The ever-lit metropolis where Ghostwire: Tokyo takes place casts an ominous neon glow over the remains of a once-populated Tokyo. A mysterious mist has cloaked the entire city and stolen the bodies and souls of 14 million innocent civilians, leaving behind nothing but their clothing and groceries. The only human left is Akito, a young man who wakes up to discover he has been possessed by a spirit named KK, who was once a detective.
Chapter one leading into the beginning of the second chapter was heavy with story, laden with narrative tying closely to the central goal. Ghostwire seems to be very linear in that sense, following Akito as he is guided by KK in a paranormal world brought to his reality. The playable parts of chapter one give us a glimpse into what this spirit world has to offer, such as random poltergeists and aimlessly wandering spirits called “Visitors” at almost every turn. So far, Akito’s powers will be limited but cooperating with KK allows for players to learn more about his supernatural elemental weaving abilities and how to navigate the dangers behind the corruption left behind unrested spirits. The close-range combat combining elemental weaving and blocks feels satisfying, especially when the haptic feedback from the controller reacts to yanking the cores from Visitors which results in their ultimate demise.
The empty city streets may be void of life but are full of interactive elements, such as crystallized ethers in order to restore SP to use Ethereal Weaving, street vendors run by floating cats called Nekomata, Jizo statues for praying and pettable dogs. Not only this but right away side missions are offered throughout the city in order to earn more Meiko and offer for heartfelt stories, tales and experiences. During the preview, I helped the unrested spirit of an old man figure out the flooding situation in a bathhouse down the block.
Back at KK’s apartment, an unknown enemy attempts to drag them into the underworld, which prompts more paranormal distortion of reality. Effects such as this make for a maze where players will have to traverse in order to survive. After the threat is cleared, Akito and KK have their first immediate enemy beside the ringleader in the Hannya mask. At first impossible to track the perpetrator down, Akito gets a taste of rooftop traversal, which can be accessed through grappling from the squawking Tengu spirits. Above the streets, there are more Torii gates to cleanse, collectibles to uncover and spirits to duel. Being above the streets and deadly mist provided for an overview of the neon-lit city. Once the pair spot their target, Akito can use his brief gliding ability to reach the ground safely.
Following the stranger to the city’s underground, it appears more dark and eerie without much of the glow from above. Here, players will face some of the strongest foes yet and put their newfound fire and water weaving to the test. Blocking also becomes more imperative as parrying enemies gives you the upper hand in battle and can be the difference between life and death. Finally, in the deepest part of the underground Akito and KK face the sheer power of a Hannya masked foe who takes the form of a towering humanoid spirit which has powers resembling your own. Defeating this relentless foe may begin to unravel the mystery behind KK, but for now, Akito realizes he needs his power more than ever. KK’s possession of Akito is definitely key to his survival, but sneaking and utilizing talismans still gives him an edge. As a powerless human, Akito is not completely useless. When reuniting with KK, however, the two of them agree to continue their mission and realize their true potential once fully in sync with each other.
The rest of the game will prove to be full of exciting twists and turns in a city chock-full of interactive elements for an enriching gameplay experience. The unique combat system is unlike many games before its time and a Skill Tree offers dozens of upgrades to make Akito more powerful than he would ever think possible.