When I first saw the trailer for Ghostwire: Tokyo (Tango Gameworks) I was intrigued. But, since I am no fan of horror elements, I decided not to play it back when it was published in 2022. I have sinced revised that decision and was pleasantly surprised by this action-adventure. Despite some creepy elements and jump-scares.

There will be SPOILERS.

The Story

Ghostwire: Tokyo follows a classic on-the-clock multi-mission ride with some twists and turns – some more unexpected than others. Our young hero, Akito, is hurrying to the hospital to be by his sister Mari’s side. She has been in some kind of accident and is in a coma. But, before Akito can even reach her, he has an accident of his own. Afterwards, nothing is as it was before.

Tokyo has been taken over by a host of creepy monsters who follow the directive of a strange man wearing an equally creepy mask, who is only known as Hannya.

Did you know that the hannya mask in Noh theatre represents a jealous female demon? Interesting. The rather helpful Tengu demons also make an appearance.

Each and every citizen has seemingly vanished into thin air, leaving behind clothes and artifacts of mundane urban life, such as mobile phones, notes, groceries, pets and so forth. Akito is the only one who survives the aftermath, by courtesy of KK, who has a little more experience when it comes to the supernatural and bestows upon Akito some very useful combat moves and powers. Those he will need to defeat the monsters and to clear the deadly fog permeating the entire city.

The linear storyline is compelling, as the stakes are extremely high. For Akito must save Mari before the sinister villain can use her for his own ends.

Also, because I really like the sound of the language – though I don’t speak it – , I played in Japanese with English subtitles. That certainly added to the immersion. Even though I sometimes missed hints dropped by KK because I was so creeped out by the environments that I was only concentrating on finding out where the next monster attack was likely coming from and not reading the subtitles.

The Main Characters

Akito is our hero, thrown into an unknown world, with his mentor KK by his side and a few more allies to uncover. Through flashbacks, we learn a little more about Akito and his relationship to Mari. His sister is his only living family, which is why Akito is even more desperate to save her. It is KK who motivates him to also attempt to save the spirits of those erased by the monsters’ hostile takeover.

Speaking of KK, he and Akito first have to come to trust one another. At first, he seems to be a rather menacing and sinister presence, but, over time, Akito earns his respect. He knows something of the monsters they face, and is a veteran in a war that has claimed the lives of a few of his own comrades.

The Monsters

There are quite a few types of more or less terrifying monsters, or enemy classes, and Akito has to learn which of his powers to use to defeat them. Some are more easily dispatched than others, and each class has special powers and moves.

Since you will come across them quite frequently, you will get lots of experience in how to deal with them.

The Supporting Cast

There are two allies apart from KK. One is Ed, an engineer who has found a way to transfer the spirits you collect to a safe place until Hannya is defeated and they can be relased again.

And there is Rinko, who plays a greater part in the second half of the game. She and KK have some beef, but she is also of some help and gives good advice to Akito.

Then there are various ghosts that will ask you for assistance. The map is seemingly littered with their side quests. And while I played a few of them in the beginning, I decided that I’d rather finish the main quest.

Apart from the humans, you will find an adorable cast of animal characters. From Shibe Inu that lick your hand, making KK giggle uncomfortably, to supernatural feline shop keepers praising their wares and a raccoon-like creature that you can pursue in another side quest.

The World

The city of Tokyo looks stunning in this game and the various districts as well as other, more secluded locations, will invite you to explore. If the fog or other circumstances allow it.

The mix of realism, Japanese folklore and a little horror was and still is a refreshing setting. At least in my opinion. It feels familiar and different at the same time.

Also, I really want to go and visit Tokyo now. And maybe learn Japanese after all?

The Gameplay

As mentioned, Akito will earn some skills over time that he can expand on. Some involve elemental powers, others tools that come in handy when KK is not around. Also, you can upgrade stealth, which is always a good thing in my book.

Thanks to KK, Akito can command Wind, Water and Fire powers and use magical talismans and bracelets that boost his skills. He can also use KK’s bow to serve as an additional long range weapon.

Unfortunately, combat and movement feel sluggish, imprecise and unsatisfying. The percentage of hits that do not land is frustrating. Also, dispatching the enemies is rather repetitive. The only variation provided are new enemies introduced as you progress.

For boss fights, you more often than not are thrust into arenas that feel forced. Some are better than others, some rather frustrating. (Here’s looking at you, cat-creature!)

But, since I do not choose games because of combat but because I feel compelled by the story, the overall gameplay did not discourage me from playing. Even though it is annoying at times.

What I do very much appreciate is the clever use of the Dual Shock controller. It mimics environmental sound and motion, such as the vibration of a speeding motorbike, the drum of falling rain drops or the creepy shuffle of pictures moving across walls.

Not a gameplay feature, but KK’s voice turns really creepy when he’s angry, so, yeah, the audio design is also pretty good.

The Verdict

While the story is a straightforward one, and at times rather predictable, I really love the world setting and the relationship between Akito and KK, which has a nice build-up.

So, if you are looking for something different with a tight storyline and are not put off by somewhat clunky combat, then Ghostwire: Tokyo may be for you.

As for the games on my list, Ghostrunner (2021) is definitely something I will be looking at next, especially since Ghostrunner 2 is coming soon and I like a good cyberpunk setting. I am undecided whether or not I will be playing Baldur’s Gate 3 once it comes to PS5. But when and if Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and Greedfall II – The Dying World drop in 2024, they will be an absolute must for me.

Until then, keep on playing!

Cheers
Vanessa