Ghost of Yotei

Gameplay

Ghost of Yotei is based on the pillars established by Ghost of Tsushima. This means that we watch the events from the third person perspective (TPP).

Open world, exploration

Similar to its predecessor, the game provides us with an open world, which we can freely explore (on foot or on horseback). The action takes place in the areas surrounding the titular peak of Yotei, which dominates the area of Ezo, currently known as Hokkaido. It is full of picturesque grassy plains and snow-covered tundras. In contrast to the island of Tsushima, which was controlled by samurai clans, this region is outside the jurisdiction of Japan.

During exploration, we get to know the inhabitants of Ezo, carry out main story quests and side missions, and participate in optional activities. In addition, we can light a fire anywhere under the open sky, giving the protagonist a chance to catch her breath after the hardships of the journey.

Main and side missions

The driving force of the game is hunting down individual members of a gang called the Yotei Six. As part of the investigation, Atsu step by step follows the trail of individual criminals, to catch them and take their lives. We can choose the targets in any order.

Apart from the Yotei Six, there are also other bandits waiting to be hunted here, for whose elimination we receive additional rewards. There are also retrospectives here that give us insight into Atsu's past.

Gameplay styles, combat system

Combat plays an important role in Ghost of Yotei. We can eliminate enemies on solid ground or kill them quietly. Our main weapon is a katana, which nearly took Atsu's life years ago. Additionally, we can use a spear, double blades, odachi (long sword), or kusarigama (sickle on a chain). There is also no shortage of ranged weapons here, led by black powder weapons, kunai and thrown bombs.

The battles are dynamic, and during them we must demonstrate not only agility and reflexes to timely deflect enemy blows and launch quick counterattacks, but also perceptiveness (looking for gaps in the enemy's defense). We can also take advantage of new moves, among which disarming targets is leading.

Wolf Pack

As Atsu progresses, she gains allies who form the so-called Wolf Pack. Among them, we can find a weapon sensei, allowing us to develop skills related to combat, or even merchants offering equipment. Interestingly, we don't have to bother going to them personally, as they can visit us in our camp.

A special mention should go to the actual wolf, who can accompany Atsu and assist her in fighting enemies.

Special modes

Ghost of Yotei offers varied gameplay options (referred to as "experiences"). We can play with localized dubbing and subtitles, or with Japanese dubbing and localized subtitles. There is also a photo mode, known from the first installment of the series, as well as a special mode called "Kurosawa Mode", which makes the game resemble Akira Kurosawa's film.

In addition to this, there is a "Miike Mode" here, where the camera is closer to Atsu during fights, which is supposed to increase their intensity (combined with a more abundant bloodshed), as well as Watanabe Mode, where we traverse Ezo to the rhythm of Lo-Fi tracks.

Plot: Atsu versus the Yotei Six

Ghost of Yotei transports us to Japan of 1603. The main character of the game is Atsu, while our main enemies are a gang known as the Yotei Six. Sixteen years ago, its members (Snake, Oni, Kitsune, Spider, Dragon and Lord Saito) murdered the protagonist's family, and left her for certain death.

She miraculously survived and fled from her homeland, only to return after years spent learning to fight, hunt, and kill, to exact revenge on her tormentors. The path that Atsu follows makes the inhabitants of Ezo see her as Onryo - a spirit of vengeance.

Collector's edition and limited PS5 model

In addition to the standard edition, Ghost of Yotei is available in the Collector's Edition. It includes a ghost mask, a scarf, a tsuba (sword guard), a paper fan, cards with graphics, as well as a zanihajiki game and a pouch. It also features digital goods in the form of snake armor, special armor dye, a horse and saddle, a sword decoration kit, early access to wanderer maps, and a talisman.

Its complement is a limited version of the PlayStation 5 console, adorned with a theme from Ghost of Yotei.