Ghost Of Tsushima REVIEW: 7 Ups & 2 Downs

1. There's A Frustrating Lack Of Proper Cutscenes In Most Tales

For all that Tsushima is one of the most cinematic games I've ever encountered, that mantra can be lost in translation in and out of gameplay.

Generic, fade-to-black cutscenes where Jin and an NPC talk while the camera switches between three fixed positions are common, and are really at odds with Tsushima's filmic sensibilities. Actual cutscenes are extremely well presented, but they don't form the bulk of your interactions with the many characters you'll encounter while playing the game.

Likewise, while other studios have long since mastered the art of seamlessly making the transition from cutscene to gameplay, or by including unique animations so as to keep the player immersed in the experience, Sucker Punch always seem to spring for a quick fade-to-black instead. It feels more than a little dated, and - when everything else about the game is presented so immaculately - more than a little disappointing.

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All that said however, Tsushima marks a strong return for Sucker Punch, and a fine way for Sony to close the book on the PlayStation 4. There might be clear areas to improve, but Jin Sakai's story is uniquely compelling, and one that shouldn't be missed.

Final Rating - ★★★★☆