Smanga Simelane

Review Updated: OMG what an incredible game!!!! I'm about fifteen hours in and GoS is an epic of an adventure. It's the feudal Japan game we've been begging for for years! I always thought Ubisoft would deliver an AC game set in ancient Japan but Sony and SP took up that gauntlet and delivered a gaming experience Ubi could only dream of making! The combat is challenging but fair. If I die it's on me not the game mechanics. The animation is bar none other than TLOU2 but since they both are PS exclusives I'd be splitting hairs. The art direction is beautiful! From bamboo leaves to lotus blossoms spinning in the wind it's an incredible site to behold. In fact the island of Tsushima is the most detailed open world I've seen. HZD and Wild Hunt are in the conversation though. Speaking of looks the graphics are the best I've seen other than TLOU2. I can't believe this is running on my Pro. The checkerboard rendering is better than even the most cutting edge 4K HDR rig. The HDR is some of the best I've seen implemented into a game. It literally takes my breath away. I find myself just exploring because of its beauty. I've been playing since launch and I'm still amazed by how great it looks. Sometimes the honeymoon wears off and you stop noticing but not here! Now the best part is the narrative. The story so far has intrigued me so much. I love the characters and even the side quests have interesting people, places and things involved. If you enjoyed HZD or Wild Hunt give this a go because it is that damn good! In closing I can't imagine a better send off for the PS4. SP should take a bow because going from Second Son to this is mind blowing. Prepare yourself for one helluva a journey. One hell of a journey indeed! UPDATE: I'm about 25 hours in and it gets even better! Not only is there plenty of multilayered combat and amazing exploration, there's also quite intimate moments. From trailing sweet foxes to secret dens to following golden birds to secrets. Many being quite places to create your own haikus. There are markers but you aren't guided there by a yellow line. You're guided by the wind. At first I didn't like it but now it's second nature. There's also little details that if you aren't looking you'll miss. Like ants on trees, lighting actually striking trees, little crabs scurrying and burrowing into the sand and leaves and dirt/pebbles kicking up as you walk. It's impressive and helps sell the immersion so much more. Also being able to go into any building is nice. Loved this in Days Gone by the way. The horse (which you can name) is a joy to ride. I've grown quite attached to him myself. There's also the choice of going the honorable way of the samurai or the way of the Ghost. It really makes you think because these choices don't just affect the narrative they actually affect the game world. I won't spoil but it's a fascinating approach. Such a wonderful game that should be experienced! Well worth the $60 I spent and I've only scratched the surface of this legendary tale! Thank you for your feedback!