When Ghost of Tsushima launched, it wasn’t just another PlayStation exclusive. It was the PlayStation exclusive, a masterclass in open-world storytelling that left players breathless. So when Sucker Punch announced Ghost of Yōtei, the pressure was immense. Could they possibly follow up one of the best games ever made on PS5?
The short answer: yes, they absolutely could.
Combat That Evolves Without Losing Its Soul
The battle mechanics in Yōtei remain as satisfying as ever. If you loved the swordplay in Tsushima, you’ll feel right at home here, but with some welcome refinements. Sucker Punch has kept everything that worked and built upon it with subtle improvements that make combat feel even more responsive.
The standout addition is the new weapon system, which rewards tactical thinking. Choosing the right tool for each encounter adds a layer of strategy without overcomplicating things. It’s still challenging, still fun, but now there’s extra depth for those who want to master every aspect of combat. These aren’t revolutionary changes, they’re careful evolutions that show a developer confident enough not to fix what wasn’t broken. This is a fine art in games, particularly as franchises grow.
A Personal Tale of Vengeance
Where Yōtei really distinguishes itself is in its narrative pivot. Tsushima told the sweeping story of Jin Sakai, a samurai fighting for the soul of an entire island and its people. Yōtei pulls the camera in closer, focusing on a vengeful female protagonist whose personal journey of retribution feels intimate and raw.
The story is gripping, made even more compelling by a clever twist: our protagonist can slip between past and present at certain locations. This mechanic isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a storytelling lever that Sucker Punch pulls expertly throughout the game, adding layers to both plot and character development that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
Total Immersion Recommended
Visually, Yōtei is stunning. The landscapes are breathtaking, the character animations fluid, and the attention to detail extraordinary. But to truly experience this game as intended, do yourself a favour: switch to Japanese voice acting with English subtitles. It’s how the game was meant to be experienced, and it adds an authenticity that pulls you completely into feudal Japan. I couldn’t help myself, I went full immersion and haven’t looked back.
The Inevitable Comparison
Here’s the elephant in the room: Yōtei probably isn’t better than Tsushima. But that’s an impossible standard. Ghost of Tsushima is one of the greatest games ever made on PS5, potentially one of the best games of all time, and definitely one of my personal favourites. Any sequel was running the very real risk of falling short.
The remarkable achievement here is that Yōtei doesn’t fall short. It’s more than good enough. It’s as good as a sequel could have possibly been, striking that delicate balance between familiar comfort and fresh innovation.
If there’s a criticism to be made, it’s this: at times, Yōtei can feel like an exceptionally polished DLC rather than a completely new game. The formula is similar enough that you might occasionally wonder if this needed to be a full sequel. In the business world, of course it did. DLC costs about 50% that of a full game. But to gamers, I feel this is a valid question. That said, when the formula is this good, is that really such a terrible thing?
The Verdict
Am I enjoying Ghost of Yōtei immensely? Absolutely. This is some of the most enjoyable time I’ve spent on PS5. Between Tsushima and Yōtei, Sucker Punch has delivered my two favourite story-driven experiences on the console. While it may live in the shadow of its predecessor, Yōtei proves that sometimes standing shoulder to shoulder with greatness is achievement enough.
