Ghost of Tsushima: A Total Work of Art?
- Sai Pratyaksh Epari
- May 19, 2025
- 6 min read
GESAMTKUNSTWERK AS A TOOL IN GAMES
During my 2022 internship at Buffalo Soldiers, a coworker gave me a choice between swords and guns. Because of my historical background, I went with the swords. With its focus on katanas, the game Ghost of Tsushima initially looked enticing, but it soon showed itself to be a masterwork of storytelling and graphics thanks to that decision. I discovered a game in feudal Japan that piqued my interest beyond simple entertainment, so I used Gesamtkunstwerk’s theory to explore the game’s potential as a cohesive work of art.
About Ghost of Tsushima
Sucker Punch Productions created Ghost of Tsushima, a third-person open-world action-stealth game, only for the PlayStation 4. The story takes place on the Japanese island of Tsushima in 1274. The player controls Jin Sakai, the hero, as he fends off a Mongol invasion. The article was released on July 17, 2020.
Ghost of Tsushima is a narrative-driven action-adventure game featuring combat and stealth elements. Smaller side stories form an anthology around the main plot. It is only loosely based on true historical events and is entirely fictional, intended only for entertainment. It is not an accurate historical retelling.
In the year 1274 AD, on the island of Tsushima, nearly every samurai warrior stationed on the island is vanquished by the monstrous Mongol Empire, who wreaks havoc and conquers Tsushima. Samurai warriors are the mythical guardians of Japan. With the aid of his allies, Jin Sakai, one of the last living samurai, rises from the ashes to fight back, but the noble strategies and samurai code will not be enough to defeat the Mongols. Jin must transcend samurai traditions and forge a new fighting style known as the way of the Ghost as he fights an unconventional war for Japan’s freedom.
Academic Standpoint
Developed by German philosopher Karl Friedrich Trahndorff in 1827 and made popular by composer Richard Wagner in the middle of the 19th century, Gesamtkunstwerk is the term used to describe the idea of a “total work of art.” The term, which combines the German words “Gesamt,” which means whole or total, and “Kunstwerk,” which means artwork, conveys the idea of a cohesive and all-encompassing piece of art that combines different artistic elements to create a pleasing whole. (Wagner, 1993)
Game Elements
Thematic
Storyline
The narrative of Ghost of Tsushima centers on Jin Sakai, a samurai and the last living member of the Sakai clan, during the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island in 1274. In a last-ditch effort to save his homeland, Jin transforms himself as the “Ghost,” disregarding the long followed traditional samurai principles in favor of stealth and guerilla tactics following a devastating defeat at the hands of Khotun Khan’s Mongol forces. Players will see Jin’s internal conflict between upholding his honor and adjusting to the harsh realities of war as the game progresses. In his mission to fend off the Mongol invaders and uphold the samurai traditions, Jin must negotiate the complex politics of Tsushima, form alliances with other fighters, and confront moral dilemmas.
Cultural Reference
The story primarily is set around Mongol Invasion of 1274 and 1281 in Japan. Kublai Khan the grandson of the great Genghis Khan was primarily responsible for the invasion. Although most of the information in the game is false in order to make it more entertaining for the players. Some of the flaws were as follows:1. Characters like Jin Sakai, Shimura and Khotun Khan who are the prime figures of the game are not real or based around real people.2. There was no single person who was responsible for liberating Japan form the clutches of Mongolians.3. Samurais necessarily didn’t wield a sword, instead used bows and spears as they preferred long-distance combat. The following were some extra references I came across in the game:
Shinto Shrines and Japanese Mythology and Folklore: Shinto Shrines were all across the game map and were more of a collectible than something very important. Upon visiting these shrines, the player received charms that are named after Japanese gods.
Kitsune / Fox-Den: A collectible, however fox or kitsunes are considered holy in Japanese folklore. This collectible unlocked charm slots in the player’s inventory.3. Artifacts and Records: There were Mongolian Artifacts and records dispersed all across the map. All the artifacts added facts and historical richness to the game.
Visuals
Art
The game’s art style is a multifaceted masterpiece, showcasing various layers that contribute to its overall realism. Ghost of Tsushima skillfully captures the very essence of feudal Japan, a testament to the meticulous efforts of its creators. The commitment to authenticity extends even to the user interface, where Japanese Ink Paintings seamlessly integrate, elevating the visual appeal of the game. This attention to detail not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also immerses players in a visually rich and culturally resonant gaming experience.
Locations
The finely detailed locations in the game are modelled after actual locations on Tsushima Island, Japan. Ghost of Tsushima expertly recreates well-known locations like Tsu-Tsu, Komoda Beach, and Keneda Fortress while maintaining a careful balance between realism and aesthetic appeal. The game makes a deliberate decision to stray from perfect visual accuracy even though it remains faithful to the veracity of these locations. This deliberate decision improves the player experience overall by fostering an environment that is both visually stunning and immersive.
Costumes
In Ghost of Tsushima, the clothes and accessories perfectly capture the spirit of the era, offering moving mirrors of the game’s historical backdrop. The Straw Hat Ronin serves as an example of how careful considerations were made during the creation of the character outfits, which were inspired by a real historical organization. The Ronin were skilled fighters who differed from samurais in their devotion to wealth and honor. Their ensembles of Mongols, Samurais, Soldiers, and other supporting cast members all adorably mimic historical costume realism. Every ensemble not only honors the period’s authenticity but also gives the characters they portray a deeper level of narrative complexity.
Cinematic
The success of the game can be largely ascribed to its narrative strength, which is skillfully brought to life through cinematic mastery. The attention to visual storytelling is evident in the use of different camera techniques throughout the cutscenes. Using extreme long shots strategically to capture expansive locations with a forward-moving trucking effect is noteworthy. Contrarily, dialogue is skillfully presented through medium shots, with a variety of close-ups—from medium to extreme close-ups—highlighting facial expressions. These cinematic devices go beyond cutscenes; they become moving fillers that show the player’s choices’ visual consequences after the mission. The visual story is further elevated by the use of compositional principles like the rule of thirds and leading lines in conjunction with camera techniques like depth of field and defocus. The careful use of various lighting techniques gives Ghost of Tsushima a further degree of cinematic elegance.
Audio
Rich ambient sounds and moody background scores are expertly blended in Ghost of Tsushima to create a cinematic experience. Featuring a variety of indigenous instruments, such as the mesmerizing Koto and the heartfelt bamboo flute, the musical tapestry, led by Sony and directed by Ilan Eshkeri and Shigeru Umebayashi. By reflecting the essence of feudal Japan, this thoughtful decision heightens the game’s cultural resonance.
Additionally, the game is available in both English and Japanese, demonstrating the developers’ dedication to authenticity in language choices. By keeping the spirit and cultural quirks that make Ghost of Tsushima such a singularly compelling experience, this bilingual approach guarantees that players will be able to fully immerse themselves in the game.
Other Mechanics
Gameplay Mechanics is what gives a plethora choice to the player about how a player wants to play the game. One can be either offensive and fight head on or be stealthy like a ninja. The game offers a wide variety of weapon options and ninja tools to. One can even change the appearance and get different benefits based around the outfits you choose. This variety makes it an even better gaming experience for the player.
There is even poetry in the game. In the form of Haiku one can discover scenic locations and also be able to collect headbands that players can use as their gear.
Conclusion
The game should be considered a piece of art as the media transcends to various means. A very good proof is the awards and nomination the game has got. The game has been nominated for its Art Direction, Narrative, Audio, Performance and many more. This simply justifies how the game can be considered a total work of art.
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