I went into this game having finished Ghost of Tsushima, but honestly wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy it. I didn’t fully resonate with the first game, but after talking with the community, one thing kept coming up “play the side quests.” So this time, I did exactly that and it completely changed how I experienced the story.
Exploring every corner of Ezo, I loved how vast and distinct each area felt. The landscapes were stunning, familiar locations felt meaningful, and I especially enjoyed how the game lets you step back in time to play as a young Atsu in key moments.
Atsu herself is such a strong protagonist. Her path of vengeance against the Yotei Six had real Kill Bill energy, and the time jumps revealed exactly why she’s so driven. She’s a killer, but also kind and just, which made her journey feel layered and human.
I spent most of my time completing side quests, bounties, wolf and fox dens, and this really helped me connect with the world. I loved that I could take my time through each chapter instead of rushing the main story. For me, it made the whole experience richer.
Combat-wise, mastering weapons was a huge part of the game. Learning new techniques from Sensei in different regions was a highlight and the weapon wheel worked well, though in the heat of boss fights I found switching quickly between tools a little frustrating.
Now, onto graphics. Even on the PS5 Pro, I ran into some stutters during horse chases and a few cutscenes (the wolf sequence especially didn’t look as polished and were the same in each interaction). The main story cutscenes, though, looked phenomenal and cinematic.
A couple of quick answers:
Can you jump straight into this without playing Tsushima?
Yes, it feels welcoming to both newcomers and returning fans.
Is it accessible to all skill levels?
Definitely. I played on Easy since I’m not the best at parry-heavy combat, and still found it challenging and fun.
Overall, Ghost of Yotei is a beautiful and emotional open-world samurai adventure. The Kitsune storyline was a standout for me (no spoilers, but it’s incredible), and the side quests are absolutely worth exploring. While it felt like something was still missing that I can’t quite pinpoint, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Atsu’s journey.
Verdict: 7/10
Lover of all things gaming, film and technology from 80’s to now. My background in Marketing & Operations Management has provided me with a strong work ethic and ability to think outside the box.
