Revealed at Paris Games Week 2017, Ghost of Tsushima is one of Sony's newest exclusives. There's much excitement around the upcoming open world game, as its premise as a historically authentic samurai action game is one its most unique aspects. To prepare you for what's ahead, here's what we know about Ghost of Tsushima, as well as what we're hoping to see from it at this year's E3.
What We Know So Far
Since Infamous: First Light released in 2014, the general public has been kept in the dark on what developer Sucker Punch Productions has been working on. Sony had confirmed in 2015 that the studio was working on a new game and that it was playable. While details were scarce, this all changed at Paris Games Week 2017 when Sucker Punch Productions finally unveiled Ghost of Tsushima, an open-world samurai-themed action game.
Ghost of Tsushima is set on the island of Tsushima during the Mongol invasions of Japan in 1294. You play as a lone samurai turned vengeful assassin--likely fighting to drive out the Mongol army from Japan. The game appears to take you to numerous locales across Tsushima, which includes rural villages, bamboo forests, and wide-open fields. A brief instance at the end of the teaser showcased the ability to throw bombs and surprise enemies with a jumping attack from above.
Sony has said little about Ghost of Tsushima since its initial reveal trailer half a year ago. Similar to its approach to God of War, it seems the company is keeping the reveal of new details to a minimum.
However, new concept art for the game emerged via resetera. It showcases a few locations you're likely to explore in the final game.
What's Confirmed For E3?
Sony has confirmed that it'll talk more about Ghost of Tsushima at its E3 2018 press conference. It's one of the four games that the company will be showcasing in-depth at this year's show, alongside Death Stranding, Spider-Man, and The Last of Us Part II.
What We Hope To See At E3
The initial teaser only offered a brief glimpse of the areas you'll be exploring, as well as a couple of examples of the combat maneuvers you can execute. We're hoping Sony plans to debut gameplay at its upcoming press conference. An example of how a mission plays out would be preferable, as it could offer a showcase of both navigation and combat.
Speaking of combat, as a samurai action game, it's safe to assume that Ghost of Tsushima will have an in-depth melee combat system. After all, samurai are known for their skill and mastery as swordsman. However, it appears the main protagonist isn't simply a lone swordsman, but a ninja-like assassin as well. Based on his appearance and his use of explosives, the game will likely also feature elements of stealth. If this is true, we'd love to see how these two styles intermingle in gameplay and how freely you're able to switch between them during a given situation.
Aside from Ghost of Tsushima's general premise, explicit details of its narrative have been left ambiguous. It would be great to hear more background about the game's protagonist and supporting cast. In addition, we'd love to know more about the antagonist, who you can hear giving the monologue during the reveal trailer.
Lastly, we're hoping Sony is able to provide a potential release date window for Ghost of Tsushima. With big-name first party exclusives like God of War and Detroit: Become Human already out, it would be in Sony's best interest to start giving rough launch estimates for its next wave of exclusives.
