Ghost of Yotei review

I really enjoyed 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima, but then, being a fan of samurai films, how could I not? Some aspects of it that didn’t overly impress me, though; one of them being its protagonist, Jin Sakai. His reserved nature made it quite hard to warm to him, although this was something addressed in the game’s expansion. In any case, chances are you won’t have the same problem with the game’s sequel, Ghost of Yotei.

That’s because Ghost of Yotei has a brand new protagonist; a woman named Atsu. It’s a bold move by Sucker Punch Productions, but it works. With her family – her mother, father and brother – killed by a group called the Yotei Six, and Atsu herself left for dead pinned to a burning tree, this is a classic tale of revenge. And while Atsu is quite guarded as a character, there’s a subtle vulnerability to her that makes her instantly likeable. Plus, once you know her terrible story, you’ll likely be as incensed as her to track down the Yotei Six and destroy them.

It won’t take long for you to take your revenge on the first member of the nefarious group, and it’s during this thrilling prologue section that you’ll realise that Sucker Punch has really upped the ante when it comes to presentation. The visuals here are stunning on PS5 Pro, especially during the game’s in-engine story scenes that have just an extra bit of love poured into them. At times, it really does feel like you’re watching a classic samurai movie, such as Lady Snowblood. Needless to say, as a huge fan of that film, which also heavily inspired Kill Bill, I’ve been in my element right from the very start.

On the subject of Kill Bill, as the legendary Hattori Hanzo says, “Revenge is never a straight line. It’s a forest, and like a forest it’s easy to lose your way.” It seems apt for Ghost of Yotei, as its story is split into numerous chapters, the first of which gives you some freedom as to which members of the Yotei Six you pursue first.

There’s much more than just the main storyline to enjoy in Ghost of Yotei, though. As you make your way around this stunningly-realised open world, you’ll encounter countless people in need of your help, and being a mercenary, you’ll probably want to hear them out. Taking out the Yotei Six may be your ultimate goal here, but are you going to be able to accomplish it without growing your arsenal of weapons, getting better armour and building your stealth and stamina? Probably not.

Like Ghost of Tsushima, there are lots of collectable-like activities here, such as taking a bath to increase your maximum health, or stopping to draw a picture of a particularly scenic view. These can often be found by following golden birds if you wish, but alternatively, talkative strangers might point you in the right direction of a place of note, or you might be able to purchase a treasure map. But these form just one group of side-activities in Ghost of Yotei, with others such as myths that often lead to greater rewards, and senseis that grant access to new weapons as well as new abilities, feeling much more varied and rewarding.

If it isn’t already clear, then, Ghost of Yotei is a game that’s very easy to get sidetracked in. And you’ll need to engage in at least some optional content. You can try to head straight through its story if you wish, but it will likely only lead to frustration when you come up against enemies whom you don’t have effective weapons for. And beyond that, chances are you’ll want to spend as much time in this world as possible; aside from it being picturesque at every turn, some of the side-quests here truly are engaging, and others are hugely rewarding. Hearing about some legendary armour, for example, why wouldn’t you want to find out if the rumours are true? If they are, not only will you gain access to a new look, but perhaps some valuable perks, too.

Of course, it helps that the gameplay of Ghost of Yotei is so enjoyable. Self-taught, Atsu is skilled with a katana, which is the only weapon you’ll start with, but she’s also a fast learner. Seek out masters across Yotei and you’ll eventually have a formidable arsenal at your disposal which you can switch between in the heat of battle. Get yourself an Odachi and you’ll find it easier to take down larger enemies, for example, while a Yari will make short work of enemy shields. Ranged weapons, including a rifle, are available, too, as well as tools such as smoke bombs and kunai. Remember, Atsu is a mercenary, not a samurai, so she’s not stuffy about creeping up and stabbing enemies from behind.

The combat here is largely the same as it was in Ghost of Tsushima, but thanks to additional polish and an extended toolset, it’s more varied and enjoyable. The soft lock-on system is much improved, for one, and there’s a new disarming system which adds another strategic layer. Ultimately, every encounter here is an enjoyable one, with you frequently switching weapons to make use of their specific advantages and cut down your enemies in style. Duels and standoffs remain a highlight, though, with the latter getting even more enjoyable should you build a strong bond with the wolf that you frequently encounter on your travels. By playing your shamisen, you can even summon them to help you in certain areas.

Basically, then, Ghost of Yotei addresses all of the issues I had with Ghost of Tsushima. It’s a true love letter to classic samurai films, with stunning visuals and direction, a fantastic soundtrack, and a story that will have you gripped from the outset and surprise you with its twists and turns. Even better, Sucker Punch has fine-tuned the gameplay, adding more weapons and skills to acquire and employ on your quest for revenge. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that this is the developer’s magnum opus.