Ghostwire Tokyo Xbox

Reviews for Bethesda's Ghostwire Tokyo are starting to roll in. It's looking like there's a lot to like in Shinji Mikami's new open world, despite some notable drawbacks from critics. Remember, this one is a PS5 exclusive at launch — much like Deathloop — with Ghostwire Tokyo expected to hit Xbox consoles, and Game Pass, about a year later.

Here's what the critics are saying so far about Ghostwire Tokyo:

Siliconera (10/10)

Odds are Ikumi Nakamura’s infectious introduction of Ghostwire: Tokyo is what got you first interested in the title. From there, it was the promise of an action-filled adventure through the streets of Tokyo. Toss in a healthy dose of Japanese folklore, letting players pet every animal in the game, and climbing to the tippy top of 109. All of this sure sounds like a winner for Tango Gameworks. And if my addiction to hunting down every darn hidden item in this game means anything, get the trophies ready.

Stevivor (9/10)

On the topic of visuals, Ghostwire Tokyo does a tremendous job of showcasing its third real protagonist: Tokyo itself. From rain-slicked streets, colourful neon signs and well-kept alleyways all perpetually drenched in the unnatural red light of a blood moon, Ghostwire feels like being in the real locale… though admittedly not at the best time. The discomfort of wandering through a silent city you know should be bustling 24/7 — broken up only by the tinny sounds of convenience store music and the crackling radio sounds indicative of nearby Visitors — puts the mind on edge, without being relentless.

Game Informer (8/10)

I fully expect some people won't be smitten with the game the way I am, and I think it's completely understandable if you don't want to forgive the game for that. But if GhostWire connects with you, I think it'll really connect with you. It's weird and unique, and I think it's great to see this kind of game get this kind of budget, put it all on the table, and use that money to do some baffling and great art. And for that alone, I can't help but love GhostWire.

Gamespot (8/10)

Ghostwire: Tokyo doesn't reinvent the wheel when it comes to open-world games, but its unique setting, tremendous attention to detail, and singular combat make it stand out amongst its contemporaries. The story stumbles and not all of the side missions are particularly engaging, yet these aspects are easy to push to the back of your mind when you're using finger guns to tear through corrupted spirits with dazzling aplomb. Shinji Mikami is a legendary director, but taking a backseat and letting new voices come to the fore has paid off.

VG24/7 (4/5)

Ghostwire: Tokyo is wildly different from anything Tango Gameworks has produced. Gone are the third-person shooter trappings of studio head Shinji Mikami’s Resident Evil 4 that translated so well to The Evil Within, and absent is the dreary, murky art style and creature design that naturally lent itself to the aforementioned survival horror game. This Tokyo-set caper feels like Tango kicking off the training wheels and hitting its stride, putting on a dazzling showcase with brilliant lights and colours, contrasting strongly to the hideous creatures that permeate Shibuya.

GamesRadar (3.5/5)

Ghostwire: Tokyo is ostensibly a first-person shooter, albeit one where your fingers shoot wind, water, and fire bullets. The combat is uncomplicated and desperately in need of depth, but there's a magic to its presentation and execution that will so easily enrapture your attention. The flashes of light as Akito's fingers contort, the fizz of energy as his wrists shift between shapes beneath hammers of the DualSense triggers – it'll draw you in and let you lean back; saving the world has never felt so undemanding.

PCGamesN (7/10)

Indeed, Ghostwire often feels like an indie wearily adopting the trappings of a blockbuster out of obligation. The result is bloat and bombast that just ends up obscuring the beautiful oddness it does so well. I guess checklists and towers are the price you pay to look this good, and make no mistake, this is a gorgeous game. Not just technically, either. Ghostwire boasts Tango’s most arresting and creative environmental manipulation to date.

IGN (7/10)

Ghostwire’s world is also a thoroughly modern snapshot of Shibuya. This is not an idealised version of the area, but one which reflects its growing pains as prolonged gentrification changes its very nature. In this game there's still plenty of the old, edgy Shibuya to explore, as well as numerous other aspects of the ward that exist outside the touristy core, but alongside those we have the shiny new developments that have fundamentally altered its skyline, not to mention a number of construction sites that herald yet more change. Ghostwire: Tokyo captures a specific moment in this district's life, and it makes for an impressively multifaceted setting.

Push Square (6/10)

General quality aside, the game isn’t entirely unlike past Tango Gameworks efforts. While it's not straight-up horror, it's still pretty spooky. Effective sequences turn reality and closed spaces on their head while haunting imagery is plastered along walls. This happens randomly out in the open world just as much as during scripted story scenarios, so it's a well-implemented feature. Nothing here will give you a genuine jump scare or really get under your skin, but what it does do is unnerving enough to unseat any sense of comfort.

VGC (3/5)

For a game that’s so unique in its visual language, the mission structure of Ghostwire: Tokyo is surprisingly safe. At multiple points throughout the game, you’ll be tasked with clearing Tori gates, those iconic structures that are throughout Japan. In order to do this, you’ll need to clear the area of enemies, then stand in front of it for a few seconds. It essentially functions like an Assassin’s Creed tower, however instead of revealing some of the map, it allows you to travel to new areas of the city that were previously covered in a deadly fog.

So, there you have it! Ghostwire Tokyo is looking like a bit of a mixed bag, sitting at 75 on Metacritic at the time of writing. Still, this one really intrigues us, and its open world depiction of Tokyo looks a joy to explore.

Will you be playing this when it comes to Xbox Game Pass next year? Let us know in the comments.