Most Triple A games this day and age come with a lot of baggage and expectation – especially if they’re developed by existing video game developers and companies that have a earned a reputation for delivering some stellar quality titles and stories. One of the best examples in recent years in Sucker Punch Productions – who are best known for their work for games featured on the Sony PlayStation consoles such as the Sly Cooper and Infamous series. Those games and their respective sequels would become fan favorites on their own right, but the company would reach the peak of their video game development prowess by creating one of the most ambitious and immersive samurai action adventure games in Ghost of Tsushima – released on the PlayStation 4 on July 2020 and would chronicle the adventures of Jin Sakurai as he embarks on a quest to defeat Mongol forces who have invaded his home island during the first invasion of Japan during 1274.
On its initial release and run on the PS4, Ghost of Tsushima would go on to earn critical acclaim. A Director’s Cut version of the game was released for the PlayStation 5 the following year that expanded things and included new content, but all eyes centered on what would be the true follow-up to this Game of the Year winning title. Fans wouldn’t have to wait too long though, as Sucker Punch and PlayStation Studios finally gave a definite answer by announcing Ghost of Yotei last year on PlayStation’s State of Play digital broadcast. Developed as a standalone follow-up to the Ghost of Tsushima and set more than 300 years after that game, Yotei focuses on a female wandering warrior named Atsu – who is on a quest of vengeance after renegade samurai known as the “Yotei Six” murdered her family and left her for dead when she was just a child. Now all grown up and hardened by her experiences as a mercenary, Atsu returns to her homeland and embarks on journey where she hunts her family’s killers and fights as an onryo – a type of ghost in Japanese literature that is also known as a “vengeful spirit”.
Much like its predecessor and as any modern single player adventure game is in this day and age, Ghost of Yotei is played through a third-person perspective where players guide Atsu in a beautiful and immersive recreation of 17th century Ezo, Japan. Through a combination of action, combat, stealth, and exploration, the game is played in an open world style set-up where you control Atsu’s movements much like any warrior or samurai. You follow a world map and explore different areas to open up new quests and progress through the story, and throughout the game you will fight with other warriors using different weapons and techniques that can be learned and upgraded as you gain experience. Familiar weapons used in feudal Japan such as katanas, bows, and spears can be acquired and added to your arsenal, and Atsu also has a wolf companion that accompanies and assists her during stealth and combat situations.
What also makes Ghost of Yotei such a breathtaking experience is taking in the sights and attention to detail Sucker Punch has crafted to bring this beautiful recreation of Japan to life. Through the power of technology today, the dynamic weather effects faithfully create the climate and terrain experienced by traversing Mount Yotei and the other areas you can visit in the game. Controlling Atsu isn’t just limited to combat and exploration alone, as players can also perform unique actions and engage in interactive activities that make great use of the DualSense controller’s touchpad features – such as playing the shamisen and doing some painting as well. For those who want to jump into co-op multiplayer after finishing the single player experience, Ghost Of Yotei Legends is readily available to download with two-player story missions and four player survival matches to choose from.
Without question, Ghost Of Yotei is a superb standalone sequel that masterfully puts the spotlight on a female warrior seeking revenge. It’s Kill Bill meets Lady Snowblood meets Ichi, and the game is rich in Japanese history and culture that any fan of the genre will be happy to pick this game up. In fact for those who love replaying the game multiple times you’re in for a treat, as there’s multiple cinematic modes you can customize the gaming experience with that are inspired by famous Japanese filmmakers Akira Kurosawa, Takashi Miike, and Shinichiro Watanabe.
Ghost of Yotei is now available exclusively for the PlayStation 5.
