Ghost of Yōtei marks a new chapter in Sucker Punch Productions’ Ghost series, stepping away from the shores of Tsushima and into the colder, more rugged landscapes of Ezo, the region now known as Hokkaido. The game is set during the early Edo period, a time of political shift and cultural transition, which gives the story a noticeably different atmosphere from its predecessor.

Here, you play as Atsu, a warrior who carries her own history of loss. Her journey isn’t about recreating the legend of the “Ghost”, but understanding the weight that comes with it. The world already knows the stories of Tsushima; the myth has spread, evolved, and taken on its own meaning. Atsu enters a world that has expectations of what the “Ghost” is and she has to decide what that legacy truly means to her.

You don’t need to have played Ghost of Tsushima to follow or appreciate what’s happening here. The narrative stands on its own and the game does a good job of introducing its world, themes, and mechanics in a way that feels welcoming to new players, while still offering recognition and continuity for returning fans.

Story and Setting 

Ghost of Yōtei begins with a clear focus on Atsu’s personal motivations rather than a sweeping military conflict. Instead of being thrown into the middle of a large-scale war, the story starts small and intimate, giving players time to understand who Atsu is and what has shaped her. This approach makes the emotional stakes feel immediate without relying on grand spectacle.

The shift to Ezo plays a major role in how the story is framed. Compared to Tsushima, Ezo is colder, less populated, and less stable, both politically and environmentally. Villages feel more isolated, travel takes place across long stretches of wilderness, and the environment itself can feel indifferent, if not hostile. This change in setting gives the narrative a noticeably different tone, one that’s quieter, more introspective and at times heavy.

The world is still dealing with the aftereffects of the “Ghost’s” legacy, but not in a way that requires you to know every detail from the first game. The idea of the “Ghost” exists here more as myth and influence; a story that has spread and evolved over time. Characters reference the title with varying degrees of reverence, suspicion, or fear and this creates a natural tension around who Atsu is expected to be versus who she wants to be.

This balance between personal identity and inherited legend is what drives the early narrative. There’s no rush to declare Atsu as a hero, villain, or symbol. Instead, the game takes its time to let you understand her, the land she travels through and the people whose lives intersect with hers. It’s a quieter, more measured introduction, and it makes the story feel grounded from the beginning.

Visuals

The visual quality stands out right away. Character models, environments and lighting have all seen noticeable refinement and the presentation feels more polished overall compared to Ghost of Tsushima. Surfaces and materials have clearer texture definition; clothing, armour and foliage look detailed up close and the lighting engine does a lot of work in making scenes feel natural.

Cutscenes, in particular, are a major highlight. The facial animation is strong enough that characters can convey emotion through subtle expression rather than exaggerated movement or heavy dialogue. This gives story moments more impact and helps the game maintain a grounded tone.

The world layout also feels intentional. Forest routes, village layouts, cliff paths and snowy fields are designed in a way that feels connected rather than assembled from repeated assets. Traversing from one region to the next has a sense of progression both visually and atmospherically. The colder climate of Ezo is reflected in everything from the muted colour palette to the way buildings and settlements are structured around the environment rather than against it.

There’s also a noticeable consistency in how the game handles weather and time of day, which adds to immersion without drawing attention to itself. You’re not constantly stopping to admire visuals; the world feels natural enough that you simply settle into it.

Overall, the visual presentation supports the tone of the game. It’s grounded, restrained and confident.

Gameplay

If you’ve played Ghost of Tsushima, the core combat in Ghost of Yōtei will feel familiar. The emphasis is still on timing, spacing and reading your opponent rather than relying on fast button presses. Strikes are deliberate and enemies tend to punish careless aggression. The combat encourages you to slow down, observe and react, which gives every encounter a sense of weight.

The game introduces blocking, dodging and counterattacks at a steady pace. You’re given room to get comfortable before more complex enemies and move sets appear. This makes the early learning curve approachable, even if you haven’t played the previous game.

For returning players, the combat doesn’t feel like a repeat. Stance transitions and movement flow more smoothly and weapon actions respond with slightly more clarity and precision. It’s evolution rather than reinvention, which works well for a sequel built on already strong foundations.

There are also multiple difficulty settings, including options that emphasise story progression, balanced play, or more challenging fights. This makes it easy to adjust the experience based on how you like to play, whether you prefer a cinematic journey or something more technically demanding.

Side Activities

Alongside main quests, you’ll encounter smaller activities that break up exploration and give the world additional texture. These aren’t large side storylines; they’re quick, contained challenges that help pace the adventure:

• Bamboo cutting tests focused on timing and precision
• Simple games of chance, like coin flicking, which add personality to settlements
• Short combat or movement trials that encourage practising mechanics in low-pressure settings

These activities are optional, but they appear naturally during travel and exploration. They help the world feel active without overwhelming the map with large checklists or tasks. They’re brief, varied and easy to engage with when you come across them.

Atsu’s Performance

Atsu is voiced by Erika Ishii and her performance is a strong match for the type of story the game is telling. Rather than leaning into dramatic delivery or heightened emotion, the portrayal is measured and understated, which feels intentional. Atsu isn’t presented as a heroic figure from the start or someone consciously trying to live up to a title. She’s a person who has experienced loss and is navigating the weight of that quietly.

Ishii’s delivery gives Atsu room to feel grounded. Conversations and emotional beats play out naturally and even in scenes where there’s tension or grief, the performance doesn’t overreach. This helps maintain the tone of the game; personal, reflective and character-driven.

Because of this, Atsu feels relatable early on. You’re not being asked to see her as a legend or symbol. You’re being allowed to understand her first and the performance supports that approach effectively.

Early Thoughts

Ghost of Yōtei doesn’t try to overwhelm the player with large-scale spectacle in its opening hours. Instead, its impact comes from how consistent and confident it is across its core elements. The visual presentation is strong, the combat is focused and responsive, and the narrative keeps attention centred on Atsu as a character rather than the larger myth around her.

The world feels intentional and lived-in, not just visually appealing. Settlements, travel routes and smaller encounters all contribute to a sense of place that supports the story rather than distracting from it.

For returning players, the game feels familiar in the right ways. The foundation from Ghost of Tsushima is still present but refined. For new players, the structure and pacing make it easy to understand without needing background knowledge of the previous game.

I’m still early in the journey but so far Ghost of Yōtei feels assured and well-built, with a strong grasp of its tone and character focus. Atsu’s story has room to grow and I’m interested to see how the game continues to explore the idea of identity and legacy as the narrative develops.