Combat styles: Samurai & Ghost
In the context of the story, Jin Sakai, the protagonist, realizes that he won't be able to strictly follow the code of the samurai if he wants to prevail on the Mongol hordes. He'll have to use methods considered dishonorable, and he has a hard time accepting it.
We don't know at the moment if your choices in this matter will have an impact on the end of the game. In any case, you'll be able to complete the game in Samurai mode only, but it's going to be very difficult.
Those two combat styles offer radically different ways of playing, and you will have the freedom to choose which way to play. It's quite possible to mix the two according to your preferences, and all the skills are always available. However, their combination and the equipped armor pieces will have an impact on the gameplay.
Many Ghost techniques, specially assassinations, which is difficult in heavy armor. It also seems that the objectives may vary depending on the preferred play style. The gameplay demo shows two different objectives: kill the general as a Samurai, or set the ammunition reserve on fire as a Ghost.
The transition as Ghost will be progressive: you'll have to find NPCs to train and teach you new techniques for each of the styles.
Samurai
This style favors heavy armor and direct combat. However, it's not limited to katana: the spear, the bow, and the halberd, among others, are classic samurai weapons, both on foot and on horseback. Mounted fights will also be available.
As a samurai, you will favor stand offs, counter, parry and counter-attack techniques, as well as abilities such as deflecting arrows with your sword.
Keep in mind that, besides the fact that you risk being overwhelmed in combat, a boss can be tough in a duel but easy to assassinate Ghost style. There also seems to be an impact in the game world: some civilians will be afraid of you, and swordsmen will be eager to challenge you.
Ghost
Jin will unlock new techniques little by little. For example, the grapple will help to overcome obstacles and penetrate a place without being spotted.
The Ghost's arsenal includes methods of infiltration, how to hide and stay discreet, how to distract the enemy (with firecrackers, for example) and above all, how to launch deadly attacks on targets. You'll also be able to surprise a group by killing one of its members: the others will freeze for a moment, which will give you the opportunity to trigger a sequence of assassinations.
Various tools will be accessible as well, such as kunais, poison, smoke bombs and more.
In addition, your reputation as a murderous ghost will spread through the Mongol hordes, and soldiers will fear you. Instead of confronting you, some will stumble or even flee when they see you.
