Key Takeaways
- Significant alterations were made to Jin’s backstory, affecting a pivotal narrative element.
- Ryuzo’s character also experienced notable cuts in his backstory.
- The pre-release location known as the “Otsuna Grasslands”was ultimately discarded.
Ghost of Tsushima debuted in 2020, quickly establishing itself as a standout title in contemporary gaming. Its stunning visuals and engaging story captivated players, yet not all concepts envisioned during its development made it to the final product.
The narrative of Ghost of Tsushima is deeply intertwined with its protagonist, Jin Sakai, making any modifications to his background particularly significant. The cuts made to Jin’s story alter crucial elements of the game’s plot. Additionally, changes to Ryuzo’s narrative arc and the removal of a key location highlight important content that did not make it into the finished game.
An Overview of Cut Content in Ghost of Tsushima
Impactful Cuts to Jin’s Backstory
Protagonist Jin Sakai’s character provides depth to the game, largely due to his complex backstory. Born into the renowned Sakai Clan, Jin faces tragedy early in life when he witnesses his father’s murder. This traumatic event leaves him grappling with guilt and a sense of responsibility throughout his journey. Following his father’s death, Jin is raised by his uncle, Lord Shimura, who instills in him the traditional values of honor and discipline, critical for Jin’s evolution into the titular Ghost of Tsushima.
However, further examination of development materials reveals that even more of Jin’s background story was removed prior to release. Audio from cut scenes shows Jin expressing dark recollections of his father to Yuna, which ultimately diminishes the weight of his father’s death—a pivotal aspect of the narrative. In a poignant moment, he shares the origin of his scars with Yuna:
“When that would happen to me, I would grab a bokken, and hide in the forest, slash at the bamboo, and pretend it was my father. When I was a child, I once spied on my father dressing for battle. I watched him put this mask on, and I ran in terror because my father disappeared. In his place was the one who killed men on the battlefield — the one who hurt me at home.”
Additional cut dialogue from Yuriko further explains Jin’s complex relationship with his father, emphasizing the hero façade that conceals his personal failings. Through this exchange, Jin reveals his longing to distance himself from his father’s shadow while simultaneously acknowledging how those scars represent the love his father had for him. Yuriko reassures him, sharing that his father cherished his birth and hoped he might transform Kazumasa’s legacy.
Further dialogue reveals moments between Jin and Ryuzo, highlighting their shared struggles and Jin’s anger that stems from deeper conflicts.
Ryuzo’s Backstory Undergoes Adjustments
In addition to Jin, Ryuzo’s character also faced cuts that stripped away layers of his backstory. Dialogue that has been removed shows a poignant exchange: Jin wonders about Ryuzo’s family, to which Ryuzo responds with a sense of resignation, hinting at painful memories. Through their conversation, Jin attempts to uplift Ryuzo, suggesting that one day he will become a samurai with a family of his own.
The Otsuna Grasslands: A Missing Location
Among the noteworthy deletions from the game is a location known as the “Otsuna Grasslands.”This area was showcased during the 2018 E3 gameplay presentation but ultimately did not feature in the finalized game. Set within the Toyotama region, this location’s absence raises questions about its fate—whether it was entirely omitted or eventually renamed to reflect another landscape, possibly the Kushi Grasslands that players do explore.
Learn More About Ghost of Tsushima’s Cut Content
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