Is Ghost of Tsushima a RPG?
Defining a Game: What Makes a Game a RPG?
The term "RPG" stands for "Role-Playing Game", a genre of games that has been around for decades. However, the question remains: is Ghost of Tsushima, a third-person action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions, a true RPG? To answer this, let’s delve into the characteristics of a traditional RPG and examine the features of Ghost of Tsushima.
Traditional RPG Characteristics:
- Storytelling: RPGs typically have a rich, immersive narrative with well-developed characters, plot twists, and a strong focus on storytelling.
- Character Progression: Players typically earn experience points, level up, and upgrade their characters, which enhances their abilities and attributes.
- Open-World Exploration: RPGs often feature open-world environments, allowing players to explore, complete quests, and interact with the game world in various ways.
- Party-Based Combat: In most RPGs, players control a party of characters, each with unique abilities and strengths, which must work together to overcome challenges.
- Exploration and Discovery: RPGs often encourage players to explore the game world, discover new locations, and uncover hidden secrets.
Ghost of Tsushima Features:
- Linear Quest System: Instead of an open-world approach, Ghost of Tsushima features a linear quest system, where players must complete specific objectives, such as killing a certain number of enemies or retrieving specific items.
- No Character Progression: Unlike traditional RPGs, Ghost of Tsushima does not have a character progression system. Players are not required to level up or upgrade their characters, but rather focus on completing specific objectives.
- Auto-Follower System: Players control Tora, the protagonist, and his partner, Rin. The game features an auto-follower system, where Tora automatically follows Rin to complete objectives, allowing players to control Tora’s actions without much direct input.
- Linear Level Design: The game’s level design is primarily focused on guiding players through a series of connected stages, with each stage serving as a self-contained objective.
- Turn-Based Combat: Ghost of Tsushima features turn-based combat, where players must use strategy and timing to take down enemies. Players can switch between melee and ranged attacks, using special abilities and equipment to enhance their performance.
RPG Features:
- Non-Linear Storytelling: While Ghost of Tsushima has a linear narrative, the game’s story is still heavily influenced by player choices and actions.
- Player Choice and Agency: Players have multiple options and choices throughout the game, allowing them to shape the story and outcome.
- Character Customization: Players can customize their characters’ appearance, skills, and equipment, adding a layer of depth to the game world.
Conclusion:
While Ghost of Tsushima shares some similarities with traditional RPGs, it does not conform to the traditional RPG formula. The game’s linear quest system, lack of character progression, and auto-follower system all detract from its RPG-ness. However, the game’s focus on non-linear storytelling, player choice, and character customization make it a unique and engaging experience that stands apart from other third-person action-adventure games.
Who is Ghost of Tsushima for?
- Fans of open-world games: While Ghost of Tsushima has some elements of open-world exploration, its linear quest system and lack of character progression make it more of a traditional action-adventure game.
- Players who enjoy story-driven experiences: The game’s story is heavily influenced by player choices and actions, making it a great fit for players who enjoy narrative-driven experiences.
- Those looking for a unique RPG experience: Ghost of Tsushima offers a fresh take on the RPG genre, with its focus on non-linear storytelling, player choice, and character customization.
Table: Game Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Storytelling | A rich, immersive narrative with well-developed characters and plot twists |
| Character Progression | No character progression system, with players earning experience points and level up |
| Open-World Exploration | Some exploration and discovery, but primarily focused on linear stage design |
| Party-Based Combat | Combat is turn-based, with players using special abilities and equipment to enhance performance |
| Exploration and Discovery | Players can explore the game world, uncovering hidden secrets and discovering new locations |
| RPG Features | Non-linear storytelling, player choice and agency, character customization |
Conclusion:
Ghost of Tsushima is a game that defies categorization, offering a unique blend of action-adventure and RPG elements. While it may not conform to the traditional RPG formula, the game’s focus on non-linear storytelling, player choice, and character customization make it a standout experience that will appeal to fans of open-world games, narrative-driven experiences, and those looking for a fresh take on the RPG genre.