Ghost of Yotei: A Worthy Second Outing
Sequels to award winning titles are always a tricky proposition. On one hand you have the winning formula for what made the original such a hit and on the other, advancements in technology, changes in your team and a new story can elevate a sequel but has the very real possibility to miss the mark with original fans while trying to grab the attention of new eyes.
Ghost of Yotei, the follow up to 2020’s critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, walks this fine line to differing degrees ultimately giving us one of 2025’s most engaging titles from the moment you begin.
Set some 300 years after the original, Ghost of Yotei transports us to northern Japan in the early 1600’s. The story follows Atsu, a lonesome figure hardened by a life of pain and suffering after the horrific murder of her parents sixteen years earlier. Atsu returns to her home lands of Ezo in search of a brutal band of outlaws, The Yotei Six who were responsible for destroying her childhood and leaving her for dead. Fueled by sheer hatred Atsu must traverse across the beautiful landscapes of her childhood, unpacking a destiny years in the making.
Ghost of Yotei, the follow up to 2020’s critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, walks this fine line to differing degrees ultimately giving us one of 2025’s most engaging titles from the moment you begin.
Set some 300 years after the original, Ghost of Yotei transports us to northern Japan in the early 1600’s. The story follows Atsu, a lonesome figure hardened by a life of pain and suffering after the horrific murder of her parents sixteen years earlier. Atsu returns to her home lands of Ezo in search of a brutal band of outlaws, The Yotei Six who were responsible for destroying her childhood and leaving her for dead. Fueled by sheer hatred Atsu must traverse across the beautiful landscapes of her childhood, unpacking a destiny years in the making.
The story is complimented by intriguing flashbacks to her youth giving you greater context to the pain Atsu has suffered shaping her into a version of the very demons she is chasing. The deep and engaging story twists throughout, growing Atsu into a compelling protagonist far from the angry one dimensional brute you initially meet. Atsu’s story allows you to feel the anger and self taught nature of her actions, far from the polish of Jin’s samurai upbringing. Atsu is raw, emotional and uses this in her fighting style often relying on brute power then finesse.
On the surface there is a linear revenge story that we have heard all too often before but dig a little deeper and Ghost of Yotei really begins to shine. Early in proceedings you will hear endlessly about The Yotei Six, their name follows you like some boogey man reaching out from the darkness of history giving them an almost supernatural quality. After the first session of what seems to be a generic vengeance filled hunt the layers within this amazing world of Ezo start to emerge. New characters join Atsu in her hunt and in her training, each bringing with them their own story that all converge towards a common goal.
Sucker Punch has once again delivered an absolutely beautiful world of sweeping plains full of flower fields and bathed in summer warmth, to forests filled with an autumn glow and wintery snowy mountain sides each has been meticulously populated with structures and wildlife that never once feel out of place and only add to the beauty of the landscape. Riding on horseback you can be forgiven for missing your next objective as you gallop across this amazing landscape throwing up flower petals while a haunting soundtrack plays in the background.
Gone are stances to combat different enemies replaced by 5 different melee weapons when fully unlocked allowing Atsu to chain brutal attacks against each and every enemy type. Each weapon will work with any enemy but it pays to make sure you are using the most effective for the battle you have in front of you. Unlocking each comes with its own small quest and a new character to meet helping train you in the best practices for each. Unlocking them is never difficult or tiresome but adds to the world a little bit more while helping you build a formidable arsenal.
On the surface there is a linear revenge story that we have heard all too often before but dig a little deeper and Ghost of Yotei really begins to shine. Early in proceedings you will hear endlessly about The Yotei Six, their name follows you like some boogey man reaching out from the darkness of history giving them an almost supernatural quality. After the first session of what seems to be a generic vengeance filled hunt the layers within this amazing world of Ezo start to emerge. New characters join Atsu in her hunt and in her training, each bringing with them their own story that all converge towards a common goal.
Sucker Punch has once again delivered an absolutely beautiful world of sweeping plains full of flower fields and bathed in summer warmth, to forests filled with an autumn glow and wintery snowy mountain sides each has been meticulously populated with structures and wildlife that never once feel out of place and only add to the beauty of the landscape. Riding on horseback you can be forgiven for missing your next objective as you gallop across this amazing landscape throwing up flower petals while a haunting soundtrack plays in the background.
Gone are stances to combat different enemies replaced by 5 different melee weapons when fully unlocked allowing Atsu to chain brutal attacks against each and every enemy type. Each weapon will work with any enemy but it pays to make sure you are using the most effective for the battle you have in front of you. Unlocking each comes with its own small quest and a new character to meet helping train you in the best practices for each. Unlocking them is never difficult or tiresome but adds to the world a little bit more while helping you build a formidable arsenal.
With any game of this size there are going to be some things that just don’t feel quite right. Stealth seems to have been a lesser focus than in the original. Taking into account the differences in character it is completely plausible but as someone who was very dishonourable last time out I have noticed a very definite push towards frontal assaults as opposed to sneaking around and being the “Ghost”. You’re still able to do plenty of sneak attacks but it doesn’t have the same feel as in Tsushima.
Again we have been given the illusion of choice with narrative options having no bearing on the outcome of different scenarios. Sucker Punch have a pedigree in giving players an pre determined positive or negative path to choose and providing that in this story would have only elevated it further.
A far minor gripe and one that only completionists or wanderers like myself will experience is much of the in-world activities get a little repetitive. You’re all but guaranteed for a roving band of bounty hunters to pop out of a small camp or shrubbery only for you to tear them to shreds whenever you re-trace your steps through a previously travelled area. Side quests are plentiful but unfortunately there isn’t much variation in each encounter.
Ultimately Ghost of Yotei is the PS5 exclusive I have been waiting for. A vast open world beautifully crafted and filled with an amazing story and characters. Combat is brutal and satisfying with the integration of the dual sense controller once again proving to add to the immersion.
For all of the latest from The Aussie Gamers Experience, make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and also our weekly podcast.
Again we have been given the illusion of choice with narrative options having no bearing on the outcome of different scenarios. Sucker Punch have a pedigree in giving players an pre determined positive or negative path to choose and providing that in this story would have only elevated it further.
A far minor gripe and one that only completionists or wanderers like myself will experience is much of the in-world activities get a little repetitive. You’re all but guaranteed for a roving band of bounty hunters to pop out of a small camp or shrubbery only for you to tear them to shreds whenever you re-trace your steps through a previously travelled area. Side quests are plentiful but unfortunately there isn’t much variation in each encounter.
Ultimately Ghost of Yotei is the PS5 exclusive I have been waiting for. A vast open world beautifully crafted and filled with an amazing story and characters. Combat is brutal and satisfying with the integration of the dual sense controller once again proving to add to the immersion.
For all of the latest from The Aussie Gamers Experience, make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and also our weekly podcast.
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