Ghost of Tsushima’s Cut Content Explained

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Summary

  • Jin’s backstory had major cuts, altering a key plot point.
  • Ryuzo’s backstory was also impacted by cut content.
  • A location called the “Otsuna Grasslands” was scrapped pre-release.

As a seasoned gamer with years of immersive gaming experiences under my belt, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment when learning about the cut content from one of the most captivating games in recent memory: Ghost of Tsushima.

Having spent countless hours exploring the breathtaking landscapes and unraveling the intricate narrative of Jin Sakai, I found myself deeply invested in the lives of its characters, especially our protagonist. The rich backstory of Jin, his tumultuous relationship with his father, and the underlying themes of sacrifice and redemption, all made for an immersive and emotional journey that resonated deeply with me.

The revelation that more insight into Jin’s tragic past was cut from the final release leaves me yearning for a deeper understanding of our hero’s motivations and pain. The lost conversations between Jin and Yuriko, as well as Ryuzo, would have added layers to their complex relationships and further humanized these characters.

The scrapped location of Otsuna Grasslands is another piece of the puzzle that I can’t help but feel a twinge of regret for never experiencing. The tantalizing glimpse we had during the E3 2018 gameplay reveal hinted at a rich and diverse world, one that I would have eagerly explored alongside Jin.

In jest, I can’t help but think that perhaps the cut content was hidden within the game as an Easter egg for those who know where to look – a secret stash of dialogue and locations for the most dedicated Ghost of Tsushima fans to uncover. Until then, I’ll continue replaying this masterpiece in search of any clues or hints that may bring these lost pieces back to life.

When “Ghost of Tsushima” was unveiled in 2020, it quickly became one of the standout games from gaming’s current era. While its stunning scenery and captivating storyline were undeniably impressive, not all ideas that were initially planned for the game ended up being included in the final version.

As the title character of Ghost of Tsushima, Jin Sakai, I found myself deeply immersed in a story that revolves around me. A significant cut to my backstory was a game-changer, altering one of the main plot points. Moreover, there were additional cuts to Ryuzo’s backstory and an abandoned location that never saw the light of day, making up some of the largest pieces of Ghost of Tsushima that remained unseen beyond the editing room.

Everything Cut From Ghost of Tsushima

A Major Part of Jin’s Backstory Was Cut From the Game

The protagonist of “Ghost of Tsushima,” named Jin Sakai, is intriguing for several factors, primarily his past and aspirations. Originating from the esteemed Sakai Clan on the island of Tsushima, Jin was the son of Kazumasa Sakai, their leader. As a young boy, he tragically witnessed his father’s death, an event that left him emotionally wounded and plagued by guilt for the rest of his life, as he felt he should have shielded his father. Following his father’s demise, Jin was nurtured under the tutelage of his uncle, Lord Shimura, who governed Tsushima Island. Lord Shimura imparted Jin with the samurai code, instilling values of honor and discipline within him, which significantly influenced Jin’s metamorphosis into the Ghost of Tsushima.

It seems that even before the release of Ghost of Tsushima, there was more to Jin’s backstory than what we initially knew, and it only added to the depth of his character. Some recovered dialogue audio from the game reveals a conversation between Jin and Yuna where he shares dark tales about his father. Yuna notices Jin’s scars and inquires about them. Jin then narrates the events that led to those scars, and surprisingly, this additional story may have lessened the impact of his father’s death on the game’s narrative, as it was a crucial element in the overall storytelling. In this conversation with Yuna, Jin elaborates on the origin of his scars.

In such a situation, I’d pick up a wooden sword, conceal myself amidst the forest, make swift cuts on bamboo stalks, and feign that it was my father. As a young boy, I once secretly observed my father preparing for battle. I saw him donning armor, which sent me fleeing in fear because, in an instant, my father seemed to vanish. What remained was the figure who slaughtered on the battlefield—the one who caused pain at home.

In simpler terms, Yuriko sympathetically tells Jin that she acknowledges the hardships he endured at his father’s hands, stating, “He knew how to mold warriors, but he lacked the skill of nurturing a son.” She adds that, as Kazumasa was revered by many, revealing the truth about his treatment towards Jin could tarnish the admiration people had for him. In further conversation, Jin expresses his wish to break free from his father’s shadow and views his scars as testaments of his father’s affection. Yuriko then shares that Kazumasa was overjoyed at Jin’s birth, and she hoped that Jin would bring a change in him.

In the dialogue of ‘Ghost of Tsushima’, Ryuzo and Jin engage in a discussion, during which Ryuzo expresses concern over Jin’s aggressive nature. To this, Jin responds by explaining that his actions were aimed at another individual, not Ryuzo himself.

Some of Ryuzo’s Backstory Was Cut From the Game as Well

As a fan of the game “Ghost of Tsushima,” I was intrigued to learn that Ryuzo’s backstory was also affected by cuts, as revealed through leaked dialogue. It seems that the creators originally intended for Jin and Ryuzo to have a deeper bond, with Jin expressing concern about Ryuzo’s family and Ryuzo revealing a sense of detachment and pain about his past. I find it fascinating to see how characters like Ryuzo are often overlooked in storytelling, yet can still leave such a lasting impact on the player. The dialogue between Jin and Ryuzo hints at a complex backstory for Ryuzo that goes beyond just being a loyal companion. It adds another layer of depth to both characters and the world of Tsushima, making it all the more immersive for players like me who enjoy exploring rich narratives in our games. I can’t wait to see if any of these scrapped elements will be included in future content or expansions for the game.

A Location Was Scrapped Ahead of Release

In the original plans for “Ghost of Tsushima,” a location known as the “Otsuna Grasslands” was intended to be included, although it may have been renamed or repurposed instead of completely removed. During the E3 2018 gameplay reveal, the Otsuna Grasslands were shown as a location on Tsushima Island. Within the game, Otsuna is a prefecture in the Toyotama region, located between Izuhara and Kamiagata. However, the developers decided to exclude this location before the game’s release. It’s speculated that the Kushi Grasslands might have replaced it, but this isn’t confirmed.

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2025-01-04 15:05