'Ghostwire Tokyo' is one of the titles we were most looking forward to this 2022 and it has finally arrived on PC and PlayStation.
The new Tango Gameworks video game will transport you to the urban landscape of the Japanese capital, which is immersed in a thick fog that has trapped the souls of its inhabitants, which will serve to give way to a dark ritual and you will be in charge of avoid it.
Yes, the story is dark and we were able to talk to two of the game's creators about it:
Kenji Kimura
, director of 'Ghostwire Tokyo' and
Masato Kimura
, producer of the game.
What is 'Ghostwire Tokyo' about?
The premise of the game is the inevitable connection between life and death, but this game mixes it with fantasy, Japanese culture, and an open world full of adventure and action.
You (Akito) must explore both the earthly world that is desolate due to the lack of humans and another in which you will find spirits and characters from Japanese horror legends.
Although it is a game in which you will be able to explore and face spirits and ghosts, you will not do it with "weapons" as in other FPS, but with powers and even talismans that will help you defend yourself.
As you progress through the game, your skill powers increase, which supports the narrative of the story.
We translate and reimagine the legends and myths we knew as children, instead of inventing characters from scratch.
"We wanted the story of the game to be strange and reflect how the ordinary and the extraordinary come together. We thought about the urban legends that we grew up with because we think that I think they can be the origin of a lot of fears that people have when they grow up, "we said. Kenji Kimura tells.
Regarding these ghosts and creatures, the director assures that it was complex to choose between these myths of traditional Japanese folklore and make their reinterpretations for contemporary society.
Throughout the game you will find people dressed in dark suits, women in white with big hats, and demons.
You will also learn the reason why these enemies cannot leave the earthly world: cases of bullying, depression, social pressure and even workplace harassment.
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Small details that make the difference: culture and music
As I already mentioned, there are little details within the game that make anyone who loves Japanese culture appreciate.
It is clear that behind the manufacture of 'Ghostwire Tokyo' there was great care for detail, because even to replenish Akito's health we will have to eat and drink typical Japanese products.
On the map you can also find katanas, VHS tapes (which made me feel nostalgic), 90s toys and even perfectly detailed samurai helmets.
Each object is accompanied by an explanation of its origin with real data.
In the case of music, Masato Kimura tells us that the entire team had to take some walking tours of the city in order to find the sounds that would help recreate it in the game.
Many ambient sounds of Tokyo were recorded during those walks, but special music was also created to accompany them.
We thought a lot about what kind of music we could create to keep players feeling like we're in Tokyo.
"We use traditional Japanese instruments to create the music and mix it with lullabies that are famous here and that parents still sing to their babies or that we learned during school," Kimura said.
Our defense methods are associated with the elements of fire, water and air.
And you'll also have to get used to the fact that the protagonist's hands are constantly on the screen and his posture will change depending on the selected spell to finish off the entity we face.
This defense method is based on kuji-kiri, a Buddhist practice associated with connection with the sensory world.
You will also be able to use some cloth or paper talismans to throw at the enemy or in the environment.
Finally, we will have a traditional Japanese bow with which you can attack from a distance.
Playing 'Ghostwire: Tokyo' will give you the chance to lose yourself in a Shibuya that has a map that closely reflects the real city and will take you beyond the fighting.
The side quests that you will unlock when you explore will keep you entertained in the game.
You will be able to collect objects and souls that you can then redeem to improve your skills.
Conclution
'Ghostwire: Tokyo' has quite positive points starting with the story and the adaptation of those Japanese horror legends.
The atmosphere, the scenes and the music will transport you into the game.
It's especially enjoyable if you're a fan of Japanese culture, PlayStation, or horror stories.
The game is now available for PC and PS5 and you can buy it through Amazon for
MX$1,599 or
USD$59.99
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