The Ghost of Tsushima is a beautiful, Japanese open-world game developed by Sucker Punch that takes players on an action-packed adventure through the island of Tsushima during the invasion of the Mongol Empire in 1274.

The much-awaited game is receiving a lot of attention and hype from fans, especially after the release of their latest trailer uploaded by PlayStation Japan. The trailer features intense combat scenes and the story's three protagonists - Jin Sakai, Shimura, and Khotun Khan.

The game is slated to be released on July 17 as a PS4 exclusive. While we're just days away from potentially rage-quitting, here are the top five things you need to know about this historical masterpiece.

Points of Interest

Many are waiting for the game because of its breathtaking open-world environment that is filled with opportunities for players to explore or interact.

The team visited Tsushima multiple times to get the feel of the surroundings and depict it as accurately as possible in the game. While the game may not recreate a perfect counterpart of its real-life inspiration, it will feature essential elements that could encourage players to explore and live the lives of the ancient samurais.

Unlike most open-world games, the Ghost of Tsushima will not have waypoints. Rather, the elements on the island, including the wind and the animals, will guide players to points of interest and potential Mongolian invasions, Wccftech reports.

The world of Tsushima will be split into three regions, which will further be divided into 40 different biomes. The biomes will include forests, swamps, and mountainous territories. Inside the biomes, players will encounter hundreds of interactive points and events.

Crafting and Customization

Another exciting feature in the Ghost of Tsushima is the wide variety of customization options it offers players. The in-depth customization allows players to change their Samurai's form and function.

Players who want to dye their armor to a specific color would need to find plants that would allow them to craft the look they want. Additionally, the armor would affect the advantages and disadvantages a player would have in combat.

Some would make it easier for players to take enemies out in the shadows. At the same time, other armors would help those who prefer hacking and slashing their way through multiple enemies.

Apart from armor, players can also equip charms that may upgrade abilities or provide buffs outside of combat, as reported by GameRant.

Choices Impact the Story

A player's playstyle can heavily impact the way other characters perceive the protagonist. Depending on how other characters take to the choices made, they can follow the player's Samurai or betray the protagonist and become an enemy.

While the developers refused to give everything away, it appears the player's decisions would have a great impact on the game's story and progression.

In past previews of the game, the protagonist's uncle, Shimura, was introduced. He would serve as the main character's mentor in the way of the Samurai. If players decide to disobey his knowledge, that will harm their relationship.

Stealthing Options

During its State of Play Presentation trailer, the developers revealed the Ghost of Tsushima players would be given the option to complete the entire game in stealth.

Stealthing, known to the game as The Ghost, will require players to find ways to distract or lure opponents and use weapons like a kunai to perform quiet kills.

A less honorable option of finishing the game would be to use fear. During combat, taking out foes one by one could make other enemies cower in fear. Once the Samurai reveals himself, enemies would either choose to engage in combat or flee.

Kurosawa Mode

The Ghost of Tsushima's developer allows players to get an even more stellar cinematic experience with its Kurosawa Mode. This new mode lets players experience the game with an enhanced black-and-white filter. It also adds a film grain effect and alters the sound effects to make it resemble an old recording. The wind is also stronger in this mode.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Jason Connel and Nate Fox, the creative directors, said the game mode is a nod to legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa who served as one of the major influences of the game.

Kurosawa, who produced 30 films in his lifetime, is regarded as one of the most important filmmakers in cinema history. His 1963 work, Sanjuro, serves as the inspiration for a standoff between two Samurai in the game.

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