Ghostwire Tokyo Review

Initial release date: March 25, 2022

Developer: Tango Gameworks

Publisher: Bethesda Softworks

Engine: Unreal Engine 5

Mode: Single-player video game

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows

Genres: Role-playing video game, Action-adventure game

Introduction: Ghostwire Tokyo was in my backlog for months before making 79 gameplay videos for Jason’s Video Games Source. I enjoyed a few Japanese inspired horror videogames last gen and saw this, so why not? This review is pretty much off the top of my head remembering back on those 79 gameplay videos. Let’s get it!

Presentation: Usually when you think of Japanese horror inspired videogames you mention Resident Evil, The Evil Within, Clock Tower, Siren, Silent Hill or Parasite Eve to name a few. The genre has been around a long time but often get underrepresented at least to my western eyes. Ghostwire Tokyo is it’s own thing in regards to Japanese inspired horror. Let’s just say this is one of those games that needed a bigger budget cause if it did it could have been special.

Story: You play as Akito Izuki a twenty-two year old with serious family history issues who becomes half possessed by KK a supernatural spirit detective out for revenge. Akito and KK are forced to work together when Tokyo is enveloped by an evil fog created by big baddie Hannya. Akito’s mission is to save his sick sister Mari. KK wants to reunite with his family. Goal is to take down the big baddie Hannya who wears a evil looking but cool mask.

Gameplay: Majority of combat involves Akito and KK’s elemental spirit attacks (water, wind, fire, earth etc). There are brief sections where the two become separated where Akito will have to use stealth, talismans and a bow. By collecting Ether and cleansing shrines throughout Tokyo Akito can level up his powers and health. You can visit certain convenient stores with a talking cat (quirky as hell) to purchase replenishing items. Tokyo is covered by a demonic fog that you must clear by cleansing Shrines scattered about on rooftops. Side Quests come in the form of lingering spirits and special animal creatures who call for you. Combat was cumbersome at first but after the learning curve it became fun. Button-mash elements then do the assign QTE takes out most of the Walkers and Slashers (evil spirit enemies).

Sound/Music: I don’t remember much about voice acting other than the terrible writing. Music was there but not memorable since I barely remember it. What I do remember is the rain, walking through the streets of nighttime dreary, depressing, barren Tokyo. Hearing dog barks and cat’s meows was good enough for me.

Visuals/Graphics: I think this was my first Unreal Engine 5 video game I played and beaten. Well, visually it was alright. Some moments looked good with the lighting and textures and others no so much. Is it possible for a game to look good and bad at the same time? This is that game. The artwork looked great. I loved how the colors popped and gave life to the combat against evil spirits. I did play this on the Playstation 5 which offered a shit-ton of options for a console videogame. You had performance mode, high performance mode (120fps) raytracing mode, high quality framerate modes. Performance and raytracing modes were my favorites.

Final Verdict: Ghostwire Tokyo is a “change up” game. It’s different and good when you’re sick of playing the same thing. Walking through Tokyo was linear at times. The game’s length can be too short for some people. I enjoyed myself overall. It must be said this game needed a bigger budget and more time. If I was you I would buy this game on a good discount if you’re into Japanese horror videogames. The game really isn’t that scary. A few jump scares maybe. Thanks for reading – Jason

7/10