Summary
Ghost of Tsushimatakes place during the first Mongol invasion of Japan and features beautiful environments and toe-curlingly tense sword fights. Though it hasn’t been officially confirmed, Sucker Punch is likely cooking up another title in the series.
Japan served as an excellent setting for the first game, but the franchise shouldn’t limit itself to one location. Instead, futureGhost of Tsushimagames can take inspiration fromAssassin’s Creedto explore other locations around the world. This would provide even more varied scenery for players to take in.
Spoilers forGhost of Tsushimaahead.
Ghost of Tsushima’s Mongol Invasion
Ghost of Tsushimais based on the first Mongol invasion of Japan, which took place in 1274.Tsushima and Iki Islandare burdened with the task of staving off the invasion, with protagonist Jin Sakai having a huge impact on the conflict. Though it is obviously not historically accurate, it is inspired by real events.
Jin begins life as a samurai, but he quickly learns that he will need to try new tactics to take out this threat. Hence, he learns the ways of the ninja, even though he considers it a less noble form of combat. While this setup works perfectly, the gameplay is addictive, and the scenery is stunning, the franchise as a whole does not have to remain confined to Japan.
Possible Mongol Invasions to Explore
Japan wasn’t the only location that the Mongols attempted to invade during the creation of the Mongol Empire. The empire stretched from East Asia, stretching as far as West Asia with the conquest of present-day Turkey and the Middle East with present-day Gaza. Some of the most important battles fought include the Battle of Ain Jalut and the Battle, as well as the Bạch Đằng which saw the feared Mongol Empire meet its match in Vietnam. ThenextGhost of Tsushimagamecan explore how these battles were won, and how the courageous natives defended their homelands.
Ghost of Tsushima Explores the World
Through this method, the series would have to decide whether to keepJin as a protagonistor to swap a new hero in. There are benefits to keeping Jin around, as fans have bonded with him, and he is a likable enough character despite his Stoic nature. With Jin traveling to other locations, players can see him advance both his ninja and samurai skills, and maybe even learn new ways of combat.
However, it’s also worth considering how over-saturated the ninja genre has become withgames likeNioh 2,Sekiro, andTrek to Yomi, to name just a few. Hence, introducing a new protagonist who is not technically a ninja may give the franchise a chance to take on a fresh challenge in a different genre.
Should Ghost of Tsushima Become Another Assassin’s Creed?
It wouldn’t be a good idea for the two franchises to emulate each other too much, although there is a lot they can learn from each other. Instead,Ghost of Tsushimashould retain its combat-based gameplaythat tests the player’s reflexes, and the stance system is great, but it can be improved upon. As the franchise explores the rest of the world, it doesn’t need to have Jin jumping on rooftops and performing parkour.
With sequels, there is always the expectation that the latest game should surpass its predecessor. That can be hard to do, especially when the same formula is being reused. The nextGhost of Tsushimagame can avoid the pitfall of feeling like a repeat of the first game by venturing out of Japan and visiting other places invaded by the Mongols, putting characters in the shoes of a different type of warrior that is not a samurai or a ninja. Any history book will prove that there are countless stories to tell if Sucker Punch wants to move beyond Japan.
Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut
WHERE TO PLAY
In the late 13th century, the Mongol empire has laid waste to entire nations along their campaign to conquer the East. Tsushima Island is all that stands between mainland Japan and a massive Mongol invasion fleet led by the ruthless and cunning general, Khotun Khan.As the island burns in the wake of the first wave of the Mongol assault, courageous samurai warrior Jin Sakai stands resolute. As one of the last surviving members of his clan, Jin is resolved to do whatever it takes, at any cost, to protect his people and reclaim his home. He must set aside the traditions that have shaped him as a warrior to forge a new path, the path of the Ghost, and wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsushima.
