During today’s State of Play, presented via the official PlayStation Twitch account, showed off nearly 20 minutes of all-new gameplay footage from the upcoming stealth action-adventure, Ghost of Tsushima. Viewers got to experience many elements of life on the island of Tsushima alongside the game’s protagonist, samurai Jin Sakai.
Developed by Sucker Punch Productions, best known for the inFamous and Sly Cooper franchises, Ghost of Tsushima was first teased in late 2017. It was delayed from its initial release date of June 26, 2020, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The game will be releasing for the PlayStation 4 on July 17, 2020. It is rumored that the title will also be available for the upcoming PlayStation 5 console.
The State of Play showed off multiple elements of the total Ghost of Tsushima gameplay experience. Up first is the game’s open world, the titular island of Tsushima. Sucker Punch has confirmed that the game will feature no waypoints, with the entire island being available to explore at any time. Together with your trusty horse, there’s a massive world out there to discover!
Jin will be able to control the wind itself, using a feature called Guiding Wind, to lead him to his next objectives. In addition to the wind, smoke, strangely shaped trees, and helpful birds and foxes will guide the protagonist to hidden features and secrets located all around the island. Alongside Jin, the player will be able to loot abandoned buildings for supplies, pray at hidden shrines, and much, much more. And yes, if the footage revealed during the State of Play is to be believed, you can pet the foxes!
Ghost of Tsushima features a unique twofold combat system. Jin can choose to fight as the honorable Samurai, who relies on swords and bows and faces opponents in face-to-face Lethal Standoffs, or the sneaky Ghost, who relies on stealth, distraction, and assassination to achieve his goals and defeat his enemies. The player decides how Jin’s legend progresses as he journeys from steadfast Samurai to a mysterious Ghost.
Jin can collect o-mamori (charms) to strengthen his various skills, powers, and abilities. Also, he will learn new techniques by spending Technique Points as he continues along his journey and becomes more and more renowned – or possibly feared.
The very armor which Jin wears can contribute to his fighting style. Different suits of armor enhance various elements of either Samurai or Ghost combat. Players can customize Jin and choose from a wide variety of armor and robes inspired by real-life samurai gear. Plus, the player can collect Dye Flowers to dye their armor with a range of stunning colors.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Sucker Punch game without a Photo Mode – and Ghost of Tsushima is no exception! Players can customize lighting, change the angle, apply various filters, and even add elements such as petals, fireflies, and more to create the perfect photo. Plus, you will have the ability to take videos as well, combining music from the game’s gorgeous soundtrack composed by Shigeru Umabayashi.
Finally, if that wasn’t enough exciting news already, Sucker Punch confirmed two extras. A Cinema Mode will emulate traditional samurai films by applying a grainy, windblown, black-and-white filter. Besides, a Japanese voice track for the game is available, which can be selected from the very first moment of play.
Ghost of Tsushima is available for preorder now. Deluxe and Collector’s Editions come with extra goodies ranging from the game’s art book to physical o-mamori to a replica of Jin Sakai’s mask.
That State of Play left fans more excited for the upcoming release of Ghost of Tsushima than ever before!
