When Ghost of Tsushima launched, it captivated millions, selling over 13 million copies and earning accolades across the gaming industry. That success set high expectations for a sequel. Instead of revisiting Jin Sakai, Sucker Punch took a risk with Ghost of Yotei: a fresh protagonist, a new era, and a story hundreds of years removed from the original events.
At the heart of this saga is Atsu, a warrior forged by tragedy. Sixteen years after the Yotei Six Demons slaughtered her family, Atsu embarks on a brutal path of vengeance. Unlike Jin, she isn’t bound by honor. Her quest is ruthless, starting with an assassination of a drunken enemy — a clear signal that survival and revenge outweigh tradition.
The narrative is structured as a blood-soaked tragedy. Players hunt down the Six Demons in any order, each encounter unfolding like a standalone tale of vengeance. Along the way, Atsu battles Lord Saito’s soldiers, interrogates foes for clues, and unlocks side stories that expand the world of Ezo.
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Storytelling Strengths and Flaws
The game thrives on emotional depth and cinematic intensity. While arcs like the Oni are gripping, others — such as Kitsune’s — feel uneven and occasionally clash with Atsu’s personality. The pacing can falter as the cycle of finding masters, learning new techniques, and fending off surprise attacks repeats. Yet, Sucker Punch’s clever design keeps exploration engaging and meaningful.
Image credit: Eurogamer / Sony
Open World and Side Content
Unlike Tsushima, side missions in Yotei directly enhance combat. Exploring shrines, climbing mountains, solving light puzzles, or infiltrating enemy camps rewards players with powerful skills like chain assassinations and devastating rage attacks. Each journey into the open world feels purposeful, seamlessly woven into Atsu’s vendetta.
Image credit: Eurogamer / Sony
Combat and Gameplay
Combat is where Ghost of Yotei shines brightest. Atsu’s fragility forces mastery of dodging, parrying, and timing. From katanas and bows to smoke bombs and specialized weapons, every tool matters. Boss fights are cinematic and challenging without crossing into frustration, while stealth gameplay encourages creativity without forcing it.
Final Verdict
Completing the main story takes roughly 22 hours, but the weight of Atsu’s journey lingers far longer. Ghost of Yotei doesn’t just follow in Tsushima’s footsteps — it surpasses it, cementing its place as one of the generation’s defining action-adventure games.
Image credit: Eurogamer / Sony