GamesActionGhost of TsushimaGhost of Tsushima didn’t need to be historically accurate because it didn’t “impose any ideology” and placed “top priority on entertainment value"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesActionGhost of TsushimaGhost of Tsushima didn’t need to be historically accurate because it didn’t “impose any ideology” and placed “top priority on entertainment value"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Sucker Punch Productions)
Ahead of sequelGhost of Yotei, an analyst has looked back atGhost of Tsushimaand details why the action-adventure gem didn’t need to be entirely historically accurate for Japanese fans to properly enjoy it.
Ghost of Tsushima dramatizes historical events for entertainment’s sake and mismatches elements from different periods so that they coexist together, like Jin’s samurai armor and haiku poetry. Despite such inaccuracies in-game, Japanese fans don’t mind - and Namera thinks this has to do with how the inaccuracies look. They don’t imply an ill-informed developer, but rather one who prioritizes entertainment.
That’s not what Ghost of Tsushima is doing, however, and that seems to be why its formula works.
“The biggest reason why Ghost of Tsushima was accepted in the Japanese market without any sense of incongruity was that there was very little such ‘imposition of culture or ideology,'” as Namera states. Developer Sucker Punch Studios made an effort to consult with historians and other experts, too, providing a solid foundation for the well-received game with some room for more minor inaccuracies in the name of entertainment.
Namera concludes “what’s important for history-themed games and media is not simply consistency with historical facts” - it’s actually “important to have a deep understanding of the culture and history, to not impose any ideology, and above all, to place top priority on entertainment value.” That makes sense - especially when considering sequel Ghost of Yotei and its ownclever historical inaccuracyscholars deem “intentional.”
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Former Sony head responds to those complaining about Ghost of Yotei’s female protagonist: “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it”
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
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Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
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Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
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2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
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3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
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4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
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5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
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3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
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5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
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Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”