Ghost of Tsushima honor your ancestors or shame their ways
Sucker Punch Productions, if you've heard or read this title before, then you know the Infamous series of games from this studio, but this time we're taking look at their latest project, Ghost of Tsushima.
The main story of the game tells a story about a samurai named Jin Sakai who dedicated his life to serve and protect his people and fight for their freedom.
Finding allies not only among warriors and samurais, but also among robbers, fugitives and others.
Choosing his own path, which is different from the one taught by his uncle, as there is no honor among thieves, but he earned respectful status among common folk.
Rumors grew and legends spread that the last samurai had not yet fallen, defending the island of Tsushima with its vengeful spirit preventing invaders from taking it.
Sucker Punch games are characterized by their recognizable features as an interesting story that closely connects its main character with the world in which he lives and the moral decisions that the player will have to make. If playing Infamous, the red points of the renegade are simply obtained by choosing the easiest and fastest way to reach the objective, but the blue points of the paragon will often require thoughtful decision-making and the creation of a balanced battle tactic. Then in Ghost of Tsushima you will not see such points and will not suspect the presence of such system of selection. A unique experience is created that involves the player in the decision to adopt a martial art form.
The weather becomes the main indicator of whether you are a samurai facing your enemy, with katana tightly held until your last breath will be taken and never forgetting to protect innocent's or whether you are a ghost, lurking in the shadows, silently and unnoticed bypassing your opponents, waiting the right moment to throw a smoke bomb, shoot a flaming arrow into barrels with flammable explosives, or by climbing onto the roof and attracting attention, dropping the bell at the point you need, you make a surprising jump, cleaving the unsuspecting enemy. This is the main choice of this game; it is your path, and you alone are responsible for how to kill the Mongol invaders of Tsushima Island.
As for the Mongols, in the historical records, they tried several times to reach the island of Japan to occupy it, but their troops did not manage to go further than the occupation of Tsushima and Iki islands. One of the last such invasion attempts ended with the appearance of a large tsunami wave, taking with it to the bottom practically the entire fleet of Mongol warships.
In the game, the Mongols are described and shown very according to historical dates, as a violent nation that got rid of the fighters of the conquered nation, giving masters of various directions to continue their usual works, but creating something unique in the name of Khan.
Also, not denying the religious traditions of the conquered nation, allowing them to preserve and continue them. In this way, the Mongol culture not only acquired new military equipment, but also expanded the territories of its empire, providing security for common people who did not resist the establishment of a new power. The game often discusses and conveys distinct features of the Mongolian national character, such as Kumis drinking it and preparing food from it, as well as shamanic rituals and their attributes, which often appear in Mongolian camps.
Of course, the diversity among the fighters is also respected, they include archers, spear bearers, blaster throwers, light sword bearers with both heavy armor and shields and some of the most dangerous large warriors with large heavy swords and shields, one careless move and a swing of the sword can take your life to a higher level of complexity. Encounter with Mongolian groups allows you to practice all previously learned fighting movements and techniques for defeating each type of opponent.
My favorite form of combat became running through a group of Mongols, charging with a katana on horseback, then jumping off the saddle to kill a Mongol in one fell swoop.
Sucker Punch has invested a considerable amount of time in collecting the historical dates of the invasion of Tsushima Island, photographing the island's weather and visiting it in the changing seasons, collecting information in the form of authentic clothing, weapons, horse equipment and other cultural reproductions.
As you ride across the vast expanses of the island with your best friend, your samurai horse, take the time to look at nature, it is truly remarkable.
On your travels, find a place to compose haiku, listen to the symphonies of beautiful nature, and let your mind rest. Change the appearance of the weather while playing on flute, find collectables and find out interesting historical facts related to them. Enjoy the overall story and the individual life stories of each companion and friend you meet during the journey, among them you will indeed meet notable and memorable characters.
Don't forget your horse, which will become the character of your closest ally on the road. I chose a black stallion that I named Nobo, which means Trust, sitting in the nice saddles that I diligently searched for, continuing to move into the distant horizon without giving up the Bushido path. But no matter which direction you choose, there will be equal losses. So, I will forever hold a special place in my heart for my loyal and compassionate friend Nobo, may you rest in peace, see you on our next journey to reclaim Tsushima.
