Ghost of Yotei Review; Is it good? Playable?
Ghost of Yotei
was announced at the PlayStation State of Play event held in September 2024, and the first promotional trailer was shown as the big closing launch of the event. The trailer created great excitement by offering the first clues about the open-world experience and the story of the new hero Atsu.
Ghost of Yotei, an action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch and a sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, has been announced for release in 2025. Sony has made it clear that Ghost of Yotei will only be released on PS5 and will not be available on previous-gen consoles like PS4, as it is designed to take advantage of next-gen technology. While a PC release has not been announced, a PC release is possible, as with Tsushima.
Ghost of Yotei Preview
The game is a story set in the Edo period of Japan (the year 1603) and takes place 300 years after the events of Jin Sakai. Taking on the role of a hero named Atsu, we will embark on a mysterious adventure around Mount Yotei in the Hokkaido region of Japan.
Ghost of Yotei aims to draw players into a deep and meaningful story by dealing with the themes of identity search, survival and hunting. Atsu's story is about the birth of a new legend wearing a "Ghost mask" and invites us to a dangerous and mysterious journey in northern Japan. We can also say with peace of mind that the production will meet us with new mechanics and gameplay improvements while preserving the spirit of Ghost of Tsushima with its single-player, narrative-focused system.
What Did the Ghost of Yotei Trailer Show Us?
The trailer for Ghost of Yotei, shown at the PlayStation State of Play event in September 2024, has provided the first hints. The trailer intrigues by introducing the story of a new hero named Atsu and the mysterious atmosphere of northern Japan. The visual aesthetic of this adventure, set around Mount Yotei, is striking with its wide grassy areas and snowy landscapes.
The trailer also hints at the dark and mysterious side of the story, with the theme of "people who came to the north of Japan to get lost". The dangerous and fascinating atmosphere of the game's world, cinematic transitions and impressive visuals also show why it is unlikely to come to older-generation consoles.
Gameplay Mechanics
Ghost of Yotei's gameplay mechanics retain familiar elements from Ghost of Tsushima while being enhanced with new mechanics and gameplay improvements. The game's main character, Atsu, offers more agility and stealth-oriented gameplay compared to previous protagonist Jin Sakai. Dual-wielding swords and firearms add a new dimension to Atsu's fighting style.
The fighting system and weapons are one of the most striking innovations in Ghost of Yotei. The use of dual swords offers a more aggressive fighting style with fast attacks and fluid combinations, as seen in the trailer. In addition, firearms are also included in the game, in line with the historical texture of the Edo period. Atsu's ability to use weapons allows him to engage in ranged combat with enemies. Sword fighting is again one of the game's basic mechanics, and as in Ghost of Tsushima, stances and various attacks that change according to the situation return.
Ghost of Yotei offers players strategic gameplay options with stealth mechanics. The hunting theme shows that stealth elements will play an important role in the game. Classic stealth mechanics such as attacking from shadows, watching enemies from high points, and silent executions will be included in the game. The Ghost mask and psychological warfare abilities seem to add a new strategic dimension to the game. In this way, we will be able to make tactical moves such as scaring and distracting your enemies.
The game features a vast open-world experience set in the Yotei Mountains of northern Japan. Vast grassy areas and snowy landscapes encourage exploration, while environmental stealth elements allow players to move strategically. Details such as snow trails or grass movement can be used to trick enemies. Additionally, unexpected dangers and various enemy types will be encountered in the wilds of Hokkaido, requiring constant vigil.
Sucker Punch aims to further develop the series by adding new mechanics, gameplay improvements, and new weapons to Ghost of Yotei. Dynamic weather conditions and environmental interactions will directly affect the player's strategies, adding more depth to the gameplay. The company also aimed to provide fast and fluid animations and a more cinematic experience in fights. The excellent fighting system in Ghost of Tsushima seems to be even more diversified in Ghost of Yotei with dual sword use, firearms, and improved stealth mechanics.
Enemies
Ghost of Yotei's enemies are designed to enhance the game's dark and mysterious atmosphere. The story emphasizes that Atsu is being hunted in northern Japan and that every Ronin is after him. Therefore, a dynamic is established in the game where the enemies play the role of both hunter and prey. The enemies Atsu will encounter throughout his journey are diversified to pose both physical and psychological threats.
One of the main enemy groups in the game is the Ronin, master warriors who are not affiliated with organized samurai clans and act on their own. These Ronin, who defy social hierarchies in the Edo period and act on their own rules, will be formidable opponents on Atsu’s journey. As mentioned in the trailer, the phrase “every Ronin here is after you” suggests that Atsu is constantly being followed and will encounter enemies waiting in ambush. These enemies will try to corner Atsu with both their individual skills and group tactics.
Since the game is about the samurai's struggle to survive in a peaceful era, samurai will appear as both friends and enemies. However, Atsu's legendary appearance by wearing the "Ghost mask" may cause some samurai to see him as a feared enemy.
Mount Yotei and its surroundings offer an open world full of unexpected dangers. In the wilderness of Hokkaido, not only will you have to fight against Ronin and samurai, but also nature itself. While trying to survive amidst the snowy landscapes and harsh weather conditions, we will also encounter predators and mysterious supernatural beings. These dangers can be as dangerous as Atsu’s enemies, and will require players to carefully observe the environment and act strategically.
Atsu's story walks the fine line between hunter and hunted. Enemies will challenge us not only with their physical strength but also with their psychological effects. For this reason, our enemies will not only be obstacles to be fought, but also powerful story elements that affect our character's development, providing deep and meaningful enemy design.
General Review: Is Ghost of Yotei Worth the Wait?
Ghost of Yotei seems like a game that is truly worth the wait. Especially considering the success of Ghost of Tsushima, there is a high expectation that this sequel will raise the bar even higher. The game, which centers on the story of a new hero, Atsu, and his search for identity, has already attracted attention with its mysterious atmosphere in northern Japan. The dark and mystical atmosphere given off by the trailers really hints at a world waiting to be discovered.
Honestly, the dual sword wielding and more aggressive fighting mechanics were the things that excited me the most. Considering the fighting system of Ghost of Tsushima, I think these new mechanics will make the gameplay more fluid and strategic. Also, the Ghost mask and the psychological warfare elements that scare enemies add an interesting depth that goes beyond classic action games. The game seems to offer a different perspective, not just swinging swords, but also trying to psychologically defeat your enemies.
Ghost of Yotei’s single-player, narrative-focused structure is also a feature that appeals to story lovers like me. If it can provide deep character development and a compelling story, it can impress us not only with its action but also with its emotional connections. Frankly, I expect this game to offer not only action-packed fights but also emotionally touching scenes.
In conclusion, Ghost of Yotei is definitely worth waiting for and buying when it comes out in my opinion. It's exciting to think about what Sucker Punch can do with this game. I feel like this mysterious adventure, especially set in northern Japan, will provide an unforgettable experience with its atmosphere, story, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Personally, I can't wait to play this game and discover Atsu's story.