Decoding History: Unveiling the Most Accurate Armor in Ghost of Tsushima
While Ghost of Tsushima is celebrated for its breathtaking visuals and engaging gameplay, its commitment to historical accuracy is often a topic of discussion among fans and historians alike. When it comes to armor, the game presents a diverse array, each with its own distinct design and functionality. So, what armor set truly stands out for its historical authenticity? The answer is undoubtedly the Mongolian armor.
The Mongolian Armor: A Reflection of Historical Reality
The article you provided notes that “the game’s Mongolian armor is impressive for its historical accuracy, which can’t be said about other armor sets in Ghost of Tsushima.” This statement encapsulates the core reason why the Mongolian armor reigns supreme in terms of authenticity. Unlike the fantastical or dramatically stylized armors worn by Jin Sakai and other samurai, the Mongolian armor closely mirrors what real Mongol invaders would have worn during their attempted invasions of Japan in the late 13th century.
Key Elements of Historical Accuracy in the Mongolian Armor
Several elements of the Mongolian armor in the game align with historical evidence:
- Lamellar Construction: The most prominent feature is its construction using lamellar plates. This involved stitching together small, overlapping plates of hardened leather or metal to create a flexible yet protective shell. Archaeological finds and historical illustrations confirm that Mongol warriors commonly employed this technique in their armor construction.
- Helmet Design: The rounded helmets with integrated face guards in the game are consistent with depictions of Mongolian helmets from the period. These helmets, often crafted from metal or leather, provided crucial protection while maintaining a reasonable field of vision.
- Material and Color: The game effectively portrays the materials used, showcasing the combination of metal plates, leather, and textile elements. While color can vary in depictions, the game’s palette is within a reasonable range for what would have been used at the time.
- Practicality over Aesthetics: Unlike some of the samurai armors, the Mongolian armor prioritizes functionality and protection. This pragmatic approach is historically consistent with Mongol military practices, which emphasized mobility and battlefield effectiveness.
Exceptions and Artistic Liberties
While remarkably accurate, the Mongolian armor isn’t entirely free from artistic license. Like many historical portrayals in games, some details may have been simplified or slightly altered for aesthetic purposes. These minor deviations, however, don’t detract from its overall authenticity, making it the most faithful representation of historical armor within the game.
Contrasting with Other Armors in the Game
The other armor sets, particularly those of the samurai and the ‘Ghost’ sets, often lean heavily into romanticized, stylized designs. While aesthetically pleasing and empowering for the player, they don’t maintain the same level of fidelity to historical records as the Mongolian armor. The Sakai Clan Armor, for example, while drawing inspiration from O-yoroi, a type of Japanese armor correct for the period, often showcases significant departures from its historical counterparts to enhance its visual and in-game effect. Similarly, the Ghost Armor, though symbolically powerful within the narrative, is a more fictionalized representation of what a stealthy warrior might wear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best overall armor in Ghost of Tsushima?
The Sarugami Armor is often considered the best overall armor for its unique perk that allows for devastating combos after a perfect parry, but this is based on gameplay and not historical accuracy. For pure power, many players will opt for the Sakai Clan Armor, which greatly boosts melee damage and health.
2. Is the Sakai armor historically accurate?
The Sakai armor, while inspired by O-yoroi armor of the period, takes artistic liberties and is not a fully accurate historical depiction. Its design enhances the game’s visual appeal more than it adheres to precise historical accuracy.
3. Is the Mongolian armor in Ghost of Tsushima completely accurate?
While it is the most historically accurate, it is not completely devoid of artistic interpretation. The armor incorporates various design elements observed in real Mongolian armor but may not be a perfect replica in every detail.
4. Is Jin Sakai based on a real person?
No, Jin Sakai is a fictional character. However, his life and experiences are grounded in a realistic depiction of the samurai culture and the challenges faced during the Mongol invasions. The game developers consulted real-life samurai experts to enhance the realism of Jin’s movements and combat.
5. Is Khotun Khan a real historical figure?
Khotun Khan is a fictional character created for the game. While he is depicted as the grandson of Genghis Khan, there’s no historical record of a leader with that name within the Mongol lineage.
6. Is the clan Adachi real?
Yes, the Adachi clan was a real samurai family with a notable history during the Genpei War and affiliations with the Hōjō clan.
7. Do Jin and Yuna fall in love?
No, Jin and Yuna have a strong bond built on shared trauma and mutual respect. Their relationship is not romantic, but rather a deep friendship.
8. Does the Ghost Armor’s color change based on ending?
Yes, if you choose to give Lord Shimura an honorable death, you will receive the white version of the Ghost Armor, and if you allow him to live, you will receive the orange/red version.
9. Why do villagers run away from Jin when he wears Sakai armor in Iki Island DLC?
If you enter Sheltered Campsite with the Sakai armor before starting the quest “The Legacy of Kazumasa Sakai”, the inhabitants will run away, as it identifies you as a descendant of the disgraced Kazumasa Sakai. Switching to a different armor set will allow you to continue the quest.
10. Is the Sakai Katana the only sword available in Ghost of Tsushima?
Yes, the Sakai Katana and Tanto are the primary melee weapons available to Jin throughout the game. Other weapons are not available for the player to use directly.
11. Did the Mongols successfully invade Japan?
No. The Mongols attempted to invade Japan twice, in 1274 and 1281, but both invasions were ultimately thwarted by devastating typhoons, which are sometimes referred to as “Kamikaze” or divine winds.
12. Did the Japanese defeat the Mongols on Tsushima Island?
While the Japanese resistance on Tsushima was fierce, they were ultimately defeated, with the Mongols taking control of the island in a week. The Mongol invasions were a two-part event, with Tsushima falling during their first invasion attempt.
13. How historically accurate is Ghost of Tsushima overall?
While the game takes liberties with timelines and fictionalizes some characters, it is generally seen as attempting to maintain historical accuracy within its narrative. The game’s portrayal of samurai culture, Mongol armor, and invasion tactics are all reasonably accurate.
14. Is Yuna a ninja?
Although not explicitly stated, Yuna’s skills in stealth and evasion suggest that she is likely a master of ninjutsu. Her ability to teach Jin the ways of “The Ghost” implies she has knowledge of stealth and combat tactics similar to ninjas.
15. Will there be a Ghost of Tsushima 2?
A Ghost of Tsushima sequel is highly anticipated, although no official release date or details have yet been announced by Sucker Punch Productions.