When Ghost of Tsushima launched in 2020, it carved its place as one of the most cinematic open-world adventures of its era. Now, Sucker Punch returns with Ghost of Yōtei, a standalone sequel that shifts the stage to 1600s rural Japan. At its heart is Atsu, a haunted mercenary on a relentless quest for vengeance. Yōtei builds upon Tsushima’s foundation but retools its combat, exploration, and story to create something that feels both familiar and sharper.
Story and Setting
The game begins with Atsu’s childhood tragedy: her family is murdered by a group later revealed as the Yōtei Six. Sixteen years later, she’s known across Ezo as the Onryō, a vengeful spirit unwilling to leave this world until justice is done.
Unlike Jin Sakai’s tale of samurai honor, Atsu’s story is more personal and raw. She’s no samurai bound by code; she’s a mercenary who forges alliances with wolves, ronin, and villagers while hunting down her targets. The snowy ridges of Mount Yōtei dominate the skyline, framing a world where survival and revenge intertwine.
Combat – Weapons of Vengeance
One of the biggest changes from Tsushima is the complete overhaul of the combat system. Stances are gone, replaced by a wide arsenal of weapons you acquire through training with masters or completing quests.
- Single Katana – reliable and versatile.
- Dual Katana – fast and deadly against spear-wielders.
- Odachi (Great Katana) – slow but devastating against armored foes.
- Yari Spear – excellent reach and control.
- Kusarigama – perfect for smashing shields.
- Bows & Pistols – ranged options for precision or quick disruption.
- Throwables – kunai, bombs, blinding powder, and more add improvisation.
Combat thrives on this rock-paper-scissors dynamic: each weapon excels against specific enemy types. It pushes players to adapt mid-fight rather than relying on one style. Duels remain a highlight, with one-on-one battles feeling both cinematic and mechanically satisfying.
Exploration and Activities
Like Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei relies heavily on visual cues rather than cluttered UI. Wind gusts point you to objectives, golden birds guide you to shrines, and the cries of foxes or wolves lead to hidden secrets.
The map is vast, divided into six regions, each tied to a member of the Yōtei Six. Activities are more varied this time:
- Shrines & Hot Springs return, offering stat boosts and moments of reflection.
- Wolf Dens introduce Atsu’s bond with wolves, unlocking abilities as they aid her in battle.
- Painting & Shamisen Songs offer unique progression tied to culture and environment.
- Bounty Hunts bring mini-stories that expand Ezo’s lore.
- Clan Battles stage cinematic large-scale fights alongside allies.
These activities connect more naturally to the main story, avoiding the “checklist fatigue” that plagued some players in Tsushima.
Visuals and Presentation
Ghost of Yōtei is a showcase of PS5’s power. From red maple forests to snow-capped peaks, every frame feels like a painting. The game offers multiple cinematic filters:
- Kurosawa Mode – stark black and white for classic samurai drama.
- Miike Mode – blood-soaked chaos inspired by Takashi Miike films.
- Watanabe Mode – lo-fi beats paired with stylized visuals, a surreal twist.
Cutscenes are presented in Cinemascope aspect ratio, enhancing the feeling of watching a grand historical epic. DualSense features push immersion further — forging blades, stoking fires, and painting kanji all make clever use of touchpad gestures and haptics.
Characters and Themes
Atsu is a striking contrast to Jin. She’s blunt, fierce, and haunted, yet moments of tenderness slip through. Wolves join her in fights, foxes guide her path, and wildlife often interacts with her journey. This connection to nature mirrors her internal struggle — vengeance at odds with the possibility of peace.
The supporting cast — mercenaries, storytellers, senseis, and villagers — form a “wolf pack” around Atsu. While their stories don’t always reach the depth of mainline quests, they add texture to her journey.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Dynamic and strategic combat with multiple weapon types.
- A richly atmospheric open world full of visual storytelling.
- Atsu as a protagonist brings freshness and emotional weight.
- Varied side activities that tie meaningfully into progression.
- Outstanding cinematic presentation and music.
Weaknesses:
- Some side quests still fall into repetitive “kill a group of bandits” loops.
- Pacing can feel uneven, with lengthy arcs stretching the narrative.
- Certain puzzles and exploration tasks are overly simplified.
- Minor AI issues occasionally undercut combat tension.
Final Verdict
Ghost of Yōtei doesn’t reinvent the open-world formula, but it polishes it to a gleam. Sucker Punch delivers a samurai epic that blends cinematic spectacle with rewarding gameplay. Atsu’s revenge tale might echo familiar beats, but the execution, atmosphere, and combat variety elevate it into one of PS5’s must-play experiences.
It’s not just Ghost of Tsushima 2 — it’s a game that takes that legacy and expands it into something broader, bloodier, and more personal. Play Now!
Score: 9/10 – A brutal, beautiful journey through vengeance and redemption.
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