Comparisons Between AC: Shadows and Ghost of Tsushima Don’t Make Sense. Dev of Japanese Localization Comments on Discussions About Ubisoft’s New Game
The producer of the Japanese localization of Ghost of Tsushima points out that Sucker Punch's game can also hardly be called a „historical” game. Nevertheless, he advises against comparing it with Assassin's Creed: Shadows.
Many players have developed a dislike for the Japanese Assassin's Creed. Some of them have already started to compare this game with another samurai-themed title, but according to the creator of the Japanese language version of Ghost of Tsushima, comparing this game to Assassin's Creed: Shadows doesn't make much sense.
The gamers comparing both of these titles aim to demonstrate the lack of effort Ubisoft put into accurately depicting Japan during the Sengoku era in their latest game. However, as Daisuke "Dice" Ishidate points out (via X), GoT is also difficult to be considered a "realistic" game from the historic point of view.
Games not historical, but inspired by it
The international release of Ghost of Tsushima included haiku, despite the fact that it only became popular during the Edo period (i.e. in the 17th century; the game is set in the 13th century). In addition, there are other inaccuracies such as the "non-sitting" large statue of Buddha and the samurais' approach to the issue of honor, not to mention the locations, most of which never existed on the titular island. The devs "borrowed" them from other places in Japan. There's no point even mentioning the plot, loosely inspired by real events.
Ishidate highlighted that when he joined the project for GoT, the Sucker Punch Productions team made it clear from the start that they were "creating enjoyable entertainment, not a history lesson." The dev of Manor Lords expressed a similar opinion after the premiere of his game in early access.
However, the developers also aimed to "develop a game that will not insult the Japanese" and something more akin to Japanese historical dramas than Hollywood movies.
Ishidate identifies this final premise as a potential factor in the success of Ghost of Tsushima. The game stands out because of its "subjective style" of historical drama, rather than "objective historical correctness" (the so-called period drama). In essence, GoT wasn't developed to be a "realistic" game in terms of history, but as a title that is filled with "Japanese-ness."
AC: Shadows more Japanese than Japan?
The Japanese didn't directly defend AC: Shadows. However, he noted that both games were developed with entirely different assumptions, making them difficult to compare. Especially now, when the first of these games isn't yet available on the market. It's possible that, as Ishidate suggested, the new Assassin's Creed debut could lead to it being seen as the "best" game and "more Japanese than Japan."
Some people agree with the creator's viewpoint... at least in the case of Ghost of Tsushima. Most players don't seem to mind such inaccuracies if a "light" departure from historical truth has resulted in a "cool" atmosphere and beautiful locations.
However, not all GoT fans are equally understanding about Assassin's Creed: Shadows. Some point to the issue of the former game's developers' "respect" for the culture of a country foreign to them (i.e. Japan), which is allegedly not evident from what Ubisoft has presented. Another thing is that more and more people agree that comparing AC: Shadows to GoT doesn't make much sense, just like comparing both of these titles to Sekiro.
It's worth mentioning that, according to producer Karl Onnee, Assassin's Creed: Shadows is to be more "detailed" than the previous installments of the series (via Famitsu / Dual Shockers). The dev also confirmed the choices in conversations and, following the series' convention, particularly in the recent releases, included some fantasy elements while preserving the "authenticity" of the experience.
