TL;DR
Ghost of Yōtei revisits feudal Japan 300 years after its predecessor, offering a grittier, personal revenge saga starring a new ronin protagonist. While the core open-world gameplay remains familiar, combat is significantly enhanced with weapon-specific effectiveness and new tools like the Kusarigama. Visually, the game is a technical marvel, especially on the PS5 Pro, boasting stunning ray tracing and near-native 4K. However, the open world can sometimes fall into repetitive "checklist" territory, and pacing can falter. It's a must-play for fans of the original, particularly those with a PS5 Pro, showcasing impressive refinements and a compelling narrative. Discover if this sequel lives up to its potential in the full review!
Ghost of Tsushima was widely acclaimed upon its release five years ago on PlayStation 4 (and subsequently in the Director’s Cut on PS5). Acclaimed PlayStation studio Sucker Punch crafted an expansive, seamless world reminiscent of Naughty Dog titles, characterized by its distinctive aesthetic. However, the latter stages of the adventure often felt protracted due to repetitive fetch quests and frequent base capture mechanics, echoing elements seen in titles like Assassin’s Creed. Consequently, anticipation for a direct sequel had not been particularly high. Nevertheless, the studio now revisits feudal Japan with Ghost of Yōtei, but instead of continuing Jin Sakai’s narrative, the story advances 300 years and relocates the setting north to the wild Ezo (present-day Hokkaido). The result is a technical showcase and a compelling emotional revenge saga, though it still grapples with certain intrinsic challenges of the open-world genre.
Wild West in the North
The year is 1603. While the mainland unifies under the Tokugawa Shogunate, Ezo remains a lawless frontier. The narrative introduces Atsu, a “ronin” (masterless samurai) whose motivations stem from personal vengeance rather than traditional honor. This thematic shift is immediately evident in the opening narrative sequence, establishing Ghost of Yōtei as a grittier and more intimately personal experience than its predecessor. Atsu emerges as a protagonist with a broader emotional spectrum than the stoic Jin, and her pursuit of the six outlaws known as the “Yōtei Six” (the “Beasts of Yōtei”) evokes the essence of classic Westerns and, predictably, Kurosawa films. While one might initially anticipate more of the same, this title delivers engaging, high-caliber classic storytelling that simultaneously refines the foundational concepts of the original game in several key areas.
From a mechanical standpoint, the core gameplay loop remains familiar, involving tasks such as clearing hostile encampments, tracking guide animals like foxes, and upgrading player equipment. The primary innovation lies within its combat arsenal. The previous “Stance” system has been superseded by a new mechanic where specific weapons are intrinsically more effective against particular enemy types. The integration of weapons such as the Kusarigama (chain scythe) and the matchlock pistol (Tanegashima) imbues combat with a crucial sense of weight and variety, an aspect that felt somewhat underserved in the previous installment.
A Divided Technical Experience: PS5 vs. PS5 Pro
A comprehensive review of Ghost of Yōtei necessitates an examination of its hardware performance across different platforms. The title arguably represents the first true litmus test for the PlayStation 5 Pro, and the performance disparities are indeed significant.
On a standard PS5, the five-year technological gap since the original release is beginning to manifest. To achieve the target 60 frames per second in “Performance Mode,” the game dynamically scales the internal resolution down to 1080p. Despite outstanding graphics and art direction that maintain its aesthetic appeal, on a large 4K display, the image quality appears noticeably softer and exhibits more aliasing than typically expected from Sony’s first-party releases.
Conversely, on PS5 Pro, the experience undergoes a transformative shift. Leveraging Sony’s new AI upscaling technology (PSSR) and enhanced Ray Tracing capabilities, players can experience 60fps with near-native 4K image fidelity, complemented by real-time ray tracing. The advanced lighting, particularly the accurate reflections and diffuse illumination off snow and within interiors (Global Illumination), generates a level of visual realism unattainable on the base console. For owners of the Pro console, this title serves as an exemplary showcase of its enhanced graphical prowess!
A Living World with Some Empty Spaces
Hokkaido proves to be an exceptional setting. The snow-covered landscapes surrounding Mount Yōtei are visually stunning, and Sucker Punch has effectively integrated elements of Ainu culture.
However, the open world occasionally succumbs to a “checklist syndrome.” While the side quests exhibit improved narrative quality compared to its predecessor, certain expanses of the world can feel underdeveloped. The game’s pacing occasionally falters, particularly in its middle act, where the non-linear boss hunt structure can, at times, diminish narrative tension.
Conclusion: Buy or Skip?
For enthusiasts of Ghost of Tsushima, this title is an undeniable recommendation. Ghost of Yōtei refines its predecessor’s formula across nearly every aspect, delivering a narrative worthy of high-caliber Hollywood revenge sagas. Combat feels more impactful, the world is rendered with greater beauty, and the narrative holds a stronger appeal. While still a compelling experience for standard PS5 owners, it is important to note that the graphical fidelity may not match the absolute sharpness implied by promotional materials. Conversely, for PS5 Pro owners, this is an essential acquisition—a true reference title that offers an exciting glimpse into future graphical capabilities.
While not revolutionary, it stands as one of the most polished and entertaining action-adventure titles currently available on console.
Playstation provided a review code for this test. The material provider has no editorial influence on our reviews.
