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For Sony’s July State of Play, Sucker Punch Productions took center stage to present a deep dive into their standalone sequel, Ghost of Yōtei. The 20-minute showcase, narrated by creative directors Jason Connell and Nate Fox, revealed a treasure trove of new details, introducing us to a fresh protagonist, unveiling the sprawling world of Ezo, brand-new weapons, and more.
Ghost of Yotei takes place 329 years after its predecessor. Now set in 1603, we follow Atsu, a fierce woman protagonist, hell-bent on avenging her family, who were brutally slaughtered by the infamous Yotei Six. In this gruesome and treacherous journey, Atsu has sparked fear into the hearts of her enemies, with many suspecting she may be the legendary Onryō spirit. In Japanese folklore and literature, Onryō are known to be ghosts of people who died with strong passion that’s entrenched with hatred, rage and jealousy. Vengeance is their only motive, as they hand down their wrath on the living however they see fit. In that sense, they aren’t too far off. And to bring this home, Ghost of Yoeti offers a completely new way to experience its story giving players the freedom to flashback to the Atsu’s younger self with just a press of a button, offering more of a personal and intimate connection between its protagonist and story.
Exploration plays a massive role this time around, with a strong emphasis on player “freedom.” Players will embark on their new adventure in the land of Ezo, a beautiful vast land at the edge of Japan. Players are encouraged to play the game as they see fit. You can follow the main storyline, venture off doing sidequests, indulge in mini games, explore grasslands or none of it all. It’s your story. However, it’s highly emphasized to take your time. A “no rush”approach is highly recommended.
A new Clue System shakes up the adventure. Drawing comparisons to Breath of the Wild, this mechanic lets you collect information through interrogations or environmental cues. A single lead could drag you to a fire-scarred village or lure you into a snowy mountain ambush. It’s all about curiosity and consequences.
While Sucker Punch encourages you to choose what motivates you most when you’re playing the game, it's recommended that the best way to play it is to utilize the spyglass and seek out whatever sparks your interest.
Combat-wise, Atsu doesn’t hold back. Her arsenal includes dual swords, a spear, the lengthy ōdachi, a deadly kusarigama, and of course, the trusty katana. Every weapon has its own strengths depending on the enemy or encounter. She also wields a bow for stealth and a pistol for quick kills, if you don’t mind blowing your cover.
Outside of battle, players can unwind with the new camping system. Here, Atsu can cook meals, strum music beneath the stars, or connect with allies from her journey. Speaking of allies, the traditional journal system is gone, replaced by the more “character-driven” Wolf Pack, a homebase for allies, vendors, and mission tracking. Oh—and yes, you get a wolf companion.
Of course, Ghost of Yōtei brings back Kurosawa Mode, the black-and-white filter paying homage to the legendary filmmaker. But now it adds two more styles: Miike Mode, inspired by 13 Assassins director Takashi Miike, zooms the camera in for a grittier, bloodier feel. Watanabe Mode, a nod to Samurai Champloo creator Shinichirō Watanabe, brings lo-fi beats to the battlefield, perfect for slicing enemies with rhythm.
Additional features include new armor sets, color customization, photo mode, and the return of multiple language tracks, including the cinematic “Samurai Cinema” option (Japanese audio with English subtitles). And to top it all off, Sucker Punch surprised fans with a limited-edition Ghost of Yōtei PS5 console and DualSense controller, available at launch.
Ghost of Yotei is set to release on October 2nd, 2025.
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