When Ghost of Tsushima arrived, it offered a much-needed breath of fresh air to the open-world genre, pairing a spectacular setting with visceral swordplay, I still describe it to this day as the GOAT of this genre, in fact of any genre. So naturally expectations are through the roof for its successor, Ghost of Yotei. While this new chapter doesn’t entirely reinvent the formula, it delivers a deeply polished, breathtakingly cinematic experience that satisfies a craving for historic Japanese action even if the shadow cast by the greatness of the original is still so present.
Ghost of Yotei smartly steps away from the narrative of Jin Sakai, taking place centuries later in the northern region of Ezo. This is a deliberate choice by the developer, allowing them to explore a different era and culture, particularly through the lens of the outstanding protagonist, Atsu. Atsu is a lone warrior driven by a singular, ice-cold desire for retribution against the powerful outlaws known as the Yotei Six, who destroyed her family. It’s a familiar story without being directly taken from history but very welcome, even if it does come fairly soon after a very similar tale in Ubisoft’s “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows”.
Atsu is a less immediately personable lead than her predecessor, but her journey of self-reflection and vengeance, steeped in the spirit of classic samurai cinema, is ultimately a compelling one. The narrative anchors itself beautifully with an engrossing opening and a powerhouse final act but its the middle portion, which involves hunting down the individual members of the Yotei Six, that I enjoyed the most as at its heart the “Ghost of” games are about exploration and discovery while taking it all in along the way. While the structure can become a tad predictable the boss fights themselves are a phenomenal icing on the cake that stops the game from feeling formulaic.
The open-world environment of Ezo is arguably the game’s greatest triumph. Visually, Ghost of Yotei is a showcase for the PlayStation 5, easily standing among the console’s best-looking titles. Ezo is strikingly diverse, from the familiar lush green of the Yotei Grasslands to the desolate, ash-covered Ishikari Plains. This varied artistry, often reflecting the character of the outlaw who commands the region, ensures that exploration is extremely rewarding.
Much like the first game, progression is intrinsically linked to discovery. Uncovering hidden shrines grants skill points, finding Bamboo Strikes increases your combat focus, and Hot Springs naturally expand your health. The new addition of Wolf Dens allows players to unlock an accompanying wolf ally, which enhances both the stealth and combat fantasy, making clearing out enemy encampments a unique combo experience.
The core combat remains exceptionally satisfying, built upon the sturdy foundation of the predecessor. Every parry, dodge, and lethal counter still feels devastating. New mechanics are introduced, such as the challenging gold attacks that can disarm the foe, allowing you to then collect a dropped weapon and launch it at another enemy.
The new weapon types are introduced the replace the combat stances of the previous game and they do an amazing job of blending the additions into the story in a way that is also your tutorial into how to best use them in battle.
Switching between weapon to counter specific enemy types is quick and effective but can get a little frustrating early on when you don’t have any distraction tools. Eventually it becomes fluid and the satisfaction of using these new and unique weapons in almost Mortal Kombat style take downs is both visually and emotionally breathtaking.
As much as the combat is flawless, the game shines in it’s lighter more emotional moments. As Atsu remembers her Mother teaching her to play the musical instrument known as a “Shamisen” these trips between the past and present give you more insight into the world and character and add more weight to the events that play out.
I find most mini-games in titles like this a complete waste of time and energy, for example, I avoid Gwent like the plague in “The Witcher” games. However, the gambling mini-game in Ghost of Yotei might just be the most fun I’ve ever had in such a scenario. If this was a game on its own, I would buy it immediately.
The game is called “Zeni Hajiki” and is a coin flicking game not dissimilar to playing “table soccer” with two coins. In this game multiple coins are dropped onto a table with objects like jars to block areas. The players then flick the coins to touch other coins, you can’t hit more than one coin per turn or knock them off the table or it’s a penalty. It’s a game of strategy and precision and I found myself getting lost in the brilliance of it.
Ultimately, Ghost of Yotei is an exceptional sequel that separates itself enough from its predecessor without being restrained by its rules. Visually it leaves you wondering why other AAA games fail to meet the high standards of imagery that Sucker Punch nail on a consistent basis. The story and lore of the series is deeply satisfying and if you are a fan of the original you’ll find this journey to be a memorable, beautiful, and essential return to a lawless Japan.
Final Score: 9/10
