Ghost of Yotei Review, One Year On: Sucker Punch's Quiet Masterpiece of Open-World Design

A Simpler, Sharper Revenge Story

Where Ghost of Tsushima wrestled with honor and duty, Ghost of Yotei tells a leaner, more personal story. Set in Ezo in 1603, it follows Atsu, a lone mercenary hunting the six people responsible for the murder of her family. The structure lets you choose which of the Yotei Six to pursue, and the game handles that freedom gracefully: each target has a distinct region, tone and set of allies. Atsu herself is the standout — wry, tired, and quietly funny, she carries the emotional weight without ever tipping into melodrama.

Exploration That Trusts the Player

The guiding wind returns, but Yotei leans further into organic discovery. Smoke on the horizon, a howling wolf, or a stranger by a campfire are often all you need to follow your curiosity, and the map rarely drowns you in icons. Setting up camp anywhere to cook, rest, and play the shamisen gives the journey a slow, reflective rhythm that sets it apart from busier open worlds. It's an open world built around wandering rather than checklists, and it's better for it.

Combat With More Options

The biggest evolution is the arsenal. Instead of switching stances, Atsu swaps between distinct weapons — katana, dual katanas, kusarigama, odachi and yari — each suited to certain enemy types. The result is combat that rewards reading the battlefield and reacting quickly, while standoffs and duels remain as tense and cinematic as ever. On higher difficulties, the parry and dodge windows tighten enough to make every encounter feel genuinely dangerous.

Visuals and Performance

Ezo is breathtaking. Fields of grass ripple under the wind, snowstorms roll in off the mountains, and Mount Yotei looms over almost every vista. Performance mode holds a steady frame rate on PS5 and runs even better on PS5 Pro, while the stylized presentation options, including the cinematic black-and-white and anime-inspired filters, give replays a fresh look.

Verdict

Ghost of Yotei doesn't reinvent the open-world formula so much as refine it to its essentials, and a year later that restraint looks like its greatest strength. If you skipped it at launch, now is the perfect time to visit Ezo.

• Pros: Gorgeous, atmospheric world; Memorable lead in Atsu; Flexible, satisfying weapon-based combat; Exploration that respects your time
• Cons: Some side activities repeat; Story pacing dips in the middle act
• Score: 9/10