Pearl Abyss' presence at Gamescom 2023 left many fans excited, with yet another reveal of the upcoming Crimson Desert. After two years of radio silence, its latest showcase has only led to increased levels of anticipation, with even some left skeptical as to how real Pearl Abyss' new IP really is.
While the studio seems to have presented a well-rounded RPG single-player experience, reminiscent of highly regarded modern games, Sucker Punch's Ghost of Tsushima is undoubtedly a title that developers could draw inspiration from. If Crimson Desert does manage to execute all it promises to offer, Ghost of Tsushima's influence would be the icing on the cake.
5 Combat Stances
Despite Ghost of Tsushima's vast open world and the variety of activities to partake in, the appeal for most players lies in its combat. With multiple styles and stances for players to switch between on the fly, developers at Sucker Punch managed to produce one of the most engaging games when it comes to sword-based combat. Not only do these stances address the matter of animation variety, but they also mean a variety in enemy types who use different weapons, encouraging players to adjust their play style in each encounter.
Crimson Desert's combat already appears to be impressive. But if developers at Pearl Abyss can match the aforementioned title in terms of combat styles and options, it will stand as a pivotal factor in its success. With the suggestions of a large open world to travel in, implementing multiple ways of fighting enemies and strong foes will help the experience feel fresh, avoiding any boredom that can come from repetition.
4 Greater Mix & Match Customization
Alongside the unique combat comes the numerous outfits and armor to choose from in Ghost of Tsushima, with its Iki Island DLC offering much more. Whilst it is important to mention that Sucker Punch's title is not an RPG, its RPG elements, specifically when it comes to customization, manage to provide a satisfying experience for players. Players can mix and match outfits with multiple unique masks or headgear, ready to engage in combat. Some even allow them to blend in with Mongol enemies before striking.
If Crimson Desert's developers can borrow these aspects of customization from Ghost of Tsushima, while adding another layer of freedom to it, it may stand among some of the best customization in fellow RPG games. Considering Pearl Abyss' previous title Black Desert, and its incredibly impressive character customization standing as a major selling point, players are confident that developers will be able to replicate this here.
3 Horse Companion
During the opening stages of Jin Sakai's journey, players can pick which horse will accompany them in their pursuit of winning back Tsushima. Though there are only a few brief sequences of interactions with the player's chosen horse after missions, the customization is enough to make the options worthwhile. These options range from different dyes in gear to differently styled saddles.
Based on Crimson Desert's showcase at Gamescom 2023, it is enough to suggest that horse travel will be pivotal to the game's experience, especially with its huge open world. If this is indeed the case, the aforementioned horse companionship will be beneficial in more than just a customization sense. If Pearl Abyss developers can one-up Ghost of Tsushima by introducing a companion level meter and have this change depending on players' treatment of their horse, it will provide an even greater level of immersion.
2 Skills For Each Stance
As mentioned, the different combat stances in Ghost of Tsushima offer a variety of animations, making each encounter entertaining. Additionally, each of these stances requires their own skills to unlock, making the journey far more intense and brutal. Players can come across certain enemies that will end them in a matter of one or two attacks.
It is not entirely clear how Crimson Desert will operate in terms of fighting styles. Fans hope that, as impressive as it currently is, taking a page from Ghost of Tsushima will not be one to regret. There would be an opportunity to expand on combat here, especially when contemplating how massive its map may turn out to be.
1 Cinematic Boss Fights
The most impressive aspect in all of Sucker Punch's efforts are the boss fights and their presentation. Compiled together with impressive visuals, an epic soundtrack, and enthralling sword duels, Ghost of Tsushima's boss battles, although short-lived, are some of the best to ever grace the PlayStation platform. These are included in some of the huge side quests known as 'Mythic Tales,' in which players will hunt for gear only to be confronted by a powerful foe.
Crimson Desert already appears to be heading in the right direction in the aspect of its combat. With the glimpses of boss battles that fans have received so far, it could satisfy players who view boss encounters as a pivotal factor. Just like in many soulslike games (including the popular Elden Ring), the boss battles are incredibly crucial to their overall success. The same may apply in Pearl Abyss' efforts to create the most immersive RPG experience yet.
Crimson Desert is in development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.