Here’s where the journey began. Washed ashore on the beach of Iki Island.

It took me under two minutes before I had to stop once again to appreciate the sun and foliage here.

The mountain in the background, being able to stop the purple forest off to the side (we’ll see more of that soon). It’s just lovely.

Check out this cutie.

The flashback sequences in the Iki Island DLC seemed to work better with the B/W filter. There’s a more serious undertone, and the armour makes it feel like it belongs in a proper samurai film.

The wide-open area in the middle of Iki Island was one of my favourites. A sensation of great war-town battles lingers over all the house and debris you come across in the fields.

Across Iki Island you can find several historic landmarks that were prime for photographing.

A showdown in a secret cavern with a long-dead and deadly foe.

Jin is at peace when he’s exploring, playing the flute and taking photos.

A God of War armour set is unlockable in the Iki Island DLC, and BOY it is good looking.

The draw distance when playing on PS5 paired with the design of Iki Island meant you were handsomely awarded in this visual splendour when you climbed to the highest point on the island.

Loook at this cuttie

Back to that central area of the map on Iki Island and again, just look at it.

You spend so much time playing Ghost of Tsushima by charging from one point to another; sometimes it pays to slow the pace and enjoy the moment.

Now this place was gorgeous. As someone who loves the colour purple and pretty things, the forest area on Iki Island were stunning — even if there were deathly chasms around the trees.

One of Jin’s final conversations with his father solidified the core differences between the two, even at this age.

Before the showdown with The Eagle, Jin takes a moment to do some soul-searching on the horizon.

… Jin knows that this isn’t the end of his fight.