A Game I Almost Missed During the Pandemic
In July 2020, like many others, I found myself confined to my home, locked down by the global COVID-19 pandemic. My pregnant wife and I were adjusting to a slower pace of life, finding comfort in familiar video games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Final Fantasy 7 Remake. But one conversation changed my routine — a friend mentioned Ghost of Tsushima. I hadn’t even heard of it.
Curious, I began reading reviews. As someone who hadn’t yet entered the video game journalism field, I wasn’t always up to date on new releases. But the praise surrounding Ghost of Tsushima convinced me to give it a try. That decision became one of the most impactful of my lockdown experience.
The Open World That Broke My Mental Walls
At the time, I was already a fan of open-world games. I had conquered Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and thrived in vast digital spaces. But Ghost of Tsushima felt different. While it followed many traditional open-world structures — such as repetitive side quests and icon-heavy maps — it had a soul that others lacked.
It wasn’t just about the content; it was about how the game felt. I wasn’t grinding. I was wandering. Even as the pandemic robbed us of physical freedom, this digital version of feudal Japan let me explore, breathe, and escape.
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Immersion Through Design, Not Distraction
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of Ghost of Tsushima was its minimal HUD and the innovative Guiding Wind mechanic. Instead of cluttering the screen with maps and compasses, the game let nature itself lead the way. The rustling wind replaced traditional navigation, pulling me into the world in a quiet, meditative way.
That subtle design decision had a profound emotional impact. It made me forget about objectives and lean into discovery — a therapeutic experience during a year defined by anxiety and uncertainty.
Ghost of Tsushima Offered More Than Entertainment — It Offered Peace
In a year where time stood still and the world was filled with fear and confusion, Ghost of Tsushima helped me slow down and reflect. It gave me peace, beauty, and purpose in a time where everything felt chaotic. I ignored the main quest, not out of disinterest, but because I didn’t need a story to justify my journey.
Wandering through golden forests and abandoned shrines while real-world headlines screamed disaster gave me something rare in 2020 — peace of mind.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
