Next contribution to #31DaysInTheCrypt hosted by my friends @_lachrymal and @king_lizzard.
The interest in this game was sparked not only by a very promising and intriguing first trailer, but also by a really adorable and enthusiastic speech by Ikumi Nakamura during E3 2019. If you are not familiar with Nakamura's work, she was the game artist for The Evil Within and has also created artworks for Okami and Bayonetta. I will upload the E3 presentation containing the reveal trailer of the game as a reel for those interested.
After watching the trailer, I was expecting a Silent Hill-like survival horror. However, the game is actually an action-adventure that combines action and paranormal elements in a haunting version of Tokyo.
The game follows Akito Izuki, who becomes possessed by a spirit after a tragic accident. Tokyo is engulfed in a terrifying fog, turning people into spirits, while a malevolent figure known as Hannya wreaks havoc. Akito, aided by the spirit possessing him, embarks on a mission to stop Hannya and save his comatose sister, Mari. Along the way, they uncover dark secrets and confront powerful foes.
Played from a first-person perspective, Ghostwire features combat described as "karate meets magic". Akito uses psychic and paranormal abilities, including hand gestures inspired by Kuji-kiri, to battle ghosts. When enemies are weakened, their cores are exposed for takedown moves. Defeating spirits earns spirit points and resources for upgrades. The game's unique mechanics offer a fresh take on action-adventure gameplay.
To my surprise, the blend of parkour, martial arts, and paranormal themes was genuinely enjoyable. While it might feel a little repetitive after a while, it didn't overstay its welcome, offering around 10-15 hours of gameplay when focusing exclusively on the story. It's definitely a recommendation for everyone who is a fan of Japanese folklore and ghost stories.
P.S. If you are an Amazon Prime member, the game is now available for free!
Name: Ghostwire: Tokyo
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series, PC
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Publisher: Bathesda
Genre: Action Adventure
Region: WW
Release Year: 2022
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