Ghosts of Tsushima

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It isn't graphics (although they're great), it isn't the gameplay (although that's great), it isn't the story (that's great as well) its the characters. More specifically, its one character, the protagonists, Jin Sakai.  I can't think of another video game character, aside from maybe Master Chief, that resonates with me so much. Stop reading if you don't want spoilers.

His backstory is great. His father was murdered by bandits leaving Jin the last member of the Sakai clan. The mongols invade the island of Tsushima, and Jin, along with every single samurai on the island, engage in a bloody battle on the beach of komoda.  During the battle, all the samurai die, while the leader, Lord Shimura, Jins uncle is captured.  Jin himself, sustain a wound that leaves him unconcious only to be brought back to life by the thief, Yuna.  It is here that Jin's journey from honor bound samurai to the "whatever it takes" Ghost is extraordinary.  It isn't straight forward either. There's a lot of depth, twists and turns, and some of my favorite moments were his interactions with other characters.  His mercy, his loyalty, his willingness to do whatever it took to repel the invades, and more importantly, his unyielding service to the truth.  He was constantly evaluating his actions, his decisions, and ultimately, acted in accordance with reality, with the truth. He knew that a fanatical devotion to honor would cost them the war, and therefore the entire island, and the people of Tsushima, who would live a life of slavery should he fail.
On the other side of this was his uncle, Lord Shimura, who was completely devoted to honor.  Winning the war, repelling the invaders, keeping his people from slavery was secondary. His honor, retaining his honor, was everything.  Their back and forth of ideals culminated in one of the best endings in video game history, producing one of the most iconic and powerful quotes of all time.

Lord Shimura: Jin, you have no honor.
Jin: And you're a slave to it.

So short, so succinct, but so powerful.  Jin, and his honorless tactics, literally saved the entire island and was able to do what Lord Shimura and his honor could not, kill the Khan and stop the invasion, but Lord Shimura doesn't see it like that. He completely ignores all of Jins accomplishments, because Jin had no honor. A slave. Anyway, I could go on and on about this game, and, in fact plan to in future posts.  For now, understand that this game is amazing and you should play it!

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