Practically since the moment it was revealed, Ghost of Tsushima has been compared to Assassin's Creed. Shortly after its reveal even, a Sucker Punch dev said he was happy Assassin's Creed didn't go to Japan in its recent entry (at the time being Origins). The comparisons are, at times, a good thing, but it's also a complex matter in that the comparisons disservice Ghost of Tsushima and Assassin's Creed both.
Assassin's Creed is Assassin's Creed, a series of action-adventure games turned action RPGs turning live-service evolving world in Assassin's Creed Infinity. The future of the game is in flux, while some can only revisit the past so much. On the other hand, Ghost of Tsushima is but one game that is somewhat smilar to yet differs greatly from Assassin's Creed. However, for those Assassin's Creed fans who have yet to play Ghost, the upcoming Director's Cut is the perfect time to get into the game.
Ghost of Tsushima vs. Assassin's Creed Japan
Ghost of Tsushima is not Assassin's Creed Japan, but it is its own thing that could emulate a similar experience. Japan, to this day, is one of the most demanded settings for Assassin's Creed, yet for some reason Ubisoft has seemingly avoided it time and again. In turn, those with Assassin's Creed Japan on their wish list should play Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut when it releases, but they should keep in mind that it's not AC Japan.
Exploration in Ghost of Tsushima is a vital component of the game, one that allows players to get acquainted with this rich Japanese history. The setting, as well as Ghost of Tsushima's role within Japanese history via it, allow the setting to come to life on its own. No comparisons are needed. AC fans shouldn't play Ghost of Tsushima because they hope it's Assassin's Creed Japan, but because like older AC games brought out the best of Italy, Rome, Constantinople, North America, Paris, and so on, Ghost of Tsushima brings out the best of Japan—all on its own.
Ghost of Tsushima's Stealth Gameplay
For several years now, the Assassin's Creed community has been split on the inclusion of RPG mechanics in the franchise. And although Assassin's Creed Valhalla attempts to bring back elements like the insta-kill Hidden Blade, social stealth, and prominent stealth gameplay, it's not a perfect implementation in the eyes of many. Attempting to complete stealth challenges in Valhalla can come across as a bit odd, not to mention the bickering around the fanbase about this very fact one way or the other can be distracting. Enter Ghost of Tsushima, where none of that matters.
Ghost of Tsushima has strong stealth gameplay, but those who would rather run through can do so as well. The big benefit of Ghost of Tsushima's stealth gameplay is that there's no expectations, something that every modern Assassin's Creed game has had to deal with. It's entirely possible to enjoy the stealth of Ghost of Tsushima for what it is and not what it should be.
Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut — On Its Own
Assassin's Creed fans have a lot of reasons to check out Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut upon release, but the worse thing someone could do is play the game expecting it to be the Assassin's Creed Japan of their dreams. No one should expect one franchise to emulate or replace the experience of another. However, for those willing to enjoy the game on its own, they may find a new game they love that will hopefully blossom into as popular of a franchise as Assassin's Creed.
Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut will be available on August 20 for PS4 and PS5.