Yoshi-P Calls Ghost Of Yotei Outstanding

Naoki Yoshida, the director of Final Fantasy 14, identified Ghost of Yotei as his most compelling game of 2025. He credited the title with teaching him lessons about production techniques and technical design.

Speaking to 4Gamer, Yoshida said he continues to play the game whenever he has time.

"I've played many different games this year, but the one I still find myself playing whenever I find the time is Ghost of Yōtei. It's a game I learned a lot from, in terms of the technical aspects and the production skills," Yoshida said

Yoshida emphasized the accuracy of the game’s environment. The open-world sequel reconstructs 1600s Japan with meticulous attention to detail. Yoshida, who grew up in Hokkaido, highlighted the authenticity of Mount Yotei's depiction.

"Being from Hokkaido myself, I was always captivated by the beauty of Mount Yōtei whenever I visited Niseko as a snowboarder. The recreation of that beauty was truly outstanding!" he added.

The comments arrive amid recognition of Ghost of Yotei’s influence on players and developers. The game delivers a mix of exploration, combat, and environmental storytelling, following the framework established in its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima. Critics have noted its world-building and technical execution, aligning with Yoshida’s praise.

Despite its acclaim, the game did not win major categories at The Game Awards 2025. Nevertheless, its impact on developers in Japan, including those familiar with historical and geographical accuracy, remains significant. Sucker Punch’s approach combines visual fidelity, environmental research, and gameplay mechanics to create a cohesive experience that resonates with both professional and casual players.

Yoshida’s remarks underscore the broader conversation about regional representation in games. By referencing his personal experience as a snowboarder in Hokkaido, he contextualizes the fidelity of Mount Yotei in a way few reviewers could. The attention to landscape, seasonal effects, and natural detail demonstrates Sucker Punch’s commitment to immersive world-building.

Read also, Ghost of Yotei fans and some actors expressed mixed opinions over the game’s placement at The Game Awards 2025. Some players argued that other titles, including Split Fiction, deserved recognition in the Game of the Year category, sparking debates across gaming communities.