Ghost of Tsushima has been called an Assassin’s Creed-like game based on its formulaic open-world trappings, but what it achieved in its overall atmosphere is criminally understated in that deduction. It’s easy to reduce Ghost of Tsushima to its core activities and its narrative emphasis, and yet where it thrives—where any open-world game should thrive, really—is in the moments players take between climactic, epic action to enjoy what little respite such a tragic story affords.

Much of what players do involves engaging with Mongol forces in overrun encampments. Players are always deciding whether to initially attempt a stealth approach with crouched movements and a tanto at the ready or brandish their sword defiantly as they approach a camp’s entryway to initiate a standoff. But when Jin Sakai isn’t immediately pressed by an issue that his blades can resolve, players always have an opportunity to be swept up in the serenity and beauty of Tsushima.

Ghost of Tsushima 2 Needs the Same Blend of Anguish and Tranquility

Ghost of Tsushima’s Mongol Invasion is a Constant Reminder of Tragedy

If Ghost of Tsushima 2 follows its predecessor as a direct sequel with Jin’s story not having concluded, there is a wealth of opportunity that Sucker Punch can dive into. It would be thrilling to see how Jin has evolved as Tsushima’s resident Ghost, such as how he has chosen to arm himself or how he carries himself during a second Mongol invasion, let alone while purging the remaining Mongols from the first game’s invasion.

It’ll be important for Ghost of Tsushima 2 to challenge Jin with even more obstacles—both physical and psychological—to keep emotional stakes high while obviously giving players fun combat and stealth encounters. Toning this down at all will depend on the context of the story and where it takes place, and as neither is currently confirmed it is anyone’s guess how much that will continue to play a role in the sequel, though Sucker Punch probably won’t idly abandon Ghost of Tsushima’s exciting combat and duel mechanics entirely.

Ghost of Tsushima 2 Can’t Forget to Emphasize Peaceful Exploration

That said, while the Mongol invasion of Tsushima proved brutal and devastating in Ghost of Tsushima, players still got to see how gorgeous the island was between objectives. Tsushima is lush with vibrant color and diversity in its landscapes and traversing on horseback through fields of billowing flora is astonishing. Jin has a lot to reconcile with in his adventure, but it’s wonderful to see him still able to periodically rest in a hot spring or reflect on his journey while writing haiku.

Pursuing cuddly foxes and scaling shrine passageways are also relaxing activities that don’t necessarily involve the player running into enemies, allowing for moments when the player and Jin are at ease and can enjoy hunting collectibles and navigating the island in repose. This sensation will be essential above all else in Ghost of Tsushima 2 if it’s a direct sequel in order to demonstrate that rare balance, and depending on how harrowing its story is that might be a difficult tightrope for Sucker Punch to walk again with the same degree of authenticity.

If there’s too much respite, for example, then Jin’s story has no urgency and the Mongols will lack any ferocity or intimidation. If there’s not enough, though, then Ghost of Tsushima 2 might have less of a unique stamp on the oversaturated open-world action-adventure genre in comparison to the original game.

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut

In Ghost of Tsushima, players will roam the vast countryside and expansive terrain to encounter rich characters, discover ancient landmarks, and uncover the hidden beauty of Tsushima. The director’s cut includes the full game and the Iki Island expansion, which has new story missions, enemies, and mini-games.

Released

August 20, 2021

Publisher(s)

Sony Interactive Entertainment

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity

How Long To Beat

30 Hours

Metascore

87

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium