In a gaming landscape that has seen several sharply realistic releases lately,Ghost of Tsushimasets itself apart by adopting visual styles from its cinematic influences. Althoughthe game’s photo modeputs a heavy focus on its lavish graphics, critics have also praised the gameplay with a focus on the variety of sublime combat. Now that the game is out, developers and directors at Sucker Punch Productions are contributing to the discourse around the game by revealing their mindsets when putting the final touches on the finished product.
While several of the developer interviews have focused on the game’s narrative, the creative directors have also taken the time to talk about howGhost of Tsushima’s mechanics set the game apartfrom its contemporaries. One such interview with ComicBook allowed Sucker Punch creative director Nate Fox to go into detail about the game’s duel mechanic.
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When asked about the most important elements ofGhost of Tsushima’s duels, Fox emphasized the team’s desire to draw upon samurai cinema to create a tense, yet “serene” atmosphere before a duel. Fox also noted that the developers made sure that every duel maintained a certain skill level. Specifically, the game requires the player to understand and adapt an opponent’s fighting style without using other mechanics and weapons as crutches.
Fox also discussed “sword binds,” the brief pauses in combat where the player and the boss cross swords and interact with each other. The creative director continued by explaining that the interludes allowed Sucker Punch to developthe relationships between protagonist Jinand the other fighters. After all, this would allow the players to understand the reasons Jin engages in these deadly fights. Although the developers did not intend the interludes to be breaks, Fox said he was glad that people were able “to take a breather” if they needed it.
By drawing upon a unique influence,Ghost of Tsushimahas successfully set itself apart from the other AAA competitors in both pacing and gameplay. Overall, the Sucker Punch titlemasterfully uses every mechanicit has to embody the swordplay and spirit of samurai films.
