Ghost of Tsushima

Release date: July 17, 2020

Published by: Sony Interactive Studios

Developed by: Sucker Punch Productions

Reviewed on: PlayStation 5

Available on: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Reviewed by Carrie Rogers-Whitehead

Ghost of Tsushima is a beautiful, challenging open-world game set during the Mongol Invasion of Tsushima island in the 13th century.

Ghost of Tsushima is a 2020-released labor of love by Sucker Punch Studios who reportedly spent 6 years on the project. In the game you are Lord Sakai, a samurai who lost all his fellow warriors in a brutal attack on the coast by the invading Mongols. In third-person perspective you must traverse the entire island, through swamps, forests, coastline and mountains rallying the people, helping other citizens, navigating betrayal and deciding whether you walk with honor and the way of samurai, or you just try to survive.

Ghost of Tsushima is a challenging game where enemy attacks hit hard and you must master numerous techniques and stances. But the game provides many opportunities to level up your character, find new weapons and armor and practice. 

Part of the beauty of Ghost of Tsushima is nature. The wind directs you to different quests and items of interest. You can follow a yellow bird for hidden areas and go to the top of mountains to see a stunning landscape before you. This beauty makes the scenes of devastation and war even more stark and brutal.

Ghost of Tsushima is rated Mature and it’s not a game I would play in front of my child. There is a high amount of blood with spatters that spill over the ground and your face when you slice an opponent. The game also has some partial nudity of the main character in hot springs, and strong language. However, compared to games likeThe Last of Us 1 or 2  I would say Ghost of Tsushima has less gore and violence and would be appropriate for teens aged 14-15.

The popularity of Ghost of Tsushima continues with a Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut available in summer 2022. There is also a movie based on the game in development.

Parent Score

4 out of 10

Ghost of Tsushima has copious amounts of blood and mature themes not for children or younger teens.

Fun Factor

8 out of 10

While challenging, Ghost of Tsushima offers a beautiful world to explore and a well-written story.