''NO TOM CRUISE HERE''
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Developed: Sucker Punch
Published: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre: Action Adventure
Release Date: May 16th, 2024
Platforms: PS5/PC
Review copy provided by Playstation
Ghost Of Tsushima Directors cut is the highly regarded award winning game from PS5, now placed onto the PC platform. With the game having monumental praise behind it, Sony now looks to further expand that market by offering it to PC players. But was it worth it in porting it over to PC? or should it have stayed PS5 exclusive? Only one way to find out, so lets go!
''TIME TO SAVE THE LAND''
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GAMEPLAY:
Ghost of Tsushima, developed by Sucker Punch Productions, is a samurai action-adventure game set in 1274 Japan during the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island. As Jin Sakai, the player embarks on a journey to reclaim his home from the invaders. While the game excels in its rich storytelling, stunning visuals, and engaging combat, it also leaves room for some light-hearted humor. Let’s dive into this feudal sandbox with both katanas blazing and tongues firmly in cheek. Why firmly in in cheek? well I was about to make another Yamcha reference, but remember as I said before in a previous review, that were going to have to give him a little break because we pick on that dude a little too much right now, so for now? he gets to live in peace and take his W's on baseball with Beerus and Chamba and the boys and avoid my wrath. But for how long will he stay away from my rage? well.. I am not sure, but we'll find out eventually, but for now, let's dive back into the game were actually here for.
First off, the game’s visual presentation is nothing short of a digital postcard. Every frame feels like it was painted by a master artist, with breathtaking landscapes ranging from serene bamboo forests to fiery autumnal valleys. If you ever get tired of slicing through Mongol soldiers, you can always take a moment to compose a haiku or follow a fox to a hidden shrine. It’s like Assassin’s Creed met a Studio Ghibli film, with an added bonus of samurai code. But let’s be honest, sometimes you just want to follow that cute fox around instead of saving Tsushima.Combat in Ghost of Tsushima is both elegant and brutal. Jin’s journey from honorable samurai to stealthy ghost allows for a variety of playstyles. You can confront enemies head-on with precision strikes or sneakily eliminate them from the shadows. The standoff mechanic, where you draw your sword in a duel to the death, is particularly satisfying. It’s a bit like playing rock-paper-scissors, but instead, it’s sword-sword-sword, with the occasional "why did I think this was a good idea?"
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''YOU CAN CALL ME FLOWER, IF YOU WANT TO''
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Speaking of choices, the game’s narrative is a poignant exploration of honor versus necessity. Jin’s internal struggle to protect his people while bending his moral code is compelling and thought-provoking. It’s like watching a Shakespearean tragedy, except instead of soliloquies, you have a lot of decapitations. And while the game is serious in its themes, the occasional absurdity of situations—like when a Mongol soldier conveniently forgets he just saw you stab his buddy—adds an unintentional layer of comedy.The supporting characters in Ghost of Tsushima are well-developed and memorable. From the fierce warrior Masako to the lovable rogue Kenji, each ally brings their own unique flavor to the story. However, some of the side quests can feel a bit repetitive. How many times can one island be plagued by bandits before someone starts questioning the local law enforcement? Still, the characters’ personal stories are engaging enough to make you forget you’re essentially playing medieval pest control.
Exploration in Tsushima is a joy, thanks to the game’s intuitive guiding wind mechanic. Instead of cluttering the screen with waypoints, a gust of wind gently nudges you in the right direction. It’s a beautiful and immersive way to navigate the world, though it does make you wonder if Jin’s ancestors were part weather forecasters. And then there are the hot springs, where you can reflect on life’s big questions. Or just admire Jin’s scars and wonder why he’s the only samurai with a gym membership.Ghost of Tsushima’s multiplayer mode, Legends, is an unexpected yet welcome addition. Teaming up with friends to tackle mythic tales and survival missions adds replay value to the game. It’s like a co-op version of those folklore stories your grandma used to tell, but with more demon-slaying and less tea-drinking. Plus, it’s a great way to test the limits of your friendship when you accidentally lead everyone into an ambush.
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''OH NO, ITS XBOX 360 FILTERING AGAIN''
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OVERALL:
At the end of the day Ghost Of Tsushima on PC ends up as masterful blend of art, action and storytelling and transports we as players to a beautifully realized version of feudal japan, more so than titles like Rise Of The Ronin gave us in the atmosphere department. While its not perfect because sometimes, yes, the combat can become a bit repetitive if you stick to one style and then make the game feel a tad bit redundant , even still, the game more than makes up for it in charm an awe of its world. Whether you're giving the ol stabby stab to hordes of Mongols or just traveling around at your own leisure doing nothing but chilling staring at the scenery, you're always in for a grand adventure in this world, and if you love samurai, you owe to at least playing this for yourself, at least one time. So with all that having been said, my verdict is clear, GameNChick say BUY NOW!
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