Developer Sucker Punch Productions’ standalone sequel to Ghost of Tsushima explores a completely different part of Japanese history, shifting the series more than 300 years into the future. But that time gap isn’t the only thing that sets these games apart: While the Ghost of Tsushima protected his home against Mongol invaders, the Ghost of Yotei seeks revenge for the deaths of her family.
The stakes are personal this time around as players step into the shoes of a darker, more anguished assassin. Erika Ishii’s performance as the main character Atsu is raw and visceral, instantly endearing players to a protagonist who, at the beginning of the game, knows only grief and rage. As Atsu hunts down the Yotei Six — the heads of the criminal organization that ruined her life — she meets allies in unlikely places, and ultimately rediscovers her own humanity.
Ghost of Tsushima’s brutal action combat gets a big upgrade, too. Atsu wields an entirely new arsenal of weapons, including dual katanas, kunai, a menagerie of bombs and even a flintlock rifle. Taking down thugs and criminals harassing innocent villagers is sickeningly satisfying, as Atsu fluidly slices, dices and executes her enemies.
And if Tarantino-esque levels of violence aren’t what you’re playing the game for, you can always retreat to the hot springs for a relaxing break or toggle photo mode and take in the gorgeous landscape. Ghost of Yotei contains beauty and destruction in equal measure, building on its predecessor graphically, mechanically and thematically.
Release date: Oct. 2, 2025
Genre: Stealthy open world action adventure
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
– Tyler Graham
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