Video games at their best provide a level of immersion unparalleled in any other creative medium. Being able to navigate stunning locales and take on the role of powerful characters has been a staple since the 90s, yet any good thing can settle into normality when we peek behind the curtains and graphics have less of a leap in generations. Open world games reached what many perceived to be a ceiling, littered with checkpoints and repetitive tasks despite still structured around engaging stories. But the best managed to cut through and create experiences of wonder. Elden Ring, Breath of the Wild and Red Dead Redemption 2 are three examples. To many, they stand as the only examples. I can now say, after completing Ghost of Yotei, that Sucker Punch’s latest release can be added to the pinnacle of explorative gameplay. Expanding on the positives of Tsushima in every way, Yotei steps further into artistic immersion with a stronger protagonist and a perfected approach to checking what sits behind the mountain. Add in a sweeping soundtrack, top class visuals and deeper combat, and you have a pure Game of the Year contender that would not be out of place in the Louvre.
A challenge with sequels is balancing what already worked well with fresh ideas that take the IP forward. Yotei may operate on a similar level to Tsushima in gameplay and mission structure, but all aspects are improved in the step between the PS4 and PS5 era. Atsu, the lead character set on a tale of revenge following the death of her family by the Yotei six, is a ravenous beast compared to Jinn’s upstanding citizen trying to remain noble. While Assassin’s Creed Shadows came first this year, Yotei simply does the revenge story better and ensures no fatigue in the genre. A single, purposeful lead is often essential to story and world feeling impactful, and Atsu operates on a level more similar to Arthur Morgan than Naoe. I wanted to see Atsu’s reaction to events as much as the events themselves. Side missions added layers to her personality and to my understanding of her psyche (a particular bounty with a mother grieving a child rams this home). Every time I faced a member of the Yotei six, I wanted to use every dirty tactic in my arsenal to bring them down. Jinn had a code, but Atsu and I know that revenge is a dish best served cold.
Tsushima’s combat was its striking point, using sword stances as different options in defeating foes. Yotei replaces this with different weapons, which does create more variety in fights. Whether dual wielding katanas, piercing at distance with the yari or invoking my inner Scorpion with the kusarigama, swapping on the fly felt like no fight ever played out the same. Also having bows, firebombs, sand and other trinkets meant the expanding weapon set aligned with the increasing difficulty (and number) of enemies. Is there a better thrill in a game than lighting your katana on fire and wielding it through bosses like a lightsaber? Being able to dodge, roll, parry and disarm adds tactics to combat, which is expected of Japan and this era of warfare. I never tired of the fighting across my 40+ hours, seeking out bandit camps for the opportunity to try something new or attempt a stealth run. The added abilities through seeking out shrines means you can invest in the weapons or moves that best suit your style. The spirit meter allows for healing and OP moves, and enemy weapons can be picked up for another projectile. Much to juggle, yet there is always something to use.
While you’ll spend most of your time fighting hordes or bosses, Yotei drives the open world approach with so many different side activities worth your time. With markers optional through purchasing maps and the wind your guide to the next location, exploration can be organic or assisted based on your choice of immersion. Riding your horse through massive, colourful fields to a new pocket of the map will always reward Atsu with either armour, an engaging NPC or the opportunity to boost stats. Even finding hot springs, chopping bamboo or painting a vista kept me engaged because a little story would accompany the gameplay. This meant I was not just moving through the golden path of main missions, aware that I would be missing both the chance to improve my gear and the many moving stories told by an expansive roster of characters. Mini-games are also available for crafting, blacksmithing and cooking (often through the camping system) while the shamisen (a guitar type instrument) can be played at any time to assist through the power of song. This reminded me of Link’s Ocarina of Time instrument, and as I write this I realise I have mentioned some of my favourite games of all time while reviewing Ghost of Yotei. It carves its own path yet takes inspiration from the best.
The visuals are hard to describe in words, simply because they have the infusion of art with realism. A field of trees with steam rising off the water may have a slash of purple flowers snaking around a green hill. Leaves swirl in the breeze as the sun sets on the horizon. I took more photos in this game than any other in 2025 as every new ledge provided a breathtaking view. And then there’s Mount Yotei, which always looms in the backdrop. Yes, you can climb Mount Yotei and the views atop are up there with the most impressive of any game. But knowing that the mountain is always lurking as a sort of compass shows the strength in draw distance. You may forget about the mountain for 10 hours, deeply invested in story and gameplay. Then boom, it’ll catch your eye and you’ll quickly turn to photo mode to capture a shot. The game, being so inspired by Japanese film and music, has a range of options to transform how it looks and sounds. Kirisawa mode is back for black and white grain, you can dial up and blood and mud, and a mode with low-fi music is available should you enjoy the exploits of Watanabe. This adds replayability and style to a game already strong in both replayability and style. The soundtrack is also moving, a blend of East and West that really strikes the emotional chord in all the right moments.
If we are to return to story now that gameplay and presentation have been covered, there is little to reveal that will steer clear of spoilers. But the performance of Erika Ishii, despite all the controversies, is one that works so well in range for Atsu. She is simply locked in. This ranks among my favourite lead performances of the year alongside Tom McKay’s Henry in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 and Jennifer English’s Maelle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Shrek spoke about Ogres being like onions, and 25 years later this applies to the lead character in Ghost of Yotei. Many may be put off by her forward nature, aggressive-first attitude and singular revenge focus. Yet when we play games, we are there to fight. We are there to push forward, no matter the obstacle. Atsu’s focus is exactly why we play games, making stepping into her shoes even more purposeful.
Ghost of Yotei is one of the best games in 2025, refining the Tsushima experience and reducing any hesitant approach in the role of revenge. Combining first class presentation with responsive, varied gameplay, deep exploration and an emotional story demonstrates that you really can have your cake and eat it too on the PlayStation 5. I’ve reviewed nearly 30 games so far in 2025, and it is impossible not to place this near the peak of the mountain. The feedback was taken on board for the previous game, the leap between console generations is distinct and Legends mode is coming next year to provide us with a multiplayer experience. Bring it on.
Pros
- Gaming as art
- Deep exploration and combat system
- Story is tighter than Tsushima
Cons
- Having so much to do may impact pacing for some
Ghost of Yotei is available exclusively on Playstation 5.
