Today marks the launch of Ghost of Yōtei on PlayStation 5, the eagerly awaited standalone sequel to 2020's Ghost of Tsushima. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the game drops players into a snowy, unforgiving landscape around Mount Yōtei in northern Japan, set in 1603. It's a tale of revenge, with protagonist Atsu rising from the ruins of her homestead to hunt down the ronin who slaughtered her family. The timing feels right—barely two weeks after the State of Play showcase that ramped up hype, and now it's here, clocking in at over 85GB for digital pre-loads.
Indeed, the global rollout started a bit early for some. In parts of the US and other regions, access kicked off late on October 1, depending on time zones, with full worldwide availability by this morning. Sony's confirmed the staggered times to smooth things out, but players are already diving in, especially those with the day-one patch—version 1.006, which tweaks combat and performance. Without it, disc owners might hit snags, so that's a heads-up worth noting.
Reviews are rolling in, and they're mostly positive, though not without a few nitpicks. TechRadar calls it a "beautiful and bloody sequel" that iterates smartly on the original's strengths, praising the dynamic weather—like auroras and blizzards—that ties into exploration around Ezo. IGN lands an 8/10, highlighting the flexible questing and arsenal of weapons, from dual katanas to kusarigama. However, some critics point to familiar open-world tropes that haven't evolved much, and the non-linear structure can feel overwhelming at times. Still, the combat's deadlier, more fluid, blending stealth and swordplay in ways that keep the adrenaline high.
Moreover, special editions add flair: the Collector's Edition packs statues and art books, while the Limited Edition PS5 console bundles nod to traditional Japanese designs. Pre-orders flew off shelves, underscoring the franchise's pull. For fans, it's a natural evolution; for newcomers, a gateway to samurai lore with a fresh, female lead.
Yet as players carve through the snow-swept wilds, one wonders how this sequel might reshape Sucker Punch's future ambitions in the genre.