35 Facts About Ghost Of Tsushima (Video Game)

Setting and Story

"Ghost of Tsushima" is a visually stunning game set in feudal Japan. It tells the story of Jin Sakai, a samurai fighting to protect his home from Mongol invaders. Here are some intriguing facts about the game's setting and story.

1. The game is set on Tsushima Island during the first Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274.
2. Jin Sakai, the protagonist, is a fictional character, but the invasion itself is historically accurate.
3. The game's story is inspired by classic samurai cinema, particularly the films of Akira Kurosawa.
4. Players can choose between a "samurai" approach, focusing on honor and combat, or a "ghost" approach, emphasizing stealth and subterfuge.
5. The game features multiple endings, influenced by the player's choices throughout the story.

Development and Design

Creating "Ghost of Tsushima" was a massive undertaking. The developers at Sucker Punch Productions put in a lot of effort to ensure the game was both beautiful and historically respectful.

6. Development began in 2014, with the game being officially announced in 2017.
7. Sucker Punch Productions, known for the "Infamous" series, developed the game.
8. The team visited Tsushima Island to capture its landscapes and culture accurately.
9. Over 200 voice actors were involved in the game's production.
10. The game features a "Kurosawa Mode," a black-and-white filter that mimics the look of classic samurai films.

Gameplay Mechanics

"Ghost of Tsushima" offers a rich gameplay experience, blending action, exploration, and strategy. Here are some facts about its mechanics.

11. The game features an open-world design, allowing players to explore Tsushima Island freely.
12. Players can engage in duels, which are one-on-one combat encounters with special enemies.
13. The "Guiding Wind" mechanic helps players navigate the world without relying on a traditional map.
14. Players can customize Jin's appearance and abilities through various armor sets and skill trees.
15. The game includes a photo mode, allowing players to capture and share stunning in-game moments.

Cultural and Historical Accuracy

Sucker Punch Productions aimed to create a game that was both entertaining and respectful of Japanese culture and history.

16. The team consulted with historians and cultural experts to ensure accuracy.
17. Traditional Japanese music, including taiko drums and shakuhachi flutes, is featured in the game's soundtrack.
18. The game includes haiku-writing mini-games, reflecting the importance of poetry in samurai culture.
19. Players can visit Shinto shrines and participate in rituals to gain special abilities.
20. The game features a Japanese voice track, allowing players to experience the story in its native language.

Reception and Impact

"Ghost of Tsushima" received widespread acclaim upon its release, both for its gameplay and its cultural representation.

21. The game sold over 2.4 million copies in its first three days, making it one of the fastest-selling original IPs for PlayStation.
22. It received multiple awards, including "Best Art Direction" at The Game Awards 2020.
23. Critics praised its visuals, combat system, and storytelling.
24. The game inspired a tourism boost to Tsushima Island, with many players wanting to visit the real-life locations.
25. A film adaptation of the game is currently in development, directed by Chad Stahelski of "John Wick" fame.

Multiplayer and Expansions

While "Ghost of Tsushima" started as a single-player experience, it has since expanded to include multiplayer content.

26. "Ghost of Tsushima: Legends" is a free multiplayer mode added post-launch, featuring co-op missions and survival modes.
27. The multiplayer mode introduces new classes, each with unique abilities and playstyles.
28. A New Game+ mode was added, allowing players to replay the game with all their previous gear and abilities.
29. The "Iki Island" expansion, released in 2021, adds new story content, locations, and challenges.
30. The expansion explores Jin's past and introduces new enemy types and combat mechanics.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about "Ghost of Tsushima" that might surprise even the most dedicated fans.

31. The game's foxes, which guide players to hidden shrines, became so popular that Sucker Punch added a "pet the fox" feature.
32. Jin's horse can be named Nobu, Sora, or Kage, each name reflecting different aspects of Japanese culture.
33. The game's weather system changes based on Jin's actions, with more storms occurring if he uses stealth tactics.
34. The developers included a tribute to a real-life samurai, Yasuke, the first African samurai in Japanese history.
35. "Ghost of Tsushima" was one of the last major releases for the PlayStation 4, showcasing the console's capabilities to their fullest.

Final Thoughts on Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima offers a rich, immersive experience that captivates players with its stunning visuals, engaging storyline, and intricate gameplay. The game’s attention to historical detail, combined with its creative liberties, provides a unique blend of fact and fiction. Players can explore the vast open world, engage in intense combat, and experience the beauty of Tsushima Island. The game’s success lies in its ability to balance action with moments of tranquility, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the samurai experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of action-adventure games, or someone who appreciates beautiful game design, Ghost of Tsushima has something for everyone. Its blend of historical elements and engaging gameplay ensures it remains a standout title in the gaming world. Dive in and experience the legend of the samurai for yourself.