GHOSTWIRE: TOKYO

Developer: Tango Gameworks
Initial Release Date: March 25, 2022
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
Genres: Action-adventure, Role-playing
Mode: Single-player

When we think of Japan, its rich culture often comes to mind, especially its mythology, with Yokai being a central theme. Ghostwire: Tokyo beautifully taps into this, presenting a story filled with supernatural elements and Tokyo’s eerie, deserted streets. The protagonist, Akito, finds himself fatally injured in a car crash but is saved by a mysterious spirit named KK, who possesses him. This gives Akito a range of supernatural abilities, allowing him to combat Yokai while investigating the sudden disappearance of Tokyo's population. Along the way, Akito must also save his sister since he has already gotten involved!

Gameplay and Combat:

The combat in Ghostwire: Tokyo is satisfying, as it incorporates a unique skill tree system called "Spirit Skills." Players can level up their abilities (SP) by collecting KK's Investigation Notes scattered around Tokyo. Some paths in the skill tree are locked, requiring Magatama, which can be obtained by hunting Yokai or purchasing them from the Relic-Hunting Nekomata stall. There are 31 different skills to unlock, offering a wide variety of combat strategies.

A crucial skill to unlock early is "Spectral Vision," which reveals hidden traces of psychic energy left behind on objects, allowing players to track people, locate points of interest, and discover hidden spirits and Yokai. This mechanic is somewhat similar to the "Survival Instincts" feature in Tomb Raider, where Lara Croft can scan the environment to highlight collectibles. Opening Torii Gates is also essential, as it reveals new areas on the map, making exploration much easier.

Yokai and Exploration:

One of the standout features of Ghostwire: Tokyo is its portrayal of Yokai. The game brings to life a variety of these mythological creatures, and fighting them feels both challenging and thrilling. Each Yokai has a specific weak point which is they do not protect when we hit it and leave them exposed, making combat less strategic at times and boring.

The game’s world is filled with detail, and Tokyo’s eerie, ghost-filled streets are a joy to explore. The environment design is immersive, with plenty of secrets, easter eggs, and collectibles waiting to be discovered. However, I felt that the main story was a bit too short, especially if you're only focusing on the primary objectives. The side missions, while adding content, tend to feel repetitive over time, which can be a downside for players looking for more variety in tasks.

Final Thoughts:

Despite its flaws, Ghostwire: Tokyo offers a memorable journey through a beautifully crafted, haunted version of Tokyo. The integration of Yokai, the unique combat mechanics, and the exploration of Japanese folklore make it worth playing. While the main storyline could have been longer and more in-depth, the game's atmosphere and supernatural elements help make up for these shortcomings.