Game: Ghostwire: Tokyo
Platform: PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows
Rating: T for Teen
Cost: $59.99
Ghostwire: Tokyo is the latest hot release for PlayStation 5, which have been far and few. Despite PlayStation 5 having a leg up on exclusives over other platforms, there hasn’t been enough video game releases that take advantage of the full power of the latest console. Ghostwire: Tokyo finally showcases the visual prowess that this system has to offer.
A haunted city
In this first-person shooter, gamers will enter dark and dreary Tokyo streets that have somehow become overrun with supernatural forces causing the city’s population to instantly vanish. The protagonist Akito was in a deadly car accident; however, he was saved from death when a mysterious entity entered his body bestowing upon him unique abilities. Although Akito wants to fight to regain control over back over his body, he must first ally himself with this mysterious entity in order to survive and find out the truth behind it all.
Missions
As you explore the streets of Tokyo, you will encounter the Yokai, vengeful spirits prowling for victims. Here you will partake in several side missions on your journey toward discovering the truth behind the occult responsible and obtain vengeance for those who disappeared—and save your family. Many of these missions explore Japanese folklore, ghost stories, and even pay homage to traditional horror films. Each allowing you to collect souls of those who perished into a tiny katashiro (you only have a handful so these must be emptied). These souls are then deposited into a phonebooth, where you earn experience points and meika to upgrade your character’s abilities. You can purchase items from various magical cats, such as dog food to feed stray Shiba Inu (a Japanese dog breed) and gain their friendship showing you where money is buried.
Beauty is in the details
Get ready to soak in the beautiful rain slicked streets of Tokyo, the shrines gorgeous architecture, and all of the wonders that make the city a wonder. Ghostwire: Tokyo is an open world game and while travel is limited when you first start the story due the streets being blocked by a dense fog, but slowly as you open torri gates and purify them you will unlock more areas on your map. Even the ghostly figures you must battle are a creepy site to behold; however, these enemies are very repetitive along with the fighting style.
Conclusion
Ghostwire: Tokyo is a refreshing experience for gamers tired of reboots and upgraded ports that have appeared to plague the gaming world for the past few years. While some of the gameplay and enemies can be repetitive, the story keeps gamers captivated along with the beautiful city exploration.
