It hit 90° Fahrenheit last week so I shaved my winter coat (the beard stayed). The next day it was 55°. I nearly froze to death on my run.

---

This month’s playlist:

Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima is the best open-world RPG I’ve ever played. It solves many, if not all, issues this genre struggled with in the past two console generations. It never felt barren or overstuffed. I never felt over directed or at a loss at what to do next. It knew when to be cinematic and when to behave like a video game. Ghost hit the sweet spot on every count.

Ghost enables the player to simply vibe. Here’s a horse, here’s a sword, here’s an island to explore. Calm rides through the beautiful countryside of Tsushima are balanced perfectly with brief, intense combat encounters that don’t break your zen. It is a game that is effortless to inhabit.

Ghost spins an excellent tale based on a historical Mongol invasion that is a worthy homage to classic samurai cinema. The combat has just enough depth not to grow stale while also convincing the player they are indeed a master swordsman. But the real star of the show is the exploration system.

The game map starts blank and is slowly filled in with your travels. There is a waypoint system, but it doesn’t utilize a traditional compass or mini-map. Instead, you follow the wind illustrated by dancing leaves or flower petals, depending on the environment you are currently in. Often you will hear the yip of a fox or a colorful bird will fly next to you and these will guide you to a point of interest. Exploration feels effortless. These diversions feel natural. Never once did I feel the oppressive need to complete a checklist of locations to reach, or items to find. Everywhere you looked were places that beckon you to explore. Each one had a reward whether it be a vibrant view, a peaceful village, a new quest, a new sword...

Every minute of my time with Ghost of Tsushima felt honored.

The Dig

How did they turn a historical story of excavating an old boat into a beautiful, gripping drama?

These characters will melt your heart.

I adored the preference for low, wide, naturally lit shots. Of lingering, pensive scenes of characters exchanging glances. Of gentle voiceover musings divorced from the action on the screen. Malick’s inspiration is strong here, and welcome.

P.S. Immediately became a fan of the screenwriter, Moira Buffini, when I learned she wrote one of the greatest vampire movies of all time: Byzantium.

Invincible

Hats off to the commitment to the generic superhero cartoon aesthetic, which legitimately encouraged friends of mine to ignore this series, only to jerk the rug out from under the audience in the last few minutes of episode one.

There’s some excellent writing here. Looking forward to season two.

Dorohedoro

I thoroughly enjoyed the anime when it released last year. Delightfully weird with a whimsical yet sinister setting and aesthetic. I got tired of waiting for the next season and started reading the original manga.

Mercifully, the manga was complete and I was able to marathon through the story. Funny, creepy, and the narrative never ends up where you expect. I also appreciate the anime adaptation more now. It does an impressive job elevating the source material.

Yasuke

The anime failed to live up to my expectations. Six episodes just weren’t enough time to connect with the characters. Regardless, I hope to see a second season.

Fortunately, Flying Lotus’ album of the same name is fantastic. I’m excited to see this musician dive into the world of soundtracks and scoring.

---

This month I also reminisced about a trip to San Francisco.