The game’s combat is sluggish initially, but it becomes increasingly satisfying as you unlock more powers.
Weaving elemental magic sprinkled with some stealth elements for good measure.
The game was formerly a PlayStation timed exclusive, signed before Microsoft purchased ZeniMax back in 2021.
Is it worth your time, though?
In the last week or so, I’ve once again revisited Ghostwire: Tokyo.
I figured it would be ideal to come back and revisit it on the Xbox Series X version.
I’m sad to say the result is a mixed bag.
Ghostwire: Tokyo is an ambitious game, for better or worse.
The game suffers from a sense of diffusiveness that is a drag on its stronger elements.
Deserted, that is, for all except you.
It’s one narrative machine that interweaves incredibly well with the game’s progression arc.
Akito isn’t completely helpless without KK, though.
The game gives you some supernatural kit to face down the game’s less-friendly spirits.
While initially sluggish, upgrades allow combat to become incredibly satisfying.
Yokai vendors help you replenish your stocks of healing food items, arrows, and other consumables.
Meanwhile, other ghostly entities offer side quests to accelerate your combat progression through ability unlocks.
The famed Shibuya crossing is lovingly recreated, albeit littered with the remains of those now gone.
Why do I need to spend EXP to absorb collectibles faster?
Indeed, most of those “numbers” come from EXP earned via side quests.
The central delivery of Japanese folklore knowledge packets felt deep and intriguing.
I found myself actuallylearning thingswhile playing.
Very occasionally, even the side quests deliver intrigue and depth as well.
But the frequency of repetition is too high, with familiarity quickly sapping my will to do more.
The most egregious issue plaguing Ghostwire: Tokyo, however, is the game’s performance.
OnXbox Series X, the game’s frame rate is all over the place.
Alas, hopefully, it’s not unfixable.
Some of the title’s gameplay elements seem ill-thought-out.
Ghostwire: Tokyo is an ambitious investigative thriller with stealth elements and supernatural FPS gameplay.
Performance issues hold the game back, so you may want to wait for a patch before diving in.
It’s also heading to Xbox Game Pass.
