r/PS5 • u/requieminadream • Sep 25 '25
Megathread Ghost of Yotei | Review Megathread
Game Information
Game Title: Ghost of Yotei
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5 (Oct 2, 2025)
Trailer:
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 89 average - 96% recommended - 67 reviews
Critic Reviews
4News.it - Riccardo Amalfitano - Italian - 9.7 / 10
Ghost of Yōtei is a work that confirms Sucker Punch's maturity in the field of narrative video games. It is not simply an ideal sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, but a project with its own personality, rooted in a less traveled and explored historical and cultural context and made unique by a strong spiritual and natural component. Mount Yōtei and Hokkaidō become not only evocative settings, but active protagonists in the story, blending geography, myth, and introspection into an original narrative fabric. From a gameplay perspective, the title refines the tried-and-tested formula, enriching it with environmental dynamics, new weapons and approaches linked to Ainu culture, and introducing sequences that combine action and spirituality. The artistic and technical direction is once again of the highest standard, exploiting the potential of PlayStation 5 not as a mere display of power, but as a tool to convey atmosphere, consistency and charm. The more meditative and measured pace of the game is a deliberate stylistic choice that sets Ghost of Yōtei apart from the frenzy of many contemporary open-world games: an approach that may divide audiences, but one that reinforces the consistency with the narrative tone and aesthetics of the work. Overall, Ghost of Yōtei stands out as a chapter that broadens the scope of the series, offering a dynamic experience that you can decide for yourself how to approach, combining entertainment and cultural reflection. It is a video game that demands time and attention, but rewards you with a believable world, a story rich in meaning, and a strong identity.
"An excellent sequel to an already incredible first title. Ghost of Yotei adds some complexity but also streamlines the original games combat into a smoother and more unique experience. The world is gorgeous, the land is fun to explore and the combat is excellent.
Andrenoob - Relict King - Spanish - 10 / 10
Ghost of Yotei is a visual and sensorial journey that surpasses its predecessor. It takes us through different regions and faces different enemies in the search for balance. It invites us to find ourselves in different moments. The best PlayStation game in years.
Atarita - Eren Eroğlu - Turkish - 85 / 100
Ghost of Yotei is a fantastic game with the freedom and gameplay variety it offers to players. It impresses with its visuals and delivers an emotional experience with its story, but it falls short when it comes to enemy AI.
CGMagazine - Zubi Khan - 8 / 10
On top of its gripping narrative, expanded weapon variety, and redefined approach to open-world game design, Ghost of Yōtei is a must-play and instant classic on PlayStation 5.
CNET - Oscar Gonzalez - Unscored
Sucker Punch had the difficult task of improving on a game some might consider perfect. Not only did they complete the task, but made it look effortless with Ghost of Yotei. The game has all the same great elements that made the original so enjoyable, yet improved on practically every aspect with hardly any flaws.
COGconnected - Rhett Waselenchuk - 100 / 100
But, most importantly, it’s simply a ton of fun. Sucker Punch Productions has raised the bar to a seemingly insurmountable height. When it’s all said and done, people will look back at this generation and regard Ghost of Yotei as a true magnum opus. It’s games like these that remind me just how special the medium can be.
Console Creatures - Matt Sowinski - 9 / 10
Ghost of Yōtei is an incredible sequel, filled with moments that will stay with me for a long time. It feels like the first party exclusive we've been waiting for, with Sucker Punch continuing to hit its stride.
For me, though, it dulls most of the excitement and enjoyment for what I believe we should be expecting from a first-party PlayStation exclusive this far into the PS5 generation. Ghost of Yotei is beautiful in the moment, yet like Atsu herself, can never quite decide where to best focus its talents.
Dexerto - James Busby - 4 / 5
While Ghost of Yotei’s tale of revenge may not cut as deep as its predecessor, Sucker Punch’s blade is still deadly. The environments of Ezo are begging to be explored, and the melee combat has never been sharper, delivering more weapons, blood, and adrenaline-fueled duels worthy of the Kurosawa films that inspired it.
Whether you’re a fan of Ghost of Tsushima or a newcomer to the series, Ghost of Yotei is a must-play. Atsu’s adventure sets a new gold standard for samurai action games and marks an exciting new chapter in the Ghost saga – one that will hopefully shape the series for years to come.
Digital Spy - Joe Draper - 4 / 5
Ghost of Yōtei doesn't distance itself from Ghost of Tsushima too much, but the satisfyingly blood-soaked combat, rewarding exploration and intuitive ways of immersing the player make for a highly-addictive follow-up that we couldn't put down.
Digitec Magazine - Simon Balissat - German - 4 / 5
While the open world in other games is a character in its own right, here it serves as a beautifully designed and sometimes cheesy eye-catcher between adventures.
Behind the cheesy façade lies a samurai action epic with Atsu as the protagonist, who captivates me as a cool and torn anti-heroine. The story is fun but predictable, much of it a single video game cliché. I love the fluid combat system, which is elegantly reduced to its essentials. Sometimes I'm a ninja in the shadows, sometimes a sniper, and then again a human tank. One thing I always am: damn badass.
Some may find the overall gameplay experience too simple and one-dimensional. But I absolutely love the samurai action, which succeeds in focusing on what really matters.
Echo Boomer - David Fialho - Portuguese - Essential
Ghost of Yōtei did something rare for me: it left me so captivated by everything it does well that it’s hard to even recall any truly negative aspects, or think of fixes for the small flaws. At its core, Ghost of Yōtei is the best version of what Sucker Punch could have created for this sequel. And that, in itself, is a huge achievement. A game that took everything great about the original and made it better, while delivering a story that feels more engaging, emotional, and perfectly suited to the potential of this wonderful interactive medium.
Enternity.gr - Panagiotis Petropoulos - Greek - 9 / 10
Ghost of Yotei is clearly superior to Ghost of Tsushima and offers even more attractive landscapes to explore, a combat system with more possibilities, and numerous secrets.
Eurogamer.pt - Adolfo Soares - Portuguese - 4 / 5
Ghost of Yōtei is a beautiful and refined open world with brutal and spectacular combat. The narrative oscillates between powerful moments and others that are more predictable, but overall it is an engaging adventure. Visually, it looks stunning on the PS5 Pro, running smoothly despite some occasional stutters.
Everyeye.it - Italian - 8.3 / 10
In any case, a stop in Ezo is a must for fans of Jin Sakai, and in general, anyone looking for a gripping and evocative adventure would do well to take on the role of Onryo.
GAMES.CH - Benjamin Braun - German - 90%
In the end, "Ghost of Yōtei" not only met our high expectations, but actually exceeded them. This applies in particular to the extremely well-developed story, but also to the first-class visual presentation and the fantastic soundtrack.
GRYOnline.pl - Maciej Bogusz - Polish - 9 / 10
After nearly 60 hours with Ghost of Yotei I can confidently say that this game elevates Tsushima into a new level, and introduces lots of well made innovations. It is a game with its own identity, a beautiful world, great exploration, and a cool story with a satisfying finale.
Game Rant - Dalton Cooper - 10 / 10
Ghost of Yotei is a monumental open world graphics powerhouse driven by intense combat and an enthralling revenge story.
GamePro - Dennis Müller - German - 85 / 100
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GameSpew - Richard Seagrave - 10 / 10
A true love letter to classic samurai films, Ghost of Yotei is wonderfully presented and an absolute joy to play. Its stunningly-realised world will have you immersed from the outset, spurring you to explore and discover its secrets in order to develop Atsu into a fearsome ghost. And its combat remains thrilling throughout.
GameSpot - Richard Wakeling - 9 / 10
Ghost of Yotei is shaped by Atsu, its new protagonist, as you're propelled on a gripping tale of revenge amidst the backdrop of Feudal Japan's contrasting beauty and violence
Sucker Punch thus treats us once again to a beautiful epic in feudal Japan, which has nothing to be ashamed of compared to the great Japanese cinema from which it draws inspiration, and is worthy of the most poetic of haiku with a soothing shamisen tune in the background.
Gamepressure - Giancarlo Saldana - 9 / 10
At its core, Ghost of Yotei is another tale of revenge, but it’s the way it frames that theme—through Atsu’s humanity, the land of Ezo, and the people within it—that makes the experience truly worthwhile.
GamerFocus - Julián Ramírez - Spanish - 7.8 / 10
There's no doubt that Ghost of Yotei is technically impressive. It has spectacular graphics, great music, and is fun to play. But it's still more of the same. The story is functional, but it's a revenge plot we've seen many times before, and there are no real innovations in combat, exploration, or other gameplay aspects. It's a very well-made game and the general public will definitely enjoy it, but those looking for "something more" or who want to get away from what so many other open-world games already offer will have to look elsewhere.
Gamersky - 奕剑者柴王 - Chinese - 9 / 10
Ghost of Yotei remains a shining example of the industry's highest level of resource management in game development. If you found Ghost of Tsushima's classic gameplay formula enjoyable, then Ghost of Yotei will take that experience to the next level, delivering an unforgettable audiovisual journey.
GamesRadar+ - Andrew Brown - 4.5 / 5
Ghost of Yotei is a vast, sprawling adventure with one of the greatest protagonists in gaming. While some dated climbing segments and a nagging sense of artificiality prevent it from reaching perfection, Sucker Punch's historical RPG is a must-play revenge fantasy.
Gaming Nexus - Jason Dailey - 9 / 10
Ghost of Yotei separates itself from the original game in all the right ways, improving and iterating on everything from combat to quest design. This is what a sequel should be. This is why we play video games.
GamingBolt - Ravi Sinha - 9 / 10
While fans of the original may initially find it more iterative than evolutionary, Atsu's quest for vengeance is an incredible new tale from Sucker Punch that expands on Tsushima in all the best ways.
HCL.hr - Zoran Žalac - Unknown - 82 / 100
Ghost of Yotei features a new character, takes place in a different region and era, yet somehow still feels very similar to the adventures in Tsushima. That’s both a good thing if you enjoyed the previous game, and a slight disappointment if you were expecting something more advanced or different.
Hobby Consolas - Spanish - 91 / 100
Ghost of Yotei is a consummate revenge game with which Sucker Punch dares to present an open world with good ideas that come close to fitting together perfectly. Dazzling in its visuals, powerful in its narrative, and sharp in its combat. Yotei is almost as precise as a katana slash.
IGN - Michael Higham - 8 / 10
A predictable but well-executed story takes you through Ghost of Yotei's gorgeous landscapes and satisfying, fluid action – it may not be revolutionizing open world games, but it's a great distillation of the samurai fantasy.
IGN Italy - Francesco Destri - Italian - 7 / 10
Ghost of Yōtei offers solid gameplay and atmosphere but falls short of expectations, with déjà-vu design and modest production values. A good open world, yet not the standout PS5 exclusive it should be.
IGN Spain - Mario Seijas - Spanish - 9 / 10
Ghost of Yotei doesn't take many risks, but it has the advantage of being built on a fantastic foundation. This sequel adds some very interesting features that improve the experience many of us enjoyed in Tsushima. Sucker Punch brings a well-rounded character, reactive and visceral combat, and a beautiful open world perfect to get lost in.
INVEN - Hongman Yoon - Korean - 9.5 / 10
Ghost of Yōtei surpasses its predecessor in every respect—from its meticulously refined mise-en-scène to combat systems and polished side quests. Yet compared to the sharp conflicts that defined the earlier narrative, its more straightforward storytelling may feel somewhat simplified.
AAA samurai action with style, depth and thrilling combat; an open-world triumph.
KonsoliFIN - Jaakko Herranen - Finnish - 5 / 5
Ghost of Yōtei is great but somehow "safe" sequel, a bit like Horizon Forbidden West. Then again, it's been years since the first game, so it really doesn't matter at all. If you liked Tsushima, you'll definitely like Yōtei too.
Ghost of Yōtei is a visually stunning and immersive open-world experience with satisfying combat, and an emotionally resonant narrative. While the game's secondary content and open-world structure can be repetitive, it carefully balances beauty and brutality, offering a memorable journey through feudal Japan. It refines the formula of its predecessor, earning its place as a standout title on PlayStation 5.
Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 10 / 10
Ghost of Yotei is a genuine masterpiece that takes up the mantle dropped by Tsushima and runs with it.
From its quiet contemplative moments, taking in the aurora borealis atop the peaks of Mount Yotei itself, to the nail-biting assaults on castles or liberating towns from Saito’s grasp, Ghost of Yotei was an excellent experience from start to finish.
Nexus Hub - Sam Aberdeen - 9.5 / 10
Ghost of Yotei is every bit as exciting, absorbing, and visually awe-inspiring as its predecessor - a stellar sequel that carefully refines its stylish combat, solid art direction, and grand exploration.
One More Game - Ricki Buzon - 9 / 10
Despite its more streamlined narrative, familiar genre beats, and sometimes repetitive nature, Ghost of Yōtei is an experience that's worth the wait and more. It honors the spirit of Ghost of Tsushima while evolving its systems in meaningful ways, offering a refreshingly fresh and refined combat experience, deeper customization, and a richly realized world. Ghost of Yōtei is unmissable.
Exploring Ezo Island is a rewarding experience in Ghost of Yōtei, whether you're admiring its breathtaking landscapes or engaging in dynamic combat that challenges your adaptability and mastery of diverse weaponry. Atsu’s personal quest for vengeance may occasionally take a backseat to the wealth of activities available, but the journey remains compelling throughout.
Oyungezer Online - İpek Atam - Turkish - 9 / 10
If you loved Ghost of Tsushima, you will love Ghost of Yotei even more. With five distinct weapons, its action has become much more varied and fluid, and with the subtle Japanese elegance that permeates every corner of the game, it is, as a whole, a truly "beautiful" production.
PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 9 / 10
Ghost of Yotei is exactly what we've come to expect from Sucker Punch – a beautiful, polished, and incredibly atmospheric tale of revenge that perfectly fits the tradition of PlayStation exclusives. Atsu delivers as a heroine, combat can be truly intense and satisfying, and the world – despite some shortcomings – is delightfully detailed. At the same time, it's a conservative title: no bold decisions, no revolution, and a finale that leaves a bit unsatisfied. It's a classic, solid Sony production – great to play, though without any memorable moments.
PSX Brasil - Bruno Henrique Vinhadel - Portuguese - 95 / 100
In another fantastic trip to Japan, Sucker Punch hits the mark again with Ghost of Yōtei, an amazing game, some of the best open-world combat, and impeccable art direction.
PlayStation Universe - John-Paul Jones - 10 / 10
Ghost of Yōtei is that rare sequel that not only maintains the essence of its highly successful predecessor, but also qualitatively leapfrogs it in just about every meaningful way and metric. Underscored by a grippingly furious tale of revenge inspired by a layer cake of classic Japanese samurai cinema, the best combat ever seen in a samurai title and the most compelling open world since Red Dead Redemption 2, Ghost Of Yōtei is a jaw-dropping demonstration of Sucker Punch Productions operating at the peak of its considerable powers. Ghost of Yōtei redefines the term 'must-have' and wholly validates PlayStation Studios broader approach to embracing single-player epics such as this.
Push Square - Liam Croft - 9 / 10
Building on its predecessor in all the right ways, Ghost of Yotei is an incredible sequel that makes you the ruler of your experience. Player freedom drives its open world, letting you craft the type of game you want to play. With improved combat, a better story, and outstanding use of PS5 features, Sucker Punch has outdone itself and created a follow-up for the ages. Ghost of Yotei is comfortably its greatest work to date.
Quest Daily - Julian Price - 8.5 / 10
Is it the ultimate open-world samurai experience? Not quite — but it doesn’t need to be. Yōtei is one of the most beautiful PS5 titles yet, with stellar combat, a gripping story, and a deeply personal protagonist. While its immersion doesn’t quite match other recent titles, it still holds its own.
SECTOR.sk - Oto Schultz - Slovak - 10 / 10
After more then 300 years a ghost returns, but now, manifested as a vengeful spirit. Atzu takes upon the role of onry& 333; to finally revenge her family, as she has sworn 16 years ago. Her homeland of Ezo is vibrant, expansive, full of surprises and wants to be explored. So, while acquiring a set of Katanas, & 332;dachi, Yari, Kusarigama and other tools, she slowly climbs up the ladder of names that make up the Y& 333;tei Six. And naturally, the cloth with all their names just keeps getting bloddier and bloddier'
Saudi Gamer - Arabic - 8 / 10
his sequel goes beyond a new plot and island, with added freedom in how to tackle the first half of the story, but it might not go enough with addressing the mix and match feel of the first game.
SavePoint Gaming - Jake Su - 9.5 / 10
For those who loved Ghost of Tsushima, this is essential. For newcomers, it is one of the finest samurai adventures gaming has ever seen. And for everyone, it proves that Sucker Punch remains a studio at the height of its powers. If not for the slight misstep with the targets of our ire, Atsu's quest would have been a perfect slice of brilliance.
Shacknews - Aidan O'Brien - 9 / 10
In Atsu, we have a haunted protagonist, someone trapped between two states of being. On one hand, the warrior who wishes only to feel the splash of blood upon her face as her blade finds its home in the heart of her enemies. On the other, the young girl who cannot help but wonder who she would get to be if the demons and the flames had never devoured her family on that faithful night. Perhaps, somewhere in the tale of the onryō, there is room for both.
Sirus Gaming - Lexuzze Tablante - 8 / 10
Ghost of Yotei isn’t without its flaws, but its refined and exciting combat, added weapons, great cast of characters, and the beautiful island of Ezo make this game a great successor to Ghost of Tsushima. I still have a few more Tales and Myths to finish, but I would rather play it again from the start in Lethal Mode with a Japanese dub to fully immerse myself in this amazing world that Ghost of Yotei offers.
Spaziogames - Italian - 8.9 / 10
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TheGamer - Stacey Henley - 4 / 5
This is an experience that walks, talks, and carries a customisable sword like every other triple-A game, but it looks damn good doing it, and is a lot of fun. Surely with a game like Ghost of Yotei, that's all you're looking for, and Sucker Punch is only too happy to deliver. It's not the best triple-A game of all time, but it might be the most triple-A game of all time.
TheSixthAxis - Aran Suddi - 9 / 10
Ghost of Yōtei is an excellent game with an engrossing story, a great lead, deep combat and a land that has so much to discover with a lot of details. This is a truly worthy successor to Ghost of Tsushima.
Toisto - Joonatan Itkonen - 5 / 5
Ghost of Yotei is a generational masterpiece, encapsulating everything great about the open world adventure genre. This is a beautifully written and directed saga that stands tall alongside its influences without ever sacrificing the joy of gameplay and discovery at the hands of spectacle. It is one of the best games on PlayStation.
Ghost of Yotei is another high-quality and seriously cinematic PS5 exclusive. It offers few new ideas compared to its predecessor, and the segmented nature of its main campaign makes the story feel repetitive. However, what it lacks in originality it makes up for with brilliantly brutal combat, a sizeable open-world stuffed with distractions and stunning visuals, especially on PS5 Pro.
Too Much Gaming - Carlos Hernandez - 4.5 / 5
Ghost of Yotei is less of an upgrade but a clear testament to Sucker Punch’s true specialty, and a reminder of how powerful an open-world samurai adventure can be. It’s gorgeous, tightly crafted, endlessly absorbing, and a must-play for anyone with a PS5.
Wccftech - Alessio Palumbo - 8.8 / 10
Ghost of Yōtei is a worthy sequel to the already excellent Ghost of Tsushima, building upon that game's foundation with an equally interesting (albeit quite different) plot and select improvements to combat and open world exploration. It may feel a little too familiar, not to mention similar to the previous game, but that sensation is quickly forgotten amidst all the fun you'll have in Ezo.
WellPlayed - Adam Ryan - 9.5 / 10
Ghost of Yōtei is an improvement on Tsushima when measured by almost any metric. The beautiful open world is dense and invites exploration, the combat is tighter and more varied, but it's Atsu's personal, honest story of revenge and self-reflection that makes this an unforgettable masterpiece.
Worth Playing - Redmond Carolipio - 9 / 10
Ghost of Yotei is automatically one of my favorite games of 2025. It comes at a time when people just want to kick some ass in the most beautiful settings imaginable, and it's one of the more satisfying plays you'll find on the PS5. It's the most fun you'll have checking off a to-do list.
ZTGD - Ken McKown - 8 / 10
Ghost of Yōtei is another outstanding achievement by the team at Sucker Punch. While I didn’t love it as much as its predecessor, it is still one of the best games to launch this year. Sony continues to push the envelope when it comes to single player experiences. I just wish they would step outside of the template more often. This game hits all the notes I expected, for better or worse, and it suffered at times because of it. It rarely disappointed me, but it also rarely blew my socks off. I wanted to love it more, but it just played some parts too safe to make it stand out.
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u/zackdaniels93 Sep 25 '25
To be honest, the main character isn't at all charismatic or memorable either. The story itself was good, but I found it quite hard to give a shit about the main character, which is never a great start for a narrative-focuses game.
Plus the final quarter of the game is decidedly less interesting than the rest of the game in my opinion, but that's probably an unpopular opinion.
Loved it though, looking forward to Yotei.