Ghost of Tsushima launched this past Friday and, even among games based in feudal Japan, it is strikingly unique. Unlike the Nioh franchise or Sekiro, or virtually any other game set in Japan for that matter, Ghost of Tsushima maintains a grounded and realistic setting and story. The lack of supernatural elements was an intentional decision on the part of Sucker Punch and in a recent interview, Game Director Nate Fox explained why.
Speaking to ComicBook.com, Fox explicitly states, "We did not want to make the game supernatural. We wanted to keep it grounded in reality." Of course, the idea that a single man could achieve the kind of things that Jin Sakai, the Ghost, does in Ghost of Tsushima isn't necessarily grounded in reality, but games deserve some suspension of disbelief. Nevertheless, this should put to bed any questions regarding any potential supernatural ongoing behind the scenes in Ghost of Tsushima.
As for why, Fox explains that for Sucker Punch it was about creating "a feeling of authenticity." By playing the game and experiencing the story, even when it involves quests that hint at supernatural events but don't deliver, Fox says it's intended to "deepen your relationship with what Tsushima is, and the people who've lived here before you." It's a clear goal of Fox and Sucker Punch to establish this "feeling of history."
Fox does admit that Ghost of Tsushima bends, but doesn't break, on this goal. He describes how there are some "spiritual elements" in the game that can come off as supernatural. Sometimes "the wind will guide you where you want to go or a yellow bird might guide you to a thing." He says that this too is meant to explore the lore of Tsushima and the people of the island's beliefs.
It's the beliefs of the people of Tsushima that often lead to the perception of supernatural events and creatures. Fox says that this is what these people believed to be real at the time, these "supernatural entities." And Ghost of Tsushima's Mythic Tales explore these ideas while being respectful, but without changing the game's rules.
Ghost of Tsushima players will have to decide for themselves whether the reality-based limitations of the game are for better or worse. There's obviously something special about exploring supernatural ideas in a game, especially since games allow us to experience so much outside the constructs of reality. But there are important ideas that can only be represented through games grounded in reality, too. And clearly there's a beauty to realistic art direction, too.
Ghost of Tsushima is available now on PS4.
Source: ComicBook.com
