Ghost of Yōtei, the follow-up to Sucker Punch's acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, has arrived on PlayStation 5, and critics are praising its brutal combat and breathtaking visuals. Set in 1600s Japan's Ezo region, the game follows Atsu, a young samurai on a bloody quest for vengeance against the Yōtei Six, the masked outlaws who murdered her family. Voice actor Erika Ishii delivers a compelling performance as the stone-faced killer, who embraces her role far more than her predecessor Jin did.
The combat system is described as deliciously brutal, with options including dual katanas, a spear, a bow, and the oversized ōdachi sword. Standoffs against towering generals remain challenging even after hours of play, ensuring that fights never feel trivial. However, the game's open-world nature can lead to unintentional comedy, such as accidentally summoning the horse, Mochizuki, into the middle of a seven-on-one brawl.
Graphically, Ghost of Yōtei is being hailed as one of the most beautiful games ever made, rivalling Assassin's Creed Shadows. The world of Ezo is lovingly rendered with ginkgo trees, distant mountains, and rivers teeming with fish. Navigation relies on the wind rather than a map, encouraging exploration. Side activities include roasting fish, playing the shamisen, and painting, all utilising the PS5 controller's features.
The soundtrack blends American western rhythms with traditional Japanese instruments, reflecting the game's perspective as an American take on Japanese history. While some may find it more action-packed than a typical samurai film, critics note that this approach avoids the sombre tone that sometimes constrained its predecessor. Ghost of Yōtei is a straightforward, violent, and visually stunning revenge tale that has captivated reviewers.
