Despite a modest budget of $60 million, the game has become a template for modern open-world design, praised for its seamless integration of gameplay with its historical and cultural setting.
Impact and Influence
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This admiration is not limited to one Ubisoft title; last year, Assassin's Creed Mirage also drew inspiration from "Ghost of Tsushima," particularly in its approach to authenticity in language. Much like "Ghost of Tsushima" featured full Japanese voice acting to enhance immersion, Assassin's Creed Mirage made Arabic the default language, a decision directly influenced by the success of Sucker Punch's approach.
The impact of "Ghost of Tsushima" extends beyond Ubisoft. The developers of Rise of the Ronin have also acknowledged their reference to the game, praising the depth of research Sucker Punch conducted into Japanese settings. Similarly, Square Enix looked to "Ghost of Tsushima" when creating Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth.
The fact that a game not developed by a Japanese team received high praise from Japanese players speaks volumes about its cultural and historical authenticity. Even industry legends like Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami have publicly expressed their fondness for the game, further cementing its status as a modern classic.
Review: A Nearly Ritualistic Sense of Reverence
"Ghost of Tsushima" is a game that immerses players in the historical period of the 1274 Mongol invasion of Japan. The choice of this era is both strategic and thematic, offering Western audiences a familiar cultural touchpoint while also distinguishing itself from other Japanese-themed works.
The game deliberately omits certain historical details, such as the presence of Korean forces, to focus on the more universally recognized image of the Mongol invaders. This decision, while simplifying history, allows for a more focused narrative centered on Jin Sakai's resistance against foreign invaders and his quest to reclaim his homeland.
The game also introduces elements of "time-travel" in its portrayal of certain sword masters and equipment, blending historical accuracy with creative liberties to enhance entertainment value. For those familiar with Japanese history, these elements serve as intriguing Easter eggs, adding depth to the game's cultural references.
The meticulously crafted samurai armor and katanas are major attractions for fans of samurai culture, showcasing the developers' dedication to authenticity. However, there is a noticeable cultural gap in the Western developers' understanding of "bushido," the samurai code. The game's interpretation of honor and shame from a Western perspective creates a unique, albeit somewhat skewed, portrayal of these concepts in an Eastern context. This is particularly evident in how the protagonist's evolving understanding of his samurai identity drives much of the game's dramatic conflict, especially in the context of stealth assassinations.
Visually, "Ghost of Tsushima" is a love letter to classic Japanese samurai films. The game's cinematography, especially during duels, is heavily influenced by the visual style of these films. The use of lighting, camera angles, and character positioning creates a strong sense of cinematic ritual, with characters often dramatically backlit during key moments.
The vibrant colors of the landscapes, reminiscent of Zhang Yimou's films like Hero and House of Flying Daggers, add to the game's aesthetic, though they sometimes overwhelm the gameplay, affecting the rhythm of battles.
The game's soundtrack is equally impressive, with the shakuhachi performance at the E3 exhibition being just a glimpse of the full musical experience. The soundtrack rivals the emotional depth and power of classic works like the 1997 version of The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, enhancing the player's immersion in the world of Tsushima.
Conclusion
"Ghost of Tsushima" stands as a testament to the power of combining historical reverence with creative storytelling. Its influence on the gaming industry is undeniable, inspiring developers across the globe to strive for greater authenticity and immersion in their own open-world games.
However, the game's overwhelming sense of visual and auditory ritual sometimes detracts from the gravity of its real sword duels, leaving players with a beautifully crafted, almost cinematic experience that borders on the fantastical. Despite this, "Ghost of Tsushima" remains a masterpiece, offering players a samurai-themed experience that is both culturally rich and visually stunning.
