Ever since the Assassin’s Creed series began exploring different times and spaces, there has been a persistent desire for an open-world stealth action game set in feudal Japan. That itch has been effectively scratched with Ghost of Tsushima. Sucker Punch’s latest offering is a stunning adventure through one of history’s most beautiful landscapes, featuring an exceptional blade-to-blade combat system that stands out in the genre.

While the game does stumble in some areas—such as stealth mechanics, enemy AI, and a few minor frustrations—these shortcomings are outweighed by the many moments where the game truly excels. Ghost of Tsushima tells a fictional story grounded in the real historical context of the Mongol Empire’s invasion of Japan in 1274, beginning on Tsushima Island. You play as Jin Sakai, voiced by Daisuke Tsuji, who starts as a samurai. However, after a disastrous defeat, he learns that the honorable yet restrictive samurai code may not be enough to confront this new threat. The narrative centers on Jin’s internal conflict, balancing his traditional teachings with the need to save his homeland at any cost. While it takes some time for the story to gain momentum, it is an engaging struggle, even if Jin himself lacks a certain charisma.

The English voice cast performs admirably, though the Japanese audio track, despite its quality, suffers from poorly matched lip movements. This is a minor issue, as playing in Japanese—especially with the black-and-white Kurosawa mode—is highly recommended. The music throughout the game enhances the experience beautifully, shifting from ambient shakuhachi flutes during stealth to thunderous taiko drums in combat.

The combat in Ghost of Tsushima feels like a magical blend of influences from the Batman: Arkham series, the earlier Assassin’s Creed games, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and classic Kurosawa films. Initially, the combat mechanics seem basic—light attacks, heavy attacks, blocks, and dodges—but what keeps it engaging are the unique stances tailored to counter different enemy weapon types. When it’s at its best, combat is fast, chaotic, tactical, and captures the fantasy of being an outnumbered but skilled samurai.

The little details significantly enhance the combat experience. The minimal HUD and tight camera work allow for an immersive view of the action, while distinct audio cues signal enemy movements, helping players dodge or block effectively. The system is further enriched by the absence of traditional level-based progression. Instead of merely grinding to increase damage or health, players improve their techniques and learn new combat methods. This means you won’t encounter situations where you’re under-leveled for a quest or overwhelmed by tougher enemies; the challenge remains appropriate throughout the campaign.

While the blade-to-blade combat is a highlight, Jin’s stealth mechanics are less impressive. While functional, they become problematic once you’re spotted, as enemies seem unsure how to respond. The stealth tools available to Jin are quite basic, lacking the creativity found in the melee combat. Fortunately, the game allows for aggressive approaches to combat that can be just as rewarding as stealth. At the beginning of most encounters, you can initiate a standoff—a classic showdown where timing your strike is crucial. This mechanic fits perfectly with the samurai theme and adds excitement to direct confrontations.