Ghost of Yotei Aims for Varied Gameplay Over Tsushima's Repetition

The sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, titled Ghost of Yotei, seeks to address a key criticism of the 2020 action-adventure game, with Sucker Punch vowing to reduce the repetitive feel of its open-world design while enhancing player engagement.

Ghost of Yotei Offers Expansive Exploration Freedom

Ghost of Tsushima Faced Criticism for Repetitive Gameplay

In a New York Times interview, Sony and Sucker Punch shared details about Ghost of Yotei, the upcoming sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, which introduces a new protagonist, Atsu. Creative director Jason Connell emphasized a shift toward a less repetitive open-world experience.

“Open-world games can feel repetitive due to similar tasks,” Connell explained to the New York Times. “We aimed to counter that by crafting diverse and engaging experiences.” He also revealed that Ghost of Yotei will let players wield firearms alongside traditional melee weapons like the katana, unlike its predecessor.

Despite Ghost of Tsushima earning an 83/100 on Metacritic, its gameplay drew sharp criticism. One review described it as “a familiar take on the Assassin’s Creed-style open-world adventure, set in 13th-century samurai Japan, but lacking depth.” Another suggested a tighter scope or linear design could have improved the experience.

Fans echoed these sentiments, noting Ghost of Tsushima’s repetitive nature despite its stunning visuals and action-adventure appeal. “The game is gorgeous but grows dull fast,” one player commented. “You face the same five enemy types—sword, shield, spear, brute, and archer—throughout.”

Sucker Punch is tackling these critiques in Ghost of Yotei, aiming to eliminate repetitive gameplay while amplifying the cinematic visuals that define the series. “We asked ourselves, ‘What makes a Ghost game unique?’” said creative director Nate Fox. “It’s about immersing players in the romance and splendor of feudal Japan.”

Revealed at the September 2024 State of Play, Ghost of Yotei is set for a 2025 PS5 release. Players can expect the freedom to explore Mount Yotei’s beauty at their own pace, according to Sucker Punch Sr Communications Manager Andrew Goldfarb in a recent PlayStation blog post.