- Joined
- Aug 4, 2025
- Messages
- 1,155
- Level up in
- 1345 posts
- Reaction score
- 2,816
- Points
- 3,477
A masterwork of revenge and reflection
As the wind guides you across the new frontier of Ezo in Ghost of Yōtei, it feels less like a new adventure and more like a welcome home. Sucker Punch has masterfully built upon the foundation of Ghost of Tsushima and delivering a worthy successor that stands tall on its own. With a vibrant world, more refined combat and a deeply human story, this is a beautiful and absorbing samurai saga.
A visual and aural triumph
From the moment you step into the world of Ghost of Yōtei this is an absolute feast for the senses. Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido) is a breathtaking canvas, from fields of swaying flowers to snow covered peaks and dense of ethereal forests. Every vista feels like a painting waiting to be captured in the game's photo mode, all of it built from the ground up to showcase the power of the PlayStation 5. The wind a trusted guide, returns to point you toward new adventures but it's also a constant living part of the world, rustling leaves and blowing through tall grass. This immersion is further heightened by a killer soundtrack which blends traditional Japanese instruments with western influences to powerful effect.
The path of vengeance and growth
The story of Atsu the protagonist is a raw and personal tale of revenge. Fueled by bloodlust, Atsu's journey is not a simple path of retribution but a complex and nuanced story of trauma and healing. Erika Ishii's performance as Atsu gives the protagonist a compelling and believably rough around the edges quality that makes you feel invested in her journey. The narrative works to evolve Atsu beyond her singular goal of vengeance, revealing a more hopeful future as she forms deeper bonds with her new Wolf Pack of allies. While the story may sometimes feel familiar its emotional core resonates deeply and proving that some tales are worth telling again.
Fluid and exhilarating combat
Sucker Punch's combat design remains a standout of proving that the developer is still at the top of its game. Taking on enemy camps and confronting the notorious Yōtei Six this is as satisfying as ever but with more flexibility. In place of the stance system, Atsu can wield a variety of new melee weapons like the kusarigama and odachi along with new firearms, adding welcome variety to the already sharp swordplay. The PS5's DualSense controller further enhances the immersion with haptic feedback that makes every clang of steel and gallop of your horse feel real.
An unmissable journey
Ghost of Yōtei is an outstanding sequel that refines and expands upon what made its predecessor so beloved. It may feel like a natural evolution rather than a revolution but its tightly crafted gameplay in a stunning world and heartfelt story make it one of the most rewarding and satisfying adventures of the year 2025. For fans and newcomers this is a must play experience that reaffirms Sucker Punch's place as a master storyteller of the ancient Japan.
Last edited: