4. Ghost of Tsushima
(Available on PlayStation 4)
Under the PlayStation umbrella, Sucker Punch Productions has always been a talented, but under-talked about studio that rose to new heights with their latest game Ghost of Tsushima.
Delving into the rich culture and beliefs of Japanese samurai, the game offers both an incredibly powerful story of rebellion and redemption as well as thorough gameplay that satisfies every slice. Utilizing different stances and tough enemy types, every fight comes with its own set of challenges that makes combat constantly thrilling and the tools that players are able to utilize, like wind chimes, blow darts, and smoke bombs, really enhance the stealth gameplay. The one on one fights are even better with how tight they are and the game’s way of having players focus on the timing of their attacks and not just trying to hack and slash their way through everything makes big moves feel impactful. Not to mention, traversing the different landscape of the island of Tsushima is just a treat in itself as Ghost of Tsushima IS the most visually impressive game of 2020 and possibly ever.
Personally, I’m not even a stickler for graphics or anything, but Ghost of Tsushima sets a new precedent for beauty in video games. I mean the way that colors just flow throughout the environment and the wind makes the trees and long grass move could literally bring a tear to your eye. The environments just feel alive and so vibrant that it makes trekking to different side quests and activities along the way a legitimately breath-taking experience. Add in the fact that the music creates a super authentic experience and that there’s a filter to turn the game into a samurai film in the vein of legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa and you can literally play out your own old-school samurai movie – especially with the game’s incredible story.
Playing through samurai Jin Sakai (voiced by Daisuke Tsuji) is a deeply personal experience that questions what it’s worth to defeat a great enemy and what is lost in doing so. It creates an excellent look at being a vigilante hero and going against tradition to do what’s right and offers plenty of heartbreaking and harrowing moments that fans will never forget. It perfectly establishes the values and traditions of the samurai and builds on that lore as well as Japanese culture and myths as players explore the game’s world making it a multi-layered storytelling experience that feeds both the heart and mind.
Ghost of Tsushima is not only one of the best exclusives that PlayStation and Sucker Punch have done together, but of the best exclusive in recent time. It’s a game that’s got it all and puts authenticity, fluid gameplay, and rich, compelling storytelling above all else – all the ingredients of a modern masterpiece.
