fans of modern Assassin’s Creed games. The expansive map is dotted with encounters and activities, from guiding foxes to special shrines to rescuing hostages from raiding parties. When facing enemies, Jin can either uphold his samurai honor by confronting foes head-on or adopt a stealthier, more ‘dishonorable’ approach, utilizing shinobi tools like smoke bombs and wind chimes.
Combat in Tsushima is fluid and engaging, emphasizing swordplay. Battles require you to adapt your fighting stance to the environment and enemies, ranging from bandits to the formidable Mongols. You have a range of attacks, blocks, and parries at your disposal, with different stances effective against various enemy types. As you defeat Mongol leaders, you unlock new stances suited to handling shield bearers, spear wielders, and more, allowing for dynamic combat encounters.
Enemies are relentless, often attacking in large groups and pursuing you even when you attempt to hide. This creates some of the most realistic enemy AI seen in a game. The Ghost tools, such as smoke bombs and kunai, offer a strategic edge in combat, turning the tide in your favor through psychological warfare and brutal efficiency.
The standoff mechanic, allowing you to challenge opponents, adds a layer of strategy, offering resolve points for special attacks. Duels with bosses, presented in cinematic angles, emphasize traditional samurai skills, eschewing Ghost tools for pure swordsmanship.
Various mini-games, from shrine quests to Haiku writing and bamboo cutting, enhance your stats and provide engaging diversions. A unique feature is the ability to play the flute to change the weather.
The skill tree system is extensive, covering exploration, stealth, and Ghost methods. A wide array of armor sets offers different buffs and cosmetic customization. Additionally, the Isle of Iki expansion and multiplayer mode further extend the game’s longevity, allowing cooperative play with friends.
What truly sets Ghost of Tsushima apart is the impeccable execution of its components. The story and side quests, organized into individual ‘tales’ in Jin’s journal, are devoid of fluff. The world is vibrant and stunning, from golden forests to rolling fields of pampas grass. The game’s environmental design and ambient wildlife subtly guide exploration, minimizing the need to consult the map. Selecting a destination activates the island’s guiding wind, a clever alternative to traditional navigation aids, while golden birds lead to hidden secrets.
Ghost of Tsushima was visually impressive on the PS4 and even more so on the PS5, running at native 4K and a locked 60FPS. The game’s detail rivals the best on the market, with lifelike character models, dynamic lip sync for Japanese voiceovers, and support for ultrawide screen formats, uncapped framerate, and frame generation on PC. The PC edition takes full advantage of modern hardware, delivering a stunning visual experience at 1440p ultrawide with rock-solid performance.
Cutscenes, rendered in a cinematic letterbox style, evoke classic samurai films like those of Akira Kurosawa. The island of Tsushima is breathtaking, with its lush flora and fauna, realistic environmental effects, and seamless transitions with no loading screens.
One word: MAJESTIC! From the clash of steel to the ambient sounds of nature, the audio design sets a new standard for cinematic gaming. Sucker Punch’s meticulous attention to detail allows you to use audio cues to anticipate enemy actions and attacks, enhancing the immersive experience.
There are no significant downsides to mention. The game is stellar in every aspect.
Ghost of Tsushima, a masterpiece among samurai games, shines on PC, offering the best experience for players. If you’re seeking a captivating and engaging game for your PC, Ghost of Tsushima is a must-have. This game is an essential addition to any PC gamer's collection.