Summary
Following the surprisingly robustValhallagame mode forGod of War Ragnarok, Sony has gone on to release a roguelike mode forThe Last of Us Part 2, leading some to speculate as to whether the company will continue this trend with other first-party exclusives. As PlayStation fans prepare for apotential follow-up toGhost of Tsushima, it’s worth wondering how the intense roguelike gameplay ofThe Last of Us Part 2could be adapted to Sucker Punch’s historical action-adventure IP.
The No Return roguelike mode forThe Last of Us 2’s remaster offers a unique twist on the seemingly ubiquitous genre. Though there are exceptions, the most popular roguelike games feature fast-paced, nonstop action, but since No Return operates within the confines of the already establishedLast of Us 2combat mechanics, things are a little bit different.The Last of Us 2’s gameplay is focused on stealth and survival-horror fundamentals—two game design pillars that are rarely found in roguelikes. This makes No Return something of a genre cocktail that is refreshing and strange, but also filled with potential and could be the launching pad for other, similar concoctions.
How Ghost of Tsushima 2 Could Iterate on TLOU2’s No Return
Ghost of Tsushima 2’s Roguelike Mode Could Offer Varied Playstyles
One of the most exciting elements of No Return is its roster oficonicLast of Uscharacters. Those playing the post-launch mode can fill the roles of not just Abby, Ellie, and Joel, but other much-loved (or much-maligned) characters, such as Mel, Tommy, and Jesse. WithGhost of Tsushimaintroducing players to a similarly well-written and intriguing supporting cast, this same sort of variety could be achieved in a roguelike of its own.
No Return is somewhat limited when it comes to offering truly varied gameplay styles through its different playable characters, though. This can be partially attributed to the modern and grounded style ofThe Last of Us, as the physicality and particular skills possessed by each playable character are de-emphasized. SinceGhost of Tsushimais a samurai game, it could overcome this issue of sameness. For example, playing as a bulky warrior like Khotun Khan would feel different from playing as someone like Ishikawa, who favors long-distance methods like archery and throwing knives.
The World of Ghost of Tsushima Is Less Restrictive than The Last of Us
A major difference betweenThe Last of UsandGhost of Tsushimais that the latter is less afraid to wade into more fantastical waters. Whether it’s through the psychedelic substances of Iki Island or the more abject supernatural forces found in the Legends multiplayer mode, a roguelikebased onGhost of Tsushimacould certainly offer some otherworldly combat and traversal tools, which players could engage with through typical roguelike progression systems.Sucker Punch is no stranger to superhuman gameplay mechanics, so some more out-there character abilities could be well-integrated withinGhost of Tsushima 2’s design.
Aside from making gameplay more varied and unique, subtle or explicit fantasy elements could play a role in the premise of the roguelike mode.Ghost of Tsushima 2could, for example, use the psychedelics of Iki Island as the justification for the alternate mode, pulling a similar move as theGod of War RagnarokValhallaDLC and opening the door to new, meaningful narrative content. This is a luxury that isn’t afforded to the strictly realisticLast of Us 2.
By learning from thestrengths and weaknesses of No Return, a theoretical roguelike mode inGhost of Tsushima 2could be a welcome addition to the game. Of course, the post-launch roguelike modes ofRagnarokandThe Last of Us Part 2could be the last of their kind in single-player Sony games. But if more are on the way,Ghost of Tsushima2seems like a good candidate.
The Last Of Us Part II Remastered
WHERE TO PLAY
EXPERIENCE ELLIE AND ABBY’S EMOTIONAL JOURNEYS, REMASTERED FOR PS5 Play the winner of over 300 Game of the Year awards, remastered for the PlayStation®5 console. Relive or play for the first time Ellie and Abby’s story, now with graphical enhancements, new gameplay modes like the roguelike survival experience No Return, full DualSense® wireless controller integration, and more. Five years after their dangerous journey across the post-pandemic United States, Ellie and Joel have settled down in Jackson, Wyoming. Living amongst a thriving community of survivors has allowed them peace and stability, despite the constant threat of the infected and other, more desperate survivors. When a violent event disrupts that peace, Ellie embarks on a relentless journey to carry out justice and find closure.
