Ghost of Yōtei Revives Kurosawa Mode, Adds New Japanese Director Tributes

▼ Summary
– Sucker Punch Productions revealed new details about Ghost of Yōtei, including Atsu’s weapons, journey, and presentation modes during Sony’s State of Play.
– The returning Kurosawa Mode pays homage to Akira Kurosawa with black-and-white visuals, film grain, and Japanese lip-synced dialogue.
– A new Takashi Miike Mode features closer camera angles, more blood and mud, inspired by the director’s gritty samurai films like *13 Assassins*.
– The game introduces dual katanas, ōdachi, and kusarigama weapons, along with Elden Ring-like exploration and hidden areas.
– Limited Edition Ghost of Yōtei-themed PS5 consoles and controllers were showcased, featuring Mount Yōtei and Atsu designs.
Sony’s latest State of Play event unveiled exciting new details about Ghost of Yōtei, the highly anticipated sequel to Ghost of Tsushima. The extended gameplay showcase highlighted fresh combat mechanics, exploration features, and special visual modes paying tribute to legendary Japanese filmmakers.
One standout returning feature is Kurosawa Mode, a black-and-white cinematic style honoring Akira Kurosawa’s iconic samurai films. Complete with film grain effects and Japanese voice acting, it immerses players in the same visual atmosphere as classics like Seven Samurai. Joining it is Takashi Miike Mode, which amps up the intensity with dynamic camera angles, exaggerated blood effects, and gritty combat reminiscent of Miike’s 13 Assassins. For a different vibe, Shinichirō Watanabe’s mode infuses the game with lo-fi beats, blending exploration and swordplay with the chill aesthetic of Samurai Champloo.
The trailer also introduced new weaponry, including dual katanas, ōdachi, and kusarigama, each offering distinct combat styles. Players can seamlessly switch between them mid-fight or even disarm enemies, though protagonist Atsu isn’t immune to losing her weapons either. Exploration takes inspiration from Elden Ring, encouraging players to venture off the beaten path, tracking wildlife to uncover hidden secrets.
Wrapping up the presentation, Sony revealed limited-edition PS5 hardware featuring custom designs. The console plates depict Mount Yōtei, while the controllers showcase Atsu’s striking silhouette, perfect for fans eager to bring the game’s aesthetic into their setup.
(Source: POLYGON)