Ghost of Yotei Review: A Gorgeous, Bloody, and Superior Sequel
▼ Summary
– Ghost of Yotei is a highly anticipated PS5 exclusive praised for its visceral combat, beautiful open world, and gripping epic tale set in 17th-century Japan.
– The game features an outstanding, artistically designed map and a card-based system for side quests that encourages organic exploration and discovery.
– Combat is a major highlight, offering a dynamic arsenal of weapons, seamless weapon swapping, and highly graphic, satisfyingly fluid melee encounters.
– While the game proudly iterates on the successful formula of its predecessor Ghost of Tsushima, some repetitive open-world activities can cause minor fatigue.
– Despite a few imperfections, the game is a technically impressive and cinematic experience that is considered well worth the wait and dozens of hours of playtime.
Ghost of Yotei stands as a breathtaking evolution of its predecessor, delivering a deeply immersive samurai epic that fully leverages the power of the PlayStation 5. This sequel masterfully blends a gripping revenge narrative with visceral, dynamic combat and a world of staggering beauty. While it proudly carries the DNA of Ghost of Tsushima, the game introduces enough refinements and a powerful new protagonist to carve its own distinct and memorable path.
The game’s setting in 17th-century Japan is nothing short of spectacular. From sun-drenched fields to icy mountain passes, the environment is a character in itself. Each region feels meticulously crafted, with seasonal changes painting the landscape in a vibrant palette that is both awe-inspiring and functional. The world doesn’t just look beautiful; it feels alive and integral to the adventure. Exploration is encouraged through an ingenious map system where locations reveal themselves like brushstrokes on a canvas, and subtle environmental cues like the guiding wind make traversal a constant pleasure.
At the heart of the experience is Atsu, an outlaw driven by a thirst for vengeance against the masked figures known as The Yotei Six. Her journey is a cinematic and emotionally charged saga, filled with twists that continually reshape your understanding of the conflict. Atsu’s character development is a major highlight, as her rage and determination are palpable in every confrontation, evolving meaningfully as the story progresses.
Combat is where Ghost of Yotei truly shines with brutal elegance. The game replaces the stances from the original with a diverse arsenal of five distinct melee weapons. Swapping seamlessly between a katana, kusarigama, and other tools during frenetic encounters feels like a deadly dance. The action is incredibly graphic and responsive, offering a profound sense of mastery. Whether you prefer stealthy assassinations or head-on confrontations, the combat system provides immense depth and satisfaction. The inclusion of skills like the terrifying Onryo’s Howl adds another layer of strategic options to every encounter.
Beyond the main story, the world is packed with meaningful activities. While some side content like bamboo cutting and visiting hot springs can become repetitive over dozens of hours, the core activities, such as hunting bounties and uncovering local myths, remain engaging. The game’s technical performance is exceptional, particularly in the Ray Tracing Pro mode on the PS5 Pro. The innovative use of the DualSense controller is also noteworthy, with subtle haptic feedback for rainfall and creative uses of the touchpad and microphone enhancing immersion.
Ghost of Yotei is a game that demands to be savored. It is a world you will want to inhabit long after the credits roll, perfect for players seeking a profound and stylish action-adventure. For those who loved the original, this sequel is an essential play. It respects what came before while confidently stepping into new territory, resulting in one of the most compelling exclusive titles available on the platform.
(Source: techradar)
