Berenhardt Ghost of Yōtei was easily my most anticipated title of 2025. As a long-time fan of its “prequel”, Ghost of Tsushima, I was counting down the days until I could once again don my virtual samurai robes and unsheathe a digital katana to send evildoers headless into the afterlife. The “Ghost” series has always held a special place in my heart, and to get straight to the point: the wait for Atsu’s new adventure was absolutely worth it.
Note: This review contains minor spoilers from the opening hours.
Set 329 years after Jin Sakai’s story in the southwest of Japan, Ghost of Yōtei puts you in the shoes of Atsu—a 28-year-old woman born in the snowy north. From the very first cutscene, the game impressed me with its cinematic flair and sheer visual polish. Sucker Punch once again sets the tone masterfully, drawing you instantly into its tale.
During the “Night of the Burning Tree”, Atsu’s family is brutally attacked by the Yōtei Six. Barely escaping death, she is “reborn” as an Onryo—a vengeful spirit who will stop at nothing to exact justice. After sixteen years of wandering across southern Japan, mastering her father’s katana, Atsu returns to Ezo to settle her bloody score. It’s a classic revenge tale—familiar, sure, but more than enough to propel you forward and let righteousness cut deep.
“Harsh times make for hardened hearts.”
Your first real test of skill comes during a hunt for “The Snake”, one of the Yōtei Six, who drowns his guilt in sake. The encounter takes place in a fog-shrouded village, beautifully crafted and dripping with atmosphere. Walking into that quiet, lantern-lit settlement feels almost western—dusty streets, tense silence, and the unspoken knowledge that someone’s about to draw first. The parallels between samurai tales and westerns are clear, and Sucker Punch leans into that connection. The inclusion of a Kurosawa mode is a heartfelt nod to the genre’s roots, a thoughtful touch for cinephiles.
The level of detail is once again staggering. Fire sparks, drifting mist, and swaying grass all combine to create moments so beautiful that I often found myself distracted mid-battle—something Atsu’s health bar didn’t appreciate.
After your first duel and the ceremonial crossing-off of your inaugural target, the camera pans wide to reveal the Yōtei Grasslands and Mount Yōtei in a breathtaking panoramic shot. No exaggeration—my jaw dropped. On PS5 Pro, with Ray Tracing Pro enabled, the game is a technical marvel and a true showcase of what the console can finally deliver.
The seamless visuals are matched by equally impressive performance—load times are practically nonexistent. Gone are the days of glancing at your phone between fast travels. Even better, Sucker Punch integrates this technical prowess into gameplay: in certain sequences, the game loads dual environments that can be swapped between instantly—think Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, but with a samurai twist.
Like Tsushima, Yotei emphasizes immersion through creative use of the DualSense controller. You inscribe the names of your enemies on the touchpad, build campfires by physically blowing into the controller mic, and even play the shamisen, paint sumi-e, cook, or gamble through motion and haptic inputs. My favorite feature, though, is using the shamisen to summon your wolf companion at specific points, or to guide the wind toward points of interest—a clever, immersive touch.
“A wolf needs her pack.”
At its core, Ghost of Yōtei doesn’t stray far from the formula that made its predecessor shine: a gorgeously realized Japan, lightning-fast load times, a phenomenal soundtrack (don’t skip the lo-fi menu mode), and a tale of vengeance. Yet Sucker Punch still manages to raise its own bar. The old stance system has been replaced by a weapon-type combat style—more dynamic, more tactical. Finding masters to train you in new weapons can feel slightly repetitive, but it’s satisfying nonetheless.
One of the best new additions is the ability to invite key NPCs to your camp. Blacksmiths, archers, and traders can join you, allowing quick upgrades without the need for fast travel. Occasionally, a mysterious traveler may appear at your campfire to share rumors of hidden locations. It’s a small but effective feature that makes the world feel alive—a definite improvement over Tsushima. Atsu’s witty dialogue and limited-but-impactful player choices add just enough personality to keep you invested.
That said, I occasionally found myself craving more life in the game world. While the story explains the lack of bustling towns through ongoing clan wars, it sometimes feels like a narrative excuse for emptiness. There’s plenty to do, yes—but a larger settlement or two would have made exploration feel richer. On this front, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, another samurai epic released this year, has a slight edge. Still, these are minor gripes in an otherwise masterful experience.
Final Reflections
Ghost of Yōtei is my personal Game of the Year for 2025. You can feel the love and craftsmanship in every detail—from the blurry vision after a sake binge to the breathtaking environmental design and perfectly tuned combat. The customization options, the crafting system, the musical flourishes—all blend seamlessly into an experience that honors its roots while moving the genre forward. A deep bow to everyone involved in crafting this timeless sequel. For anyone still on the fence: don’t hesitate. Pick up your katana and step into the snow-covered fields of Yōtei. You won’t regret it.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some bandits to hunt—and a mountain range to lose myself in. Sayonara.
Additional Information
Release Date: Oct 2, 2025
Reviewed On: PS5 Pro. Download code provided by the publisher and PR agency.
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Website: Ghost of Yōtei
Relevant links: Ghost of Yōtei on PlayStation Store
