Ghost of Yōtei: A Critical Consensus

Five years have passed since the release of Sucker Punch Productions' Ghost of Tsushima, and its sequel, Ghost of Yōtei, has finally arrived, offering a fresh take on Japanese history with the story of Atsu, a vengeful protagonist portrayed by Erika Ishii. Ghost of Yōtei has garnered generally positive reviews from critics, boasting a Metacritic score of 86. The game's writing and diverse side activities have been particularly praised, although some critics have expressed concerns about its similarities to the original game. Gene Park of The Washington Post, who awarded the game 3.5 out of 5 stars, was impressed by the narrative and Atsu's character development, describing it as a "page-turner." Park noted that while the game employs common storytelling devices, it utilizes them effectively, with flashbacks that keep Atsu's pain fresh and the player invested in her quest for revenge. Keza MacDonald of The Guardian, who gave the game a 4 out of 5 rating, praised Ishii's performance as a "stony-faced killer" and the game's brutal yet enjoyable combat. MacDonald appreciated the game's ability to balance action, blood, and death-defying climbing, creating an experience that surpasses traditional samurai movies. Alessio Palumbo of Wccftech, who scored the game 8.8 out of 10, observed that while Ghost of Yōtei may be less historically accurate than its predecessor, it effectively tells a classic revenge story. Palumbo emphasized that the game is not meant to be a historical account, but rather a narrative-driven experience where the main character is consumed by her desire for vengeance. Not all critics were equally impressed, with Radio Times' Rob Leane rating the game 3 out of 5 and finding the storytelling to be "a mixed bag." Leane felt that the game starts abruptly, without giving characters sufficient time to make an impact, and that the narrative is overly similar to its predecessor and Assassin's Creed Shadows. The Washington Post's Park also noted that Yōtei relies too heavily on genre conventions, such as walk-and-talk scenes and horseback journeys, which, although saved by the game's writing, feel somewhat laborious. In contrast, The Guardian's MacDonald found that Yōtei pushes the Ghost franchise's genre conventions further, offering a more engaging experience. Comic Gaming Magazine's Zubi Khan, who gave the game 9.5 out of 10, appreciated the game's ability to make side activities feel distinct and engaging, rather than repetitive. Khan praised the game's encouragement of exploration, allowing players to discover new locations and activities in a non-linear fashion. The game's world, described by MacDonald as a "digital tribute to Japan's natural beauty," is built to be admired, with its ginko trees, distant mountains, sparse plains, and rivers teeming with fish. The use of the DualSense controller's haptic feedback also adds to the immersive experience, allowing players to engage in activities like sumi-e and metal forging. Park highlighted the game's artful approach to combat, with Atsu wielding two swords in a beautifully animated display. Khan appreciated the overhaul in mechanics, which focuses on weapon types rather than stances, offering a more varied experience that suits Atsu's character. The game's difficulty has been found to be well-balanced, with five difficulty settings and a challenge that feels fair and rewarding. Palumbo praised the game's combat mechanics, particularly during boss fights, which deliver a spectacular display of satisfying combat without becoming frustrating. Overall, critics have found that Ghost of Yōtei builds upon the successes of its predecessor, offering a familiar yet new experience. Comic Gaming Magazine's Khan described it as an "outstanding and hauntingly beautiful open-world game" that stands alongside its legacy, while Palumbo agreed that it is a worthy sequel with an equally interesting plot and select improvements to combat and open-world exploration.