Ghost of Yotei Review: A Samurai Sequel That Sharpens the Blade

Sequels in the gaming world often fall into two categories: they either chase innovation to break new ground or refine what already worked. Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Yotei leans into refinement, delivering an open-world samurai adventure that stays close to Ghost of Tsushima’s formula while polishing its combat and deepening its emotional core. The result is a game that doesn’t reinvent the genre but finds strength in its focus, with a blend of sharp action, striking visual design, and a story grounded in revenge.

Michael Higham’s review on IGN outlines how Ghost of Yotei stays true to its roots while tightening the experience in meaningful ways. He highlights its cinematic style, combat depth, and stronger protagonist as core reasons the sequel succeeds.

At the heart of Ghost of Yotei is its new lead character, Atsu. Where Ghost of Tsushima’s Jin was stoic and restrained, Atsu is fiery, brash, and unafraid to lean into bloodlust. Erika Ishii’s performance in voice and likeness helps create a more believable protagonist, one who feels driven and flawed in ways that make her stand out. The revenge tale that drives her across Ezo is straightforward—she hunts down the Yotei Six and their leader Lord Saito, who murdered her family—but the execution carries enough tension to keep the narrative engaging.

Previously, Ghost of Yotei made waves during the July PlayStation State of Play with an 18-minute gameplay showcase, revealing new weapons, refined combat, and a cinematic style building on Ghost of Tsushima’s foundation. Earlier, PlayStation held a massive State of Play event in June.

The setting itself is as much a star as Atsu. Moving from Tsushima’s rolling fields to the biodiversity of Ezo, players explore snow-capped peaks, flower-filled plains, and dense forests, all crafted with Sucker Punch’s trademark attention to cinematic detail. Akira Kurosawa’s influence lingers in the way scenes are framed, the dueling standoffs, and the sweeping horse rides across open fields. The artistic flourishes elevate Ghost of Yotei’s presentation beyond technical achievement, embedding it with personality.

Storytelling in Ghost of Yotei balances predictability with occasional flashes of brilliance. While the revenge plot often follows familiar beats, there are memorable turns—emotional flashbacks with Atsu’s mother, and companions like Oyuki who challenge Atsu’s single-minded pursuit of vengeance. These moments provide nuance, though the pacing sometimes suffers from abrupt escapes and stalled momentum. Even so, when the narrative delivers a one-on-one duel or a cathartic confrontation, it does so with intensity.

Combat defines Ghost of Yotei, and this is where the sequel shines brightest. Unlike Tsushima’s stance system, Atsu wields multiple weapon types, from dual katanas to a chained sickle and the hulking odachi. Each carries distinct weight and strategy, creating a rock-paper-scissors rhythm against enemy types. The kusarigama in particular stands out, offering crowd control, shield-breaking utility, and even ranged assassinations. Weapon-switching feels seamless, rewarding mastery with fights that flow smoothly between styles.

Ghost of Yotei is set to release on October 2. Previously, before GTA 6's delay, it seemed like a risky decision, but now everything is calm as an east wind.

Layered into this arsenal are firearms, reflecting the early 1600s setting. Muskets and flintlock pistols provide ranged punch, with reload times adding tension and payoff. Smoke bombs, dust, and elemental enhancements add variety to encounters, ensuring players rarely lack options. The result is combat that compels exploration not for loot but for the sheer thrill of testing new strategies.

Stealth remains present but takes a secondary role. Familiar mechanics—tall grass, distracted guards—make it serviceable without being groundbreaking. What elevates it is integration with combat. Sneaking in for a few assassinations before unleashing a flurry of blades remains a satisfying loop. Yotei doesn’t punish failure in stealth, instead shifting naturally into combat, reinforcing where its real strengths lie.

Boss fights and duels punctuate the journey, demanding precision in parries and dodges. Perfect parry mechanics, aided by gear like the Bounty Master armor, create high-stakes encounters where timing feels crucial. Standoffs return as well, offering cinematic tension in cutting down foes before unleashing chaos. These mechanics tap into the samurai fantasy that defined Tsushima but expand it with greater flexibility and intensity.

Progression avoids traditional RPG leveling, instead encouraging skill through practice and discovery. Skill trees expand as players seek out shrines and side quests, making exploration meaningful beyond collectibles. Optional quests often lead to new abilities, gear, or charms that emphasize different playstyles. This design ensures growth feels tied to the world rather than arbitrary numbers.

Side quests add variety, from supernatural mysteries to outlaw hunts, with occasional challenging duels that push combat skills to the limit. Some highlight the indigenous Ainu culture of Hokkaido, integrating traditions respectfully within the worldbuilding. These touches lend authenticity and richness to the setting, making exploration feel more grounded.

Ghost of Yotei also refines navigation. The wind mechanic returns, guiding players organically without cluttering the screen with markers. Atsu’s shamisen introduces musical interactions, allowing players to uncover hidden spots or boost health, tying gameplay to the game’s thematic motifs of music and family. While some platforming activities echo familiar genre tropes, the cohesive presentation keeps them from feeling like filler.

Pacing benefits from segmented zones that create a sense of scale without overwhelming the player. The map is expansive but avoids bloat, encouraging immersion rather than checklist fatigue. Presentation modes further enhance this immersion. Kurosawa mode returns for black-and-white stylization, while new filters like Takashi Miike mode heighten gore and Samurai Champloo-inspired options add stylistic flair. These touches acknowledge the cinematic roots of the samurai fantasy while experimenting with playful variety.

Ghost of Yotei may not revolutionize the open-world formula, but it refines it with precision. Its revenge story, while predictable, gains weight through Atsu’s stronger characterization and the emotional texture added by companions and family history. Combat deepens with expanded weapons and firearms, making every encounter an opportunity to experiment. Exploration rewards curiosity with meaningful progression and cultural nods, while visuals continue Sucker Punch’s mastery of style.

The verdict rests on how much players value refinement over innovation. Ghost of Yotei doesn’t take dramatic risks, but its focus on fluid combat and cinematic presentation ensures it stands tall as a sequel. For those who found joy in Ghost of Tsushima, this successor offers a sharper, more polished experience that carries forward the samurai fantasy with confidence.

Ghost of Yotei sharpens the blade without breaking it. It is a sequel that understands its strengths and builds on them, delivering a more grounded protagonist, smoother combat systems, and a world that remains stunningly alive. The novelty of its predecessor may have faded, but in its place is a game that rewards precision, embraces style, and carves out its place as one of Sucker Punch’s most refined works.