Hironobu Sakaguchi, the visionary behind the renowned Final Fantasy series, has carved a legacy within the realm of role-playing games (RPGs). However, in a recent 2024 interview, he revealed that his all-time favorite title on the PlayStation platform is a surprising choice—not one of his own creations. While the Final Fantasy franchise initially flourished on Nintendo’s systems, it transitioned to the PlayStation with the arrival of the PS1, which offered vastly superior storage capabilities. This pivotal shift allowed the series to evolve creatively, and even as it became available on multiple platforms, it has maintained a strong connection to Sony’s consoles, enriching the gaming landscape.
Sakaguchi’s direct involvement with the Final Fantasy series primarily predates its move to PlayStation. He directed the first five installments before transitioning into a producer role and ultimately stepping away from the franchise. His subsequent projects, which include titles like Blue Dragon, The Last Story, and Fantasian, have largely remained within the RPG genre. Interestingly, when he engages with the work of other developers, his preferences take a different turn. He has expressed profound admiration for Ghost of Tsushima, hailing it as his favorite PlayStation game.
Ghost of Tsushima: Sakaguchi’s Top PlayStation Game
A Historical Japanese Stealth Adventure Reigns Supreme
In an episode of the PlayStation Blog podcast, Sakaguchi shared his enthusiasm for Ghost of Tsushima, as highlighted by gaming columnist Genki. He articulated in an email—though not during the podcast—his admiration for the game, declaring it his “favorite PlayStation game of all time,”particularly from a developer’s vantage point. Notably, he also acknowledged the groundbreaking impact of titles like Final Fantasy 7 and the ongoing success of Final Fantasy 14.
The Appeal of Ghost of Tsushima for Sakaguchi
An Exceptional Cohesive Vision
Ghost of Tsushima has garnered widespread acclaim, but Sakaguchi’s recognition elevates its prestige. This stealth-action title, set against the backdrop of feudal Japan, resonates deeply with players, particularly with those who admire its cultural sensitivity and gameplay excellence. Sakaguchi is notably impressed by the game’s cohesiveness, commending its seamless integration of elements such as stealth mechanics and captivating narrative.
“The smooth action, the thrill of stealth, a well-rounded narrative, and the stunning world that feels so alive. I felt that all these elements share a common philosophy which made me enjoy and appreciate the game even more.”— Hironobu Sakaguchi
This kind of praise from a legendary figure in game development underscores the meticulous craftsmanship that went into Ghost of Tsushima. While it borrows familiar gameplay mechanics from franchises like Assassin’s Creed, its commitment to a coherent design philosophy differentiates it in a genre often cluttered with disparate features. The game’s elegant choices, such as replacing traditional quest markers with the natural guidance of the wind, showcase a level of innovation that resonates with players seeking more immersive experiences.
Although I might personally lean towards titles like Final Fantasy 7 as my favorite PlayStation exclusive, Sakaguchi’s enthusiastic acclaim for Ghost of Tsushima is undoubtedly invaluable. His praise surely serves as a significant honor for the creative teams behind this acclaimed PlayStation exclusive.
Source: PlayStation Blog, Genki/X