Summary
As a stealth-focused game, Sucker Punch’sGhost of Tsushimahas often been compared to Ubisoft’sAssassin’s Creedseries. However, this is most likely due to the household nature of theAssassin’s Creedname and its role in helping to shape the stealth game genre over the decade beforeGhost of Tsushima’s release. In reality,Ghost of Tsushima’s gameplay and themes could be considered more similar to Monolith Productions’Middle-earthseries, which began withShadow of Mordorin 2014. Coincidentally,Shadow of Mordorhas also been compared toAssassin’s Creed, perhaps even more so thanGhost of Tsushima.
Within the similarities thatGhost of Tsushimashares withShadow of Mordoris a blend of RPG classes and thematic elements that the standard RPG might prefer to distance itself from. Granted, despite having role-playing features scattered throughout their gameplay,Ghost of TsushimaandShadow of Mordorare technicallyaction-adventure games, not RPGs. Even so,Ghost of TsushimatookShadow of Mordor’s conglomerate of RPG classes and themes found in its protagonist, Talion, and then realized them in the form of Jin Sakai, right in the middle of a semi-historical recreation of feudal Japan, as opposed to a high fantasy world where almost anything is possible.
Ghost of Tsushima’s Jin Sakai Is Ultimately a Reprisal of Shadow of Mordor’s Talion
Jin Sakai and Talion Are Both Comprised of a Mixture of RPG Classes
There are many standardclasses in the RPG genre- like wizards and warriors — butShadow of Mordor’s Talion makes up a blend of two RPG classes that are generally distinct from one another. His ability to move silently and remain undetected before taking his enemies by surprise ultimately comes from what would typically be defined as the rogue class in the RPG genre. However, Talion can also eliminate enemies from afar using Azkar, his bow, making him what the RPG genre might label a ranger or hunter.Ghost of Tsushima’s Jin Sakai is not much different, as he has similar skills and weapons at his disposal, making him this same blend of RPG classes.
Aptly named the “Ghost of Tsushima,“Jin Sakaispecializes in using stealth to subdue his foes, despite such methods being largely condemned by the shogun. Much like Talion, Jin uses tall grass and other large objects to keep himself hidden from view before grabbing hold of his enemies and killing them in silence. Jin can also make great use of his bow to eliminate enemies from a distance, and he can even do so without ever being caught.
As such, Jin fills the role of rogue and ranger inGhost of Tsushima, much like Talion does inShadow of Mordor.
Jin Sakai and Talion Both Fill a Similar Role in Their Worlds
Jin Sakai also shares a certain thematic element with hisShadow of Mordorcounterpart, in that the two of them are designated with protecting their lands from danger. Though the story of his quest largely revolves around avenging the murder of him and his family at the hands of Sauron’s forces, his job before being resurrected by the wraith of Celebrimbor was to stand guard at theBlack Gate of Mordorand protect Middle-earth from any threats attempting to exit. Similarly, Jin Sakai inherits his role as the protector of Tsushima Island after many of his people are killed by the Mongol invasion. His quest, too, is one of vengeance, though the uncle he spends the majority of the game trying to rescue is still alive.
Ghost of TsushimaandShadow of Mordormay both be compared toAssassin’s Creedat times, but they are arguably more like one another than they are the latter.Ghost of Tsushimasuccessfully reprisedShadow of Mordorin the design and portrayal of its protagonist, Jin Sakai, by blending two RPG classes and similar themes, though Jin and Talion are both noteworthy in their own way.
Ghost of Tsushima
WHERE TO PLAY
A storm is coming. Discover the expanded Ghost of Tsushima experience in this Director’s Cut. Uncover the hidden wonders of Tsushima in this open-world action adventure from Sucker Punch Productions and PlayStation Studios, available for PS5 and PS4. Forge a new path and wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsushima. Challenge opponents with your katana, master the bow to eliminate distant threats, develop stealth tactics to ambush enemies and explore a new story on Iki Island.
