The captivating allure of “Ghost of Yotei,” a captivating open-world game for Sony’s PlayStation 5, strikes players with its sheer beauty upon first encounter. As Atsu, a solitary ronin, swiftly traverses the verdant landscapes of northern Japan astride her white horse, the screen comes alive with herds of wild horses and flocks of birds in harmonious motion. The majestic Mount Yotei looms in the distance, its snowy peak resembling a masterful painting rather than digital graphics.
While some may fear that “Yotei,” the sequel to 2020’s “Ghost of Tsushima,” prioritizes style over substance, there is truth to this concern. Engaging in activities like scaling mountain paths and stealthily infiltrating enemy encampments may feel familiar to seasoned gamers. However, this does not diminish the game’s value, as it skillfully blends common open-world elements with a sophisticated and opulent presentation to narrate a timeless samurai revenge story that has the potential to elevate its lead character to new heights of stardom.
Set in Japan’s Edo period during the early 1600s, “Ghost of Yotei” follows Atsu, voiced by Erika Ishii in English, as she returns to her homeland of Ezo, known today as Hokkaido. Driven by a quest for vengeance against the Yotei Six, a group of ruthless criminals led by a lord who murdered her parents and left her for dead sixteen years earlier, Atsu ventures back to Ezo from her mercenary life in the south to seek justice.
Ishii’s portrayal of Atsu outshines the supporting cast, embodying a young woman haunted by her past, resolute in her pursuit of retribution, yet conflicted when confronted by mentors questioning the toll her vengeance may take on her inner peace.
In response to disappointment over the absence of “Tsushima’s” protagonist Jin Sakai in “Yotei,” Creative Director Jason Connell views the widespread resonance of Jin’s tale as a compliment. The team aimed to generate a similar level of excitement around a different historical period while paying homage to samurai cinema legends like Akira Kurosawa and Takeshi Miike. Connell emphasizes the game’s focus on Hokkaido’s perilous yet picturesque terrain, highlighting the juxtaposition of a classic vengeance narrative within a sprawling landscape.
Although the game ventures into a new locale, players familiar with “Tsushima” or similar historical open-world titles will find themselves at ease in “Yotei.” Exploring Ezo, pursuing notorious criminals for bounties, infiltrating enemy strongholds, and engaging in intense combat are central activities. While the gameplay may not revolutionize the genre, its seamless integration with the captivating visuals offers a distinct experience that resonates within the gaming community.
“Yotei” introduces a variety of weaponry beyond the traditional katana, enhancing hand-to-hand combat dynamics. Noteworthy additions include the spear, providing distance from adversaries, and explosive bombs that add a dangerous twist to encounters. The narrative unfolds through scripted sequences in major story missions, complemented by engaging side stories that enrich Atsu’s backstory as a wandering mercenary, reminiscent of compelling anime series like “Samurai Champloo.”
A standout episode features Atsu interacting with the Ainu people, the indigenous inhabitants of Ezo who have faced displacement due to southern samurai expansion. Despite their scarce representation in Japanese media, the inclusion of the Ainu in the game offers a refreshing perspective, albeit with limited impact on the overarching narrative.
“Ghost of Yotei” presents a more straightforward narrative compared to other prominent Sony titles like “God of War” or “The Last of Us.” Embracing a traditional revenge storyline embellished with occasional surprises, the game strikes a balance between mechanical simplicity and engaging gameplay, allowing players to immerse themselves without unnecessary complexities.
Sucker Punch’s approach in recognizing that simplicity can enhance the gaming experience, especially in expansive open-world titles, deserves commendation. “Ghost of Yotei” exemplifies how less can indeed be more in the realm of video game storytelling and design.