E3 2018 'Ghost of Tsushima' Trailer: Beautiful Yet Deadly

'Ghost of Tsushima': E3 Overview

Sony's 2018 E3 conference revealed many new game titles. Most of which are to released within the next year. Some were more desirable than others, of course. Every game revealed and shown had somewhat of an excited response from the crowd.

Some of the new games we saw were The Last of Us Part II and Death Stranding as well as the most appraised anticipated trailer reveal! From Software's new IP Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Among all the games announced, one, in particular, caught my eye.

Ghost of Tsushima is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by none other than Sucker Punch Productions. Published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game is set to release sometime in 2019.

Here is the Ghost Of Tsushima E3 Debut:

First Impression: Music and Live Performance?

So far all we have seen of Ghost of Tsushima is a small amount of gameplay. Compared to how big the game appeared, we definitely have more to witness. The opening scene portrayed beautiful bamboo music partnered with other details. Such as realistic weather effects, a glimpse at nature, and the animals. Sucker Punch did an amazing job of immersing the player in the scene with the character.

Now, I must say something about the performance before the trailer even began. During Sony's E3 conference, they invited a man named Fyrosand (I believe) onto the stage. And of course, he definitely looked the part. Wearing the traditional samurai garb, and 'Kasa', meaning 'straw hat.'

But, this live performance was not well received by the fans in the audience.

Fyrosand spends a couple minutes showcasing the soundtrack for Ghost of Tsushima. I enjoyed the performance, as I have a love for the beauty and sound that emanates from the bamboo flute. Even then, I do have to question the need for it. Why not showcase the games as the other producers did in other conferences?

I'd say they wanted to make an impact on the crowd and viewers at home.

Perhaps they wanted to avoid the awkwardness.

Fyrosand Live Solo Performance - Sony E3

Graphics/Scenery

I have to say, nothing in this I have seen so far is lacking. The graphics showcased in the trailer were sharp, colorful, and flowed well and smooth. Seeing the game open up as it did was breathtaking.

This game takes place during the late 12th century in 1274. We will be seeing grass fields, long winding roads, and beautiful trees. Oh, and don't forget the open landscapes filled with countless destinations.

Ghost of Tsushima holds a startling contrast as well. It may be beautiful, open, and inviting, but it can (and will) muddy up this perfect vision. The creators of Ghost made sure they focused on capturing the beauty, and deadliness of today. You can find yourself enjoying the view before seeing a samurai sword at your throat in the same second. Beware!

Combat

As we saw in the trailer, the combat is influenced by Akira Kurosawa. Who is well known for his excellent portrayal of samurai battles.

Ghost of Tsushima shares this trait as the combat seems very focused and lethal. Every move seems to be timed, and if not timed right, then it will be fatal. The development team even uses these focus words for explaining their vision.

"Mud. Blood. Steel."

We recently came across new details about Ghost. The recent interviews with the development team gave us more background. Even then, much of the game is still shrouded in mystery. We can only derive so much from a glimpse. But what a glimpse it was!

First Mongol Invasion: 1274

History/Story

I have a huge love for history and researching the events that transpired centuries ago. So in this section, let's dig a little deeper.

As we see in the opening screen of Ghost's trailer, the game setting is during the first Mongol invasion of Japan. After making Goryeo (Korea) submit to vassaldom (under another state, subordinate to another state), Kublai Kahn set out to conquer the Japanese. In 1266, he dispatched emissaries with a letter to Japan. I did some digging and Wikipedia helped me find the contents of the letter.

Read below:

"Cherished by the Mandate of Heaven, the Great Mongol emperor sends this letter to the king of Japan. The sovereigns of small countries, sharing borders with each other, have for a long time been concerned to communicate with each other and become friendly. Especially since my ancestor governed at heaven's command, innumerable countries from afar disputed our power and slighted our virtue...

Enter into friendly relations with each other from now on. We think all countries belong to one family. How are we in the right, unless we comprehend this? Nobody would wish to resort to arms."

Kublai demanded that Japan become another vassal state, as the one before it. Although, this wasn't an actual attempt for peace. The deal to become a vassal state was under threat of conflict.

Kublai Khan attempted to communicate, sending emissaries twice. In 1268, he dispatched emissaries for the second time. The result was the same; they returned with nothing.

Both of these emissaries met with Chinzei Bugyō, or, the Defense Commissioner for the west. He then passed on the message to the current Shikken (meaning military dictator). Then on to the Emperor in Kyoto.

There was much debate with the inner circle. In the end, everyone chose to again send off the emissaries with no reply. Now, it seems that Kublai knew the Emperor would reject both attempts to communicate. He had already begun constructing an entire invasion fleet and had been the entire time.

This invasion fleet was sent out on notice that the Emperor rejected him for the second time.

This is where he set his sights on Tsushima.

The invasion fleet landed on Komodahama beach on Tsushima Island on October 5, 1274.

The Japanese had no experience in moving thousands of soldiers at once. The last conflict they had was approximately 50 years ago. No general had the necessary skills.

There: bloodshed, death, and grief, as well as the dreaded prospect that the Japanese might not capture the victory. Well, not until they had help from the unpredictable weather around the island. A typhoon laid waste to many of the Mongol's men! The entire invasion fleet, or what was left of it, fled after this event. The Japanese liked to refer to this happenstance as, 'Divine Wind.' In Japanese, the word is “kamikaze.” The belief of divine protection! Who would have thought?

From there, we can expect to see the rest played out in Ghost of Tsushima! We still don't know the details, but we can definitely expect to see all this and more in the game once it's released.

Thank you for taking time to read my review over Ghost of Tsushima. There will be more reviews coming in the future!

Stay tuned!