Ghost of Tsushima

Visuals are outstanding, combat is fun, level progression is decent. Story is okay. I do enjoy this but my open world fatigue continues and I don't think this brings anything new to the formula. Cinematic nature gets tiring due to open world design repetition. Accentuate the cool shit by not drowning it in that, because it's pleasing the first few times you see something, then I wanted to skip it. Samurais and mongols, awesome, I think I would have preferred a more linear, epic experience.

Following up RDR2 with an open world experience as empty and formulaic as this is hardly forgivable, especially because it LOOKS great and the japanese samurai-movie flair is spot on. It doesn't really compensate with a gripping storyline, either. BUT! The fighting is stylish and flawless, killing off a group of goons rarely felt more satisfying, especially after stand-offing the first few. The stealth mechanics are relatively solid, but it's going toe-to-toe that really sets things apart here.

If your looking for a open world that moves the genre forward, this isn't it. Expect cookie cutter ubisoft style objectives and little reason to "exist" and immerse yourself into the world. The story is mediocre at best. What this game does well, though, is the combat. Leagues above most other games on the market. The combat alone makes this a game worth experiencing and completely overshadows the blander aspects of the game. The art direction stands out as well, though not as much as the combat

I can see why so many people love it. But it's still the old Ubisoft formula of open-world. I do appreciate the developpers decision for a more slow-paced and contemplative approach to world exploration. The combat system is also really nice.

Very enjoyable exploration and combat with a largely subpar story, but honestly, having some of the best traversal of a big-ass map ever counts for a lot.

This game I think at times was a little too difficult on default settings, even with every upgrade. I loved the way gameplay worked though. Visually, it's mixed. The lighting is incredible, as is the atmosphere and the particle effects, but detail is rather low, with most areas repeating the same objects. Some cutscenes aren't as impressive while others are great. Story has some great moments, mostly towards the end, but starts a little slow imo. Overall, could be better, but was still solid.

visually stunning. This was such a great world to simply exist inside of. I hardly ever fast traveled or even used the horse because it felt wrong to speed through such gorgeous environments. I spent hours just exploring the island without even fighting a single enemy. If there's anything that's missing, it's more gameplay components outside of the combat, beefed up dialogue, and NPC interaction or missions that played out in ways other than: 'go here then kill the guys' over and over.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey with a Japan skin. There are definitely clever elements that kept me going but wasn't enough to make it til the end.