Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions, released in 2020. Set in 1274, during the first Mongol invasion of Japan, the narrative unfolds on Tsushima Island, a real-world location in the Tsushima Strait between Kyushu and the Korean Peninsula. Though the game draws inspiration from historical events, its characters and plot are fictional. Players assume the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai who abandons conventional combat methods to adopt stealthier tactics as the titular ‘Ghost’, a figure driven by necessity to repel the Mongol forces led by Khotun Khan.
The game’s combat system integrates traditional samurai techniques with a dynamic stance mechanism. Players can switch between four primary stances—stone, water, wind, and moon—each tailored to counter specific enemy types, such as swordsmen, shielded adversaries, spearmen, and brutes. A distinct feature, the ‘ghost stance’, temporarily grants Jin invincibility and the ability to defeat enemies instantly, activated after achieving a streak of unblocked attacks. This mechanic underscores the tension between Jin’s adherence to samurai principles and his pragmatic shift towards subterfuge.
Stealth plays a central role, offering alternatives to direct combat. Jin employs tools such as smoke bombs, kunai, and poison darts to incapacitate foes silently. The game’s weather system dynamically reflects this moral duality: clear skies accompany honourable samurai tactics, while frequent storms coincide with the use of ‘ghost’ strategies. This environmental feedback subtly mirrors Jin’s internal conflict and the broader consequences of his choices.
Historical authenticity is evident in the game’s design, particularly in its recreation of 13th-century armour, weaponry, and architecture. However, certain elements, such as the strict samurai code of honour depicted, are dramatised. Historical records suggest the formalised bushido code emerged centuries later, during the Edo period, rather than the Kamakura era in which the game is set.
Exploration is incentivised through environmental cues, such as golden birds guiding players to hidden locations, alongside side quests and collectables that enrich the game’s lore. A notable feature, ‘Kurosawa Mode’, applies a monochromatic filter and adjusted audio to evoke the aesthetic of classic samurai films by Akira Kurosawa. However, this optional setting does not alter gameplay mechanics.
By blending historical context with fictional narrative, Ghost of Tsushima immerses players in a stylised interpretation of feudal Japan. The game juxtaposes the rigid discipline of samurai combat with the adaptability required for guerrilla warfare, inviting players to navigate the complexities of loyalty, tradition, and survival. Its detailed open world and layered mechanics offer a nuanced portrayal of a pivotal moment in Japanese history, reimagined through a contemporary lens.
