Pushkar Kurhekar
Ghost of Tsushima nails the vibe: wind as compass, leaves as spectacle, and a combat loop that rewards patience more than button mashing.
Gameplay
Parry timing is crisp once it clicks, and stance swapping adds texture without becoming menu micro-management. Duels are tense and readable; crowds are about spacing and stance priority rather than animation spam. Standoffs never stopped being satisfying—simple risk/reward moments that embody the samurai fantasy. Mythic techniques add stylish spikes without trivializing encounters.
Stealth is competent—detection cones and tools work well—but it rarely surprises; it’s a solid alternative loop, not the main event. Enemy variety unfolds well through the midgame, though late-game camps can feel familiar. The skill tree is generous but avoidably bloated; core upgrades (parry windows, resolve, stance unlocks) matter most.
Story
Jin’s arc—honor versus survival—is handled with clarity, if not subtlety. The supporting cast (Shimura, Yuna, Norio, Ishikawa) brings grounded subplots that deepen the central conflict. Side tales range from straightforward errands to poignant character beats; the better ones linger because they complicate Jin’s choices rather than simply celebrate them. The ending lands with thematic coherence, even if some beats telegraph early.
World and Presentation
The island’s art direction is the star. The wind guidance is more than a gimmick—it’s a clean diegetic UI that keeps you in the world. Biomes transition elegantly, and time-of-day riding remains delightful well past the midpoint. Particle work (leaves, pampas grass, rain) makes traversal feel painterly without sacrificing clarity. Photo mode is dangerously absorbing. Kurosawa mode is a classy novelty rather than a primary way to play, but it fits the tone and invites deliberate framing.
Verdict
A confident, stylish samurai epic that balances spectacle with sincerity. Not every camp needs clearing, and not every tale hits, but the total package is cohesive and generous. It’s the rare open world that encourages quiet in between duels—time to breathe, listen to the wind, and choose your path. Highly recommended.