Ghost of Tsushima - 4 Years Later

4 years after its release, Ghost of Tsushima has garnered a legacy from some as the quintessential samurai game, and from others, the worst game there is. Who is right?
Edited by Playstayshaun
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If you were familiar with Sucker Punch before 2020, then you knew them for making games about a silly raccoon that pulled off grand heists, and then for making games about a bald guy who controls electricity, but given the visuals of their previous entries steeped in fanciful worlds, nobody could have predicted that THIS would be the next entry in Sucker Punch’s portfolio. Ghost of Tsushima is the story of Jin Sakai, one of the only samurai to survive the massacre of Komoda beach during the Mongol invasion of Tsushima in 1274. In order to push back the Mongols and have any chance of saving his home, Jin must sacrifice his honour for the island and shed his former life, moving forward as the ghost of a samurai who died on Komoda beach. Ghost of Tsushima is at times otherworldly, yet maintains a realistic foundation, though not in the traditional sense. When we think about realism, we typically imagine the dirt. Grime and grunge was at the forefront of 7th generation `realism”, perhaps because we associate realism with the things we don’t want to talk about. An idyllic world is a bright one. Simple, clean, sterilised, tranquil. It’s a world many are not familiar with, so we’re forced to identify realism with the former, uglier reality. Serenity is not synonymous with dirt, rain, or bloodshed, and yet, Ghost of Tsushima is one of the most peaceful games I have ever played. For every sliced throat is a luscious reed flowing in your fathers guidance, and for every dishonourable takedown is a spirits anger, manifesting in a thunderstorm. Every peaceful spirit, balanced by a vengeful spectre. SuckerPunch, previously known for their excellence in realism, have created a game that, despite being more lifelike, is the antithesis of their last decade of effort.
Yet, Ghost of Tsushima is much more than a constant stream of potential wallpapers. It’s gameplay whether an original idea or one borrowed and refined from others is executed well, and the stories told throughout Tsushima strike a balance that allows them to deconstruct legends without invalidating them, and challenge a characters' morals with hopes of redeeming them. Tsushima is a game and a land unlike any other, and its success is much the same. After 3 years, a Playstation 5 remaster, and a free content update, there is plenty to discuss regarding this game. Feelings on both sides present the idea that this game is either THE Samurai game, or exceptionally ordinary. Sandwiched between plenty of other games that took the world by storm, talking about the game now that the storm has passed could expose its true beauty, or a more hideous hindsight. Ghost of Tsushima has an army of fans, but its clan of critics, while a minority, is far too vocal to ignore. For every review calling Ghost of Tsushima a masterpiece there is one calling it mediocre, preaching that they just don’t get it, primarily concerning the gameplay.
Tsushima may not offer the most original stories, as like its inspirations it aims to deconstruct the samurai code, and parade its hypocrisies, but it offers something far more unique to the video game medium…peace. Many games these days, while being cinematic, are doing so at the players' detriment. You’ll never want to be more than a single stroke away from satisfying a feedback loop, even if that means bunny hopping across a map, souring immersion.
Ghost of Tsuhsima is one of the most special games I have ever played. Ghost of Tsuhsima - 4 Years Later is attempt to make a Ghost of Tsushima critique, Ghost of Tsushima analysis, and perhaps a Ghost of Tsushima review, if a bit longwinded. The Ghost of Tsushima ending will be spoiled as this functions like a Ghost of Tsushima walkthrough. All footage of this was gathered on the Ghost of Tsushima Directors Cut or Ghost of Tsushima PS5. The Ghost of Tsushima DLC, like Ghost of Tsushima Legends and the Ghost of Tsushima Iki Island expansion, will be covered here too. I hope we get a Ghost of Tsushima PC port, but for now the PS5 Ghost of Tsushima gameplay will suffice for this Ghost of Tsushima retrospective.
- Chapter -
Introduction: 0:00
Chp. 1: Tsushima: 4:46
Chp. 2: Ghosts & Samurai: 18:56
Chp. 3: Tales and Tribulations: 35:26
Chp. 4: Jin's Journey: 58:58
Chp. 5: Legends: 1:24:55
Chp. 6: Iki Island: 1:36:51
Chp. 7: Reflection: 1:50:12

[@ThatBoyAqua]

This was by far the hardest video I've worked on and one of my most personal. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, as is the support of the channels KZbin and Patreon members. If you want to support the channel, you may do so through the links in the description.

[@christiano5109]

Always supporting your work, thanks for hours upon hours of great content to keep my chill times entertaining and knowledgeable

[@bamban_garcia5562]

_Now cover_ *Resident Evil 6!*

[@user-fr4yn7qu3i]

Your work does not go unappreciated and i would really love you to talk on Sekiro Shadows Die Twice

[@ramz3589]

I slept through 95% of the vid, overall, 10/10.

[@xenonlennon7896]

I appreciate your work Aqua, always here to support with or without ads

[@Argonaut717]

I never saw Jin as a hypocrite I saw him as a man being forced to do things he never wanted to so why would he want his former friends to fall down the same path. Of course he would tell everyone around him to stay on the honorable path because look at how painful dishonor has been for him

[@knightslayer6161]

I once heard “a hypocrite is a man who is learning”. In the right context it speaks to me.

[@Argonaut717]

@@knightslayer6161 kind of similar to the doctor saying “you know what thinking is? It’s a fancy word for changing your mind”

[@voidgivenfocus]

That doesn't change the fact that he's a hypocrite lol

[@Argonaut717]

@@voidgivenfocus then every person who has learned a lesson, grown, and changed for the better is a hypocrite which maybe denotatively correct but not connotatively. Don’t be obtuse

[@voidgivenfocus]

@@Argonaut717 sounds like someone got their feelings hurt LOL

[@proggz39]

I was infatuated with this game when it came out. Even swiping the touch pad to flick the blood off Jin’s katana to sheathe it after every fight had me captivated. I especially liked the hardest difficulty where one strike was enough to end you and the opponent for the most part

[@ethantombs2608]

This guy understands how badass and satisfying that motion is.

[@blackhat4206]

Yeah, I’m glad they patched in lethal difficulty. I really enjoyed swiping the touchpad to summon the winds which would lead to your destination. So immersive, as was swiping to sheathe your katana.

[@copingflower1909]

I enjoyed that mechanic as well, while the Playstation touchpad isn't used all to much in games, when done right like in this games case, it can create a sense of immersion that other consoles can never achieve, I still find it mind boggling that Playstation are still the only company out of the big three to have incorporated this mechanic into their controllers since the touchpad is such a simple yet effective button on any playstation controller

[@PloopChute]

Big agree! Lethal difficulty is the this game's peak. It takes an already very immersive game and just cranks it up so much. The fact that everyone, including you, dies in just a hit or two (except for enemies in duels, which I'm thankful for) makes it really feel like a sword fight. I pretty much always play games at their easiest difficulty. I enjoy feeling like an unstoppable beast, and I like to keep a game's narrative moving. But this game NEEDS to be played on Lethal, it's just too insanely good to go with any other way. Combat flows so much better when you aren't hacking at single enemies repeatedly. It really gives you that smooth, slicing through enemies like butter samurai feel. It's a shame so many people never give it a shot. It changes everything about how the game feels in the best way.

[@elementalghost]

​@PloopChute I'm going to be picking this up on pc. I love a challenge and realism modes. Can I/ should I start on lethal difficulty?

[@brennanscarcello1443]

I love the video, but felt pretty differently about the combat. I personally never had many problems with enemy targeting but that may well be up to personal preference. I found the combat to be very difficult and extremely engaging in the higher difficulties. The complexity of light and heavy attacks, charged guard breaking attacks, different combos and the different stances all come together to make my favorite sword based melee combat in a video game ever. I loved just being in a battle or boss fight. It feels like a dance, you are constantly matching and reacting to every movement of your enemy.

[@Joker_JAK]

Same here. I love the combat and didn't really have issues with targeting except for maybe when I was in a building with little space. I also NEVER used lock-on. I'm so glad that didn't exist when I first beat the game and in subsequent playthroughs I never turned it on.

[@brennanscarcello1443]

@@Joker_JAK I totally agree, I think if lock on was there by default it would have taken away from the experience. The combat and story are the two main reasons this game is special so I guess if one of those doesn't click with someone they won't like it that much.

[@thatboyakira4202]

​@@Joker_JAKthe game was never designed for Lock-On and I was baffled by how many KZbinrs _demanded_ one. People seem to forget Free-Flow Combat exists.

[@buckyhurdle4776]

If you like GoT you should play Nioh 2. Ghost is like a good intro to how Nioh works, and it goes so much deeper. The combat alone kept me playing for hundreds of hours, mastering literally just one weapon, the basic sword. I consider the skill ceiling to be basically infinite and the combos you can pull off sometimes, dear lord jesus I'm about to go download it again

[@Name-fd2co]

I loved the combat but don’t agree that it was difficult, one of my biggest problems with this game is how easy the combat is, even on hard and lethal. I’m not usually one to play above the normal difficulties in games, but once you get levelled up a bit some of the skills and talismans are just way too overpowered to me, especially the one that makes parties easier. Hope they address that in the sequel if anything

[@TreseanDaise-bj2dt]

Legit my only problem with G.O.T is that you cant use the sword on his back with Jin's ghost armor that really grinds my gears.

[@alistergreycastle5016]

I've always had the idea that if you're using the ghost armor, it could enable some sort of double assassination using the tanto and back sword :/

[@stevemerton137]

The sword is for drip purposes only.

[@ExtremelyOnlineGuy]

I was JUST saying this with my little brother like 3 days ago

[@bowino489]

I just hate how it doesn’t match the sword kit

[@BlazingSteel]

​@bowino489 that's why whenever I use the Ghost Armor, I always feel compelled to use the base white set for the sword.

[@StealthPants1]

Throughout the game, Jin's primary motivation is doing whatever he has to to help the people of Tsushima. When it came down to the final choice, i made the decision that i thought would be best for Tsushima: to spare Lord Shimura. He definitely has flaws as a military leader, but he was a good lord when it came to peacetime life, and the people of Tushima need that. And if The Ghost kills the shogun's appointed lord of Tsushima, then who might he send next? Someone to crack down on The Ghost and all he represents? With Shimura still in charge, they could have the understanding that peace has been achieved, the ghost will fade away, and the civilians will prosper. at least, that was my thinking. but i didn't care much about the honor code, i only cared about saving civilian lives

[@Shweelan]

It's one of my favourite things about the story, characterisation, and final choices of Ghost of Tsushima: it's that everyone has a different logic behind the choice they made based on who they see Jin as at the end of his journey, and nobody's wrong in their reasoning. When it came to my playthrough, I made the choice to kill Lord Shimura out of a sense of love for the man and as my final act as a samurai. I felt that after everything I'd done, how I'd turned my back on every single thing he'd ever raised Jin to be, how I'd destroyed my own clan's legacy, how I'd had his hand forced to either kill the man he saw as his own son, or live a life as a disgraced leader who failed in his duties to the Shogunate, the last thing I could do for him was to give him the death he wanted and to spare him from facing that failure. I also made the choice to let Shimura see in his last moments that the man he'd essentially raised was still in there, that I hadn't completely fallen off the path into being a monster and was still the son he'd raised for the last twenty years. That despite all the horrendous things I'd done across my journey, I still had that shred of humanity in me who cared for the wishes and wellbeing of others, and I still had my code of honour somewhere inside. I felt that giving Shimura a Samurai's death was the last thing Lord Sakai did before he fully turned his back on the Shogunate and became the Ghost of Tsushima once and for all. In my interpretation of the story, it felt cruel of me to ask Shimura to continue living on in his world that had burned down around him, so I made the choice to spare him from that fate, which is what I believe he wanted. It's one of my favourite things about these grey area choices in gaming where there isn't a Mass Effect-style glowing prompt on screen that tells you which is the arbitrary good choice and which is the arbitrary bad choice so you know in advance if you're going to be a hero or a jerk to people. Some of my favourite choices and endings in games are ones where there's never an answer given to whether or not you made the right or wrong choice, or the good or bad one. You're given information, given a set of options, and are allowed to make an informed decision based on either who you are or who you see your character to be. It's why the ending of GoT has stuck with me for the last four years and why I love discussing it with people who had different choices for different reasons based on their own personal interpretations or philosophies, rather than just picking a red or blue colour choice because that's the playthrough they'd committed to for that run.

[@largeboi4678]

I personally chose to kill lord shimura, after everything that he and Jin went through during the game it just wasn’t possible to deny his last wish.

[@wozthescott2804]

I spared him. Fuck honor

[@frclaudia8690]

​@@Shweelan bro great comment

[@nashzahm]

Personally i prefer killing him, i think it is more honorable to give him his wish and you kill him knowing that he still cares for Jin despite the path he takes. Its comforting knowing that he still see's Jin as his son and when they are both dead, that they can have time together in the afterlife.

[@wplays4271]

Thank you for giving Yuriko’s tale the weight it deserves. Two of my grandparents have suffered from dementia before they passed, so I almost immediately noticed the signs in Yuriko. It’s the only side quest in a game to have ever made me cry. It was so well made and absolutely beautiful Also, thank you for featuring my comment from the Legends comment section. It was not necessary at all, but I really appreciate it. Thanks for the shoutout!

[@iconicadams]

RIP to your grandparents. Losing my grandparents is a challenge I still have not overcome, despite it happening 5 years ago. I just beat Ghost of Tsushima for the first time earlier this week and Yuriko's tale had me crying too. I found myself often visiting her grave and playing my flute in game the same way I visit my grandparents and talk to their headstones.

[@j0nnyism]

Yea that was a horrible scene. Really unpleasant and sad to watch

[@alistergreycastle5016]

If i remember correctly, the controller will pulse like a heartbeat if you decide to kill Shimura, and the pulse will slowly fade. I chose to spare him my first run, and i prefer that ending better but damn... feeling Shimura's heartbeat fade out as you stab him broke me.

[@ThatBoyAqua]

Aww man I always play with my vibration off and now I wish I hadn’t lol

[@mattmas6628]

@@ThatBoyAqua why play with no vibration?

[@Dctctx]

@@mattmas6628some people just don’t like it. Myself included

[@ThatBoyAqua]

I find it pulls me out of games a lot more than it enhances any immersion

[@thatboyakira4202]

​@@mattmas6628Xbox 360 trauma. Every vibration on low battery turned the controller off. And also, me personally never liked vibration. When the PS5 controller showed the features of the adaptive buttons I was livid because that's a thing I WILL DEFINITELY turn off. I need responsive controls, not adaptative ones.

[@mickieg1994]

This game was a masterpiece, a true love letter to the samurai genre and stands as a solid choice in any game library. Fantastic video, love the content and the level of detail you went into. Can't imagine how much work went into this video.

[@copingflower1909]

Its also amazing to take note how the devs went back in the Directors cut and reworked all of the lip syncing for the Japanese dub, its not everyday you see games get two variations of lip syncing, in both gameplay and cutscenes

[@thatonegeeksite5251]

The combat in this game was so satisfying. Would love to see a sequel at some point.

[@samuraijackoff5354]

For me, Ghost of Tsushima came at the right time during the covid lockdowns, even a week before my birthday. Highschool just closed for a week we thought that it was going to be the best time ever, then it became 2 weeks, then 3, then a month and more. I was stuck in my dark room doing online classes, my family all quarter themselves off because we were falling ill one by one. Playing the game and just experiancing the nature, the colors and sort of comforted me during it. It felt magical, spiritual even as I was raised buddhist and having those motifs or themes in the game connected with me. Jin's struggles have held my hand in my way with my own struggles. I haven't gotten that feeling in a while until I passed by yellowstone national park. Just the sense of beauty of reflecting and nature was a feeling that can only be achieved by being there. In my mind as I passed by springs, animals, and mountains as the Tsushima soundtrack just played in my head. Now I'm making samurai armor and love to go on nature walks, and I thank Tsushima for introducing me to that.

[@Profalcon1078]

Man i remember seeing the trailer in lockdown and replaying that trailer everyday(my cousin who i saw after a long time in 2020 also saw the trailer and we were both obsessed). I was so blown away by the graphics and how fast the fast travel. The combat too is just so satisfying. Plus when i saw that this game was coming out on my birthday (along with Paper Mario the origami king, whic i love btw) i knew i had to play. All my friends and family gathered around the TV and man we were all mesmerized by the graphics and the world, we even passed the controller just to run around and the free roam. We all collectively said this game is gorgeous during the opening as you ride your horse in the field and the logo popped up. This game definitely holds a special place in my heart and I'm currently trying to get the platinum on it too (might get the directors cut even) and i can't wait for the sequel. Sucker Punch should definitely be applauded for this amazing game and it's definitely my game of the year in 2020. For Tsushima, Jin and the gang. FOR THE GHOST!!! I legitimately can't wait for what they can do for the sequel and the features of the PS5.

[@connerhays5775]

Just watched Blue Eye Samurai on Netflix, and had to go back and play through the game again. It complimented the feelings the show gave me perfectly!

[@p_ttown1979]

had that same experience but with watching kurosawa films then (attempting) to play it on kurosawa mode

[@chisairaccoon1931]

You are a consistent gem. Never believe you’re making content similar to anyone else. Your effort does not go unnoticed!

[@fernandopacheco1795]

It baffles me that any human being would call this game "bad"

[@randomkriegsman8444]

Same

[@tydendurler9574]

Not bad But can be boring & repetitive Which is bad

[@fernandopacheco1795]

@@tydendurler9574 having platinum the game I can admit the fox shrines where repetitive. But that's about it. That doesn't make the game bad bro.

[@lovely1762]

The reason why the game is bad because it is not woke enough.....😂😂😂🤣🤣😂

[@Justsomeidi0t]

@@lovely1762dont bring that into this conversation

[@Itzyaboygino]

i finally tried the game after 4 years and man did i miss out... i played the main game, dlc and online mode (and got every single trophy for it too, wich i definently do not do for all games i play) and all i can say is that i just want more... this is the best game and game story i have played in years (the ending deadass made me cry...)

[@ernie1410]

DLC is also so well done. Sucker punch absolutely destroyed me with this masterpiece. I tell all my ppl to try this if they want a story with insane gameplay

[@ErnestoAguila-mk5oi]

Same here as well. Once you give yourself time to enjoy, this will definitely deliver.

[@LifeAfterPhasma]

I'm happy for your thoughtful interpretation of Shimura which a lot of people overlook. I really think Shimura was being too soft with Jin from the end of Act 1 onwards because he wasn't looking at the outward actions of Jin, but Jin's inner state. He wanted Jin not to "lose himself" to hatred and darkness, but unfortunately things happen later which force Shimura to confront Jin's literal actions. Clan Oga was forcing Shimura into an "in-person" exam of his competence, and he basically got exposed as not being the best at fighting the Mongols while relying on Jin to do the real stuff. That's the subtext I think was actually going on with Shimura, that he wanted to have his cake and eat it too: to save Tsushima but also keep the samurai reputation intact. Jin undermines all that, and well, that leads to Shimura having an existential meltdown by the end of the game. He can't fathom the samurai actually failing, that it must all be his fault, so the best thing to do is just redeem himself with death at Jin's hands.

[@timothymarcoux6569]

The greatness this game displays is what terrifies me from a sequel. They'd have to truly outdo themselves to excel even more at what they've done with this one game and Jin's story to the point that they probably shouldn't make a sequel, but they could always make it an anthology where the next game has a different protagonist and story, maybe taking place within mainland Japan this time.

[@evansinclair1999]

Man I spent about 65 hours in this game and just walking around the world of Tsushima felt so peaceful even tho the game was about anything but. Like the tranquility of the wild and the wind and music and MY GOD when I would find a haku spot I’d get so excited I loved the cinematicness of it and it was so calming needless to say I loved the game

[@TrxpicalVader]

This game still tugs at my heart even after 10s of playthroughs. Yet as much as i love this game, no game will ever beat the emotional journey that is"Outer Wilds" not to be confused with "the outer worlds" and i hope one day i open youtube and see aqua has finally made a review for a new but timeless classic

[@ThatBoyAqua]

I’ve written 5 different scripts for Outer Wilds and none of them seem to capture how special that game is to me. I’m glad that game was able to resonate with you too :)

[@TrxpicalVader]

​@ThatBoyAqua I saw nice little description for the dlc which was "it is a story that is difficult to put into words, so they simply never used them"

[@santi_super_stunts2573]

That game didn’t tell u shit ab where to go, didn’t like it but I respect ur oo

[@TrxpicalVader]

​@santi_super_stunts2573 that's one of its beauties, go where you want and just discover what you can, nothing in the game is locked behind an item that you don't have but instead is all based on what you just don't know yet, I get that it isn't everyone but I'd recommend giving it another go the time you put in is rewarding

[@tydendurler9574]

Outer Wilds is overrated af. And Ghost is good, but not that good. Nioh 2 is a way more engaging videogame. Ghost boils down to a very pretty but boring playable open world movie.

[@Dysxnix]

My experience before Lethal Mode: "This is alright, combat gets a little stale by the end of the game when I can just turn my brain off" After Lethal Mode: "This is one of the best Action Adventure experiences I have ever had."

[@ApoMelon]

Would you say lethal mode is most optimal way to experience the game?

[@BardioTheGoat]

@@ApoMelonyes

[@Dysxnix]

@@ApoMelon Honestly yes. It forces you to get very good at the combat, which makes you feel more like a samurai when you can cut down 4 men who could all kill you in a single hit. Brings the challenge and the experience you'd want from a game that allows you use a sword. Hell, by the time you get all the upgrades to your sword damage, you and the enemies are both just one hit from death at all times.

[@PeteDingerton]

Very few games are able to show the love, care, patience and heart put into a technically advanced game like this one. Great review.

[@viveknair934]

Thank you so much for all your effort. This video was definitely worth the wait for me. I wish you good luck on future endeavours.

[@marcuswalters8093]

_Four years_ ago?? I only just recently stopped playing it.

[@shadix4566]

Dude I've enjoyed every video of yours I've watched. I work overnight and most times put them on to listen to something meaningful and with effort put into it. Love the work and can't wait for the next one

[@mateushenriquepinheiro3197]

Ghostof Tsushima is one of the games I platinum in the PS5 and man did I loved it, the experience and story was so good that I have yet to find a game to capture my excitement and heart like it did. I never saw ghost of Tsushima gameplay before but played because of my passion for samurai/ronin stories, so I made a effort to not look at any spoilers for the game once I began playing because some of the reviews talked how immersive it was. I spent 67 hours on the game exploring the entirety of Tsushima and Iki island, having that platinum was a very satisfying achievement and I plan to revisit the game on the end of the year for the new game plus achievements

[@nathanrennick211]

Very well put. Really had me glued to this one. Great video

[@revolverhero7931]

man this is one of the most comfortable vidoe i have watched in my time on youtube simply outstanding and well made with sincirty. you sir deserve all the praise you can get for making a video of such kwalitie.

[@jkhernes2638]

Amazing video, don’t anyone let make you think different. The way you sum the game up as an experience, more than something you play is exactly what made me love it too. Your passion and honesty is what makes you and your videos so engaging, can’t wait to see what you work on next.

[@that5thpuddle]

Phenomenal video, the reason I (and i suspect many others) enjoy your reviews and retrospectives are all the little personnal touches that you add, like the haikus at the beginning of each chapters, you also have great talent at speaking with clarity and precision without sacrificing any nuance or pretenting objectivity So many people try to make multi hours videos covering every little detail of games and provide the most comprehensive description of every moment, yet you share your perspectives in a way that never feel superfluous or filler, each words you say have purpose and provide insight into your subject matter. Great job all around.

[@abdulazizghadban3820]

Man this is one of your best vids, if not the best. It’s so easy to tell that you poured your heart and soul and more into this video. Maybe this game being the hardest for you to make a video on is the reason that it came out so well. A blind man could tell that you resonated and found peace in this game and that you connected to it on a level that most people cant connect to with a game. I am so sure that you could have continued talking about this game for more than double the time of this vid (which 2 hours which by itself is so much effort and time being sunk into it so massive respect for that.) the final part of the vid where you were saying things like “this may not be my best work” and that sort of stuff feels wrong to me cause man I’ve been watching your vids since the dawn of time and everyone watching them can tell you pour your heart out into every single video you masterfully craft, its incredible how you can always keep me (and I’m sure loads of other people) coming back to your vids. You gotta give yourself more credit cause damn bro, you never miss. The game for me is a definite masterpiece and even if it has its flaws, it’s still a masterpiece in my eyes. Story is top notch. Gameplay, even though repetitive, has a certain satisfaction that doesn’t allow me to get bored, the sounds and the atmosphere are just phenomenal. This video only made me love the game even more. You probably wont see this comment and its probably gonna be sent to the bottom of this endless abyss of comments cause no one would read this long message but if you just get to read this then I’m happy. Amazing work on this vid, i feel like it would be so incredible to just have a conversation with you cause you are so deep and i love those sorts of conversations. You are an incredible content creator and you have easily shown your skills and those skills are unmatched. Keep up the good work man!!! I was excited for this video and I’m still excited to eventually rewatch it in the future. Good work, i cant wait to see what else you are gonna post cause i cant stop coming back!!

[@ThatBoyAqua]

Wow, I’m really flattered that you wrote such a long piece, and I’m glad you’re continually enjoying the videos! Thank you! If you ever want to chit chat feel free to join the discord. I’m in the voice chat occasionally.

[@abdulazizghadban3820]

@@ThatBoyAqua Im actually so happy to have gotten a reply, thats got me excited not gonna lie. I am only speaking facts man. You keep on releasing masterpiece after masterpiece man it’s great to see. I’ll be sure to join the discord.

[@the2ndkenshin454]

Usually I agree with Aqua's opinion on side missions however it was interesting that for this game we were "polar oplosites". Where he found nauseum in having to do 48 Fox Shrines to 18 Haikus I found joy because I loved the shrines while generally not liking the Haikus. Awesome video man. 👍🏿

[@xenten_4810]

I would like to say that I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video it is very well put together, and you definitely transformed it into more than just a game review

[@outkripper8272]

Without a shred of a doubt, the reflection section of this video encapsulates everything that I've wanted to say about this game for many years. You did an absolutely outstanding job conveying your feelings and the message that accompanied them. Thanks for your time, your passion and this video it was wonderful to watch. I really look forward to more of your stuff in the future!

[@TheAltair716]

This was an amazing video. Thank you for pouring your heart like that. I believe that it wasn't an easy video to make for you and that Ghost of Tsushima truly moved you. I hope this game comes out on PC eventually so that I can experience it myself.

[@romainbeaulande3486]

They were talking about it for April 2023, I don't know where I remember this from. Then radio silence. Pretty sure it is in the works, and will come out a bit unexpectedly. Like Horizon Forbidden West, I will double buy that one when it's on PC, really pushing the prettiness !

[@sogunuboschet6942]

I heard its coming in 16th of may, though I dont wanna bait you so maybe google it

[@Outset43]

Just finished my first playthrough two days ago and i was craving more videos about the game and lucky me that this amazing video was posted just in time. I dont know why but the fact that you named your second horse Nobu but didnt feel as much attachment to them as you did to Kage was so interesting because I felt so connected with my first horse, Nobu and less connected to my second, Kage. Anyway thanks so much for this awesome video about Ghost of Tsushima

[@chinchillax4208]

You can really see the passion and hard work that go into each of your videos. Your essays remind me a lot of Luke Stevens' but I personally think yours are way better.

[@yomama5368]

This is to me the best "ubisoft style" game ever made, and it's not even close. What I would call it above everything else is cohesive; the main quest sets a context and tone for the setting which is then taken advantage of by every sidequest and activity. These sidequests are somber, are about war survivors and the tragedy of people who lose their loved ones or need to compromise their morals just as Jin has and is, and this makes it so when you take time out of the main story to do them it never feels out of place or like a break from that story. Perhaps the most genius move in the game was to block your progression, stopping you from exploring certain sections of the island until you complete certain main quest events. This let the story take center stage, and again helped cohesion because your progress and freedom as a player was directly tied to Jin's progress and freedom as he leads a counterattack against the invading Mongols. More games of this type need to examine this approach and integrate its lessons.

[@cry1pticzer773]

It has been 4 years?... Damn, we are getting old now. As per usual, have to watch this when I get home and eat and write, can't wait to see what you have for new years Chef.

[@That1CrappyGuy]

Finally found time to sit down and watch this fully, and man was it worth it. It’s clear you put a lot of heart and soul into this video, from your analysis of the world, characters, and themes, to the haiku openings for each section. I especially love the final reflection of both yourself as a creator and the game as whole, and I appreciate you being genuine about your stance as critic. Thank you, Aqua, for putting together an excellent video with as much sincerity and passion as the game it covers

[@AtlantisPrince]

This is a great video about a great game. I love this game to pieces, for many of the reasons you brought up. At a time, when I was so fed up with open world games, I took a gamble with Ghost of Tsushima, because the very first screenshots and trailers actually tucked at something deep within me. It was immediately apparent, that this game had what I was looking for, open world or not. To me, Ghost of Tsushima is a masterpiece, because it never stopped making me feel something, while playing it. Iki Island hit home so hard, because of similar experiences with my own, dead father; I cried so much while writing that haiku. But it also was freeing. It made me think about him, about us, and it felt so good. In a day and age, where games are just media, or content to consume, I did not expect any of this from it. It reminded me, that games are art. And I think, your video reflects that adequately. In fact, your video is as much a creative endeavour as the game itself. I'm happy and grateful. to have watched it, reliving these fond memories and feelings.

[@AirSnipers96]

Your format and intimate understanding of what the message of Ghost of Tsushima is gave this video more soul than any other I’ve watched on the subject matter.

[@frog_phone]

i love how the chapter start text actually translates and how a haiku is included every chapter

[@lucask9651]

Amazing video! As someone who played sooo much before falling off in Act 3 this really summed up a lot of my love but also my issues of replayabilty. Thanks for all the hard work, i really appreciate your cadence and thought process.

[@flamingcow5916]

This is a great video, very underrated. Loved this game, and this is a really great video to re-live that experience. Thank you!

[@bepkororoti8019]

The Tale of Yuriko hit me like a brick, still getting chills by only thinking about it right now

[@thattrickytrickster612]

Ghost of Tsushima is one of my favorite games of all time. Truly, no other game I had played gave me a sense of peace and calm than this, when I was just riding around on Kage. The scenery, the art direction, the island was so incredibly serene when you stopped and took the time to take it all in. GoT had amazing combat, a great story, a gorgeous soundtrack and a breathtaking world. To me, it was as close to perfect as a game could get.

[@CringelordJen]

first time viewer and i can say. the passion and appreciation you honestly do have for this game truly shines through. i will very much be looking forward to checking out your other stuff and the great videos yet to come.

[@sanskarmishra5309]

This was amazing. Love your deep dives. Great breakdown!

[@oBlackIceo]

Great video, really good. It seemed like it was dark, like visually, idk if it’s something on your end or the editing or maybe even KZbin itself but it strained my eyes to watch.

[@capt.skippy7589]

Was just thinking today that there were no good reviews of this game while I was replaying it. Yet here you are just in the nick of time. Love your vids. Keep it up man!

[@Unidentified_Entity6]

1:09:31 During the first Yuriko side tale this is brought up, she tells Jin that Kazumasa was not as rigid as Shimura and that his own men thought he was a demon after pursuing his enemies

[@mikefeelyooo]

I still can't believe that this game loses to Neil Druckmann's Revenge, Teen drama wet dream.

[@WalshieYT1]

Damn man. I think this is the most that your content has ever resonated with me. It's rare that I watch a review that brings me so close to the core experience underlying a game's superficial aspects - seriously think this is your best script yet. Not a pound of fat on there!

[@mcosta.barroso]

this is one of the best videos ive ever seen. keep up the amazing work!

[@Braincell__]

That outro was absolutely beautiful man. Amazing video

[@Itmeb]

This was an amazing video although there was one error I found when you were talking about the horse and saying when jin gets his new horse he doesn't say that they'll have a peaceful ride he actually can still say that voiceline. Otherwise great video and I wish you the best on all your future videos

[@KnellMortem]

I just got the Platinum for GoT yesterday so this is a great way to end off my experience. Great video.

[@michael.waddell]

I have 100 percented this game 6 times and currently on my 7th. 5 times on ps4 (I was rendered unable to work for months due to being jumped on the street and suffering a head injury) then 6th playthrough on ps5 without transferring my save data, I am now on my 7th playthrough on a new game plus on ps5 playing lethal + for the 4th time. I can only say I absolutely love this game. That being said... I am most certainly biased due to being a samurai fanatic and an iaijutsu amd kenjutsu practitioner... aswell as this game getting me through 8 to 9 months of being bed ridden and not knowing wether i would be able to train agian... but still... this game is a masterpiece. This is my go to back up game whenever I finish or get bored of whatever game I am playing and every time I load in I feel a sense of peace that no other game or form of media has ever gifted me. I recommend that everyone at the very least gives it a try.

[@thedudeabides3138]

Great essay, well done, you can be very proud of this, thank you.

[@ladyocculus3525]

I finally got a PS5 to play this game. I love stealth games and particularly samurai/ninja games that aren't RPG as I'm into 1st and 3rd person shooters with stealth. I am also into history and warfare regarding the samurai. I haven't seen anything I've liked since Tenchu set in this period. I think this is the most graphically beautiful video game I've played and I've played longer than many gamers have been alive. It's essentially like playing, rather than watching Samurai Cinema. I see many elements of Far Cry 4, especially with the Legends mode. Like you, this game is personal for me. It speaks to our current times where there is so much division and we are forced to choose sides, maybe change who we are and shed the old ways for evolving times. We suffer the loss of friends and family, we feel the sting of betrayal and it's heartening to find peace scatter throughout this game. There have been heartbreaking moments where I've actually cried at the sadness and loss. the loss of Yuriko, the betrayal of his childhood friend and the loss of his horse. Sucker Punch knocked this out of the park, IMO. As of this writing, I have yet to finish it. One thing to say is that video games have come a long way since the 80's.

[@caisearle]

Your timing is amazing, I beat the game for the first time four days ago, very excited to see what you think

[@infinitum_est_finis2485]

I’ve played the story twice, and upon defeating Shimura for the first time I couldn’t bring myself to kill him. But on my second play through, for the sake of completion, I fulfilled his wish. It broke me. I’m a big music person, and when the theme kicks in I legit burst into tears. I viewed it above all else, a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. A man forced to forsake all he has known, even what remains of his family, only to be again forced to sever his last connection. To me, what little whisper of Jin that remained, was blown away like pampas pollen in the storm that is the Ghost.

[@danielhalburnt2442]

Love your videos brother. Just got done playing this game an it was honestly one of the top 5 best games I've ever played...only a few games have I did all the side content an dlc. Hoping for a sequel or something of the sort.

[@Jsdix]

Just another banger video dude, keep up the good work!

[@knightslayer6161]

The passion and drive in this video says it all. Even I don’t know what to say. So many points hit right on the nail. It may not reach the bar you hoped for. But it shows your honor in yourself and your work. Truly one of the best Ghost of Tsushima videos out there.

[@user-omaar300]

Man i love your … years later videos they are my absolute favorite especially the sleeping dogs one

[@philaunitebirdgangtakeflig5453]

57:42 i played this game when it first came out on ps4. i really enjoyed it. this series of missions you are referring to really stuck with me as well, as it was about the same time my grandmother had been diagnosed with alzheimers. everything you said about having to watch a mind deteriorate in a still living body is as difficult as you say I can attest.

[@TevyaSmolka]

Great job man on this amazing video of ghost of Tsushima 4 years later.

[@michael.waddell]

Beautiful video mate, loved your haiku

[@sb792079]

Although i played it and consistently loved it, the one thing that put me off about it was how it treated bushido. I believe anyone who has touched any sliver of feudal Japanese history, would know that the idea of bushido as an “honorable code” was not widespread until fairly recently. It was a code to serve one’s master and nation, and bring them glory. If that required a warrior to kill women and kidnap children, it was considered correct to do so. To me, as well as my Japanese parents (who have grown up watching samurai movies and dramas) Jin’s attitude to accept any tactics necessary was as “bushi” as it got, and it felt odd for his uncle to constantly put him down for it. That being said, i’ve also heard that it’s true that the Japanese at Tsushima had to adopt new tactics in response to the invaders. Maybe the whole Bushido thing in GoT was a stand-in for that transition. In that sense, i also felt that it worked. And all things aside, I loved the game thoroughly still. It felt like the Kung-fu Panda of samurai movies; a love letter to a genre that showed genuine love, greater than many of its Japanese contemporaries.

[@MrSuperbowser1]

Man i love this video so much. Phenomenal job Aqua! You never miss homie. Can someone help bring to my memory what the song playing at 1:40 in the background? I swear its from breath of the wild but i just dont know whats the name if so. I would GREATLY appreciate it

[@x__Primus]

I played and finished the main story recently and this video perfectly encapsulates why it is now one of if not my favourite games EVER thank you for making this video

[@chrisbafomb]

This was beautifully done and I know it took a lot of hard work and effort to complete it. You and I are strangers, and odds are we will always remain that way. Regardless of that fact if you ever feel like your work doesn't merit a sense of pride, that there are tons of other people, me included, who are very proud of you.

[@ThatBoyAqua]

Thank you so much reading this made my day 🙏

[@rurounijay7100]

This video is honestly a master piece my brother despite what anyone says, i can feel your passion for the game, and it resonates with me at every stop. It was also crazy to find someone who shares practically every opinion desire and purpose i do towards this game, and my love for gaming as a whole. Only point i kind of disagreed with on was the combat, i can understand what you felt about the targeting and camera, but for the most part i felt the camera gave a really wide view unlike god of war, i believe playing defensively and reacting while distancing yourself so u never get overwhelmed(even tho enemies never attack at the same time really, trivializing the concept of a gank). I found locking on to be a waste of time, just space yourself out, and dodge towards who u wanna attack if the distance is a little wide to fix the targeting. Otherwise this Felt like listening to a kindred spirit through this video, and i salute you. Looking forward to more and its an instant sub from me 🙌🏽

[@nothingclever7582]

I love the second area and the snow of the third area. I always found it alot of fun to get the flute and make fog to just ride around Toyotama

[@prodbyANT]

Is it a good product? Is it worth your time? The short answer is yes. The long answer is much longer: yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss.

[@Lordbananathegreat]

The longer answer is yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

[@markpula91]

Love your work!

[@RainbowPh0enix]

This world was so stunning. I have yet to feel another one make me feel so relaxed, even in walking sims that are supposed to. I suppose the contrast between the violence and serenity makes it more impactful

[@derekofbaltimore]

Big difference between shogun japan and alien pandora But for peaceful beauty id recommend avatar

[@Nilnot]

The sequel is a serious project. Lot of love and craftsmanship going into it. The title’s been finalized to Ghosts of 2shima: This Time it’s Personal

[@PloopChute]

Fantastic video as always. Crazy this one never showed up on my feed until today. One thing though, you should REALLY give Lethal difficulty a try. I can see in the video that enemies aren't dealing too much damage with each hit, and you're also hacking away quite a bit on each one. Comparitively, all the other difficulties make the game borderline clunky and awkward (Again, relative to Lethal at least) It makes the swordplay flow incredibly well. Everyone dies in just a couple hits, you AND your enemies. It gives it much more of that classic Samurai feel you see in classic movies. You end up flying through enemies with fast, graceful slices and chaining together kills in a much more natural and smooth way. And while you're doing it, you're always one misstep away from death. Every victory feels earned and absolutely badass. It plays like an entirely different game in the best way. It's a much more satisfying, cinematic, and immersive way to play. Seriously, give it a shot! Especially now that you've beaten it. Going back on NG+ with all your gear will make it a lot easier to acclimate.

[@jasondaniel7380]

Nice haiku. I'm not tryna criticize but, the stanzas are supposed to be a syllable length of: 5 for the 1st line ( which you did) , 7 for the 2nd (there 9 in your intro haiku) , and 5 for the last (which you achieved beautifully at by the way). Anyway, keep up the good work I'm a fan.

[@woodearthdvd]

I will never get tired of reactions to the opening title drop horse ride. I was hoping there was a bit of that in this retrospective.

[@Fxryous]

such an amazing video. you got a new viewer!

[@ethantombs2608]

What I like is whilst Kazumasa may hv been a 'butcher', its that he too saw cracks in the Samurai code. Yuriko implies that he most likely would've approved of what Jin was doing to see Tsushima

[@CentauriTTJ]

4 years later still play Legends Mode every now and then, and Hunters are just like I remember em. Headshot machines. If they make another game and add Legends Mode again I would definitely add a crafting system and increase the rewards gained based on difficulty. Also I LOVE how in Legends skins are EARNED. We really need to bring this back.

[@uzik00sh65]

Crazy you dropped this video because I just started my new game plus play though after not playing in a year lol

[@aaronacevedo8693]

Till this day even with all the amazing games to come since ghost... it is still my favorite game. I've never been sucked into a game like this one.

[@andrewmcdowellmillenial4209]

I love the video bro!! I feel the exact same way I got this game the month it came out and platinumed it 3 weeks later same month 1st platinum I was so proud of myself I will say I didnt really encounter any bugs or glitches

[@logan_sunday]

GoT was one of the few games where I was constantly hopping into photo mode to take endless pictures. Such a wonderful game in every way.

[@reamoinmcdonachadh9519]

I have never played any of the Infamous series, the games that I loved were the Halo series up to and including what I consider the peak of the series: Reach, follow that with entire Uncharted Series and the Last of Us : Part One, Until Dawn and Dark Pictures Anthology Series. Of the incompletely played through games, Resident Evil Four and Horizon: Zero Dawn. Ghost of Tsushima is right in there, and in fact replaces (and at the same time substitutes for) Tenchu. I have not completed a play through of Legends nor even touch the Iki Island DLC which is a regret of mine. While I can forgo Legends (largely because it requires co-op to get the best out of it) Iki Island would have tied the knot (for me) in the story of Jin Sakai. thank you for producing a well done, and thought provoking video, I appreciate the effort you put into it. It was a pleasure to watch through uninterrupted.

[@DigiTism]

There is explanation for things like the wind guiding you and the foxes if you’re familiar with Japanese culture and traditions. Foxes are a symbol of fertility and bearer of good fortune.

[@jeriah4k218]

When I played this game the first time I remember drifting from a swordsman to the ghost with the story. Its one of the most fulfilling power fantasy next to like Arkham

[@DeadCardinal]

If you have a playstation this game is a must have. Also the PS5 remaster runs so smoothly and is one of the quickest games to start up

[@sniperwolfe0361]

Everything about this video wanted me to hop back in and do another play through. Even at the agreed low points of the game. I just wish this would come to PC already so I can play it again in a different way or perhaps on the go with my deck 😢

[@q.cumber6950]

A 2 hour deep dive into one of my top games OAT? Yes please.

[@Salty_Kitsune]

I named my horses Sora and then Kage which mirror's jin's fall from standing out in the light to in the shadows and when I realized that after selecting my horse's second name I was floored.

[@360NoHope_]

On PS5, if you choose to kill Shimura in the end, the controller will pulse like his heart during the cutscene. It'll beat slower, and eventually stop. One of the most heartbreaking details I found when I finally finished my NG+ game.

[@TheGreatGambini]

What a phenomenal video. Well done, Sir.

[@imapiglegend]

I just finished this game and you uploaded this omg 😭