Memory Card: GHOST OF YOTEI
For many of us, October has been the month of Games. Many large titles have or will be released throughout the month. Battlefield 6, Pokémon Legends ZA, Digimon Time Strangers, Arc Raiders, and more are blessing our PC's and Consoles. However, the one that I'll be discussing today is Ghost of Yotei. This will be a part of a new mini-series called Memory Card, which I've wanted to create for some time, where I provide my spoiler-free reviews on some of the latest games that I've played, whether it's a new title or an old one. I'm not a professional writer, so it'll be pretty casual. I hope you enjoy!
Spoiler Free!
Much like Ghost of Tsushima, Yotei is a cinematic masterpiece that captivates you through beautiful scenery, emotional storytelling, and awe-inspiring music. Unlike its predecessor, this game also offers a plethora of new characters, stories, and mechanics (which we'll get into later) that will keep you engaged throughout your play. There wasn't a single moment that I felt as if the game were dragging along with no end. Every step is well thought out, and provides proper value and rewards that inspire both curiosity AND exploration.
Every pixel in Ghost of Yotei feels handcrafted. Like a well-crafted painting, it's not meant to be sped run. Some of the best moments that I had consisted of me exploring areas that weren't required and admiring the art that the devs took the time to create just for us. For example, the view of the sunrise atop Mt. Yotei, which also provides a couple of charming rewards that were hinted at while visiting your childhood home.
The world is vast, but it is far from empty. Considering that this is an isolated island off the main coast of Japan during the Edo period. Ghost of Yotei shines at captivating us players through a beautiful environment filled with interactive elements. When I bow at a memorial, flower petals swirl around me. When I'm traversing through a meadow, other wildlife gracefully follow as if I'm a part of the pack. Friendly travelers provide camps or opportunities for rewards, and not-so-friendly travelers... well, they do the opposite.
You can always count on Sony and PlayStation for wonderful world design.
Every step is immersive. Every view is cinematic. This world is truly something that I look forward to exploring. There isn't enough gratitude in the world that we can provide the team at Sucker Punch for designing such a great experience.
I'd like to give them even more credit for the game design. From sound to gameplay. From traversal to narration. This game takes everything that worked with the first game and expands upon it. Unfortunately, it needs to be said a little more these days, but that's exactly how it should be. Ghost of Yotei does all of the little things right, and then some.
The story is excellent. While I enjoyed the first game's overall arc just a tad bit more, this apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Each main character has depth that makes you root for them, while also keeping you cautiously wondering how their story will end.
The gameplay is some of the best that I've ever seen. The combat is simple but sharp. Every swing feels earned, like the game’s teaching you restraint instead of power. The skill tree is deep with customization and includes some crucial perks for an extremely helpful ally.
There are plenty of weapons to choose from, making each encounter dynamic and ever-changing with AI that actually feels intelligent enough to make this happen. My only minor gripe is that I do feel like our protagonist learned to use weapons a little too quickly. I also wish they had gone with a carry capacity system similar to that of Red Dead Redemption 2, but that's just me being picky. Maybe we'll see it in the next game, and regarding her quick mastery, I see how it was crucial in terms of the story's pacing.
Steal is an option, which I love. If you believe you're skilled enough to take on an entire camp, guns blazing, then go for it. You won't see a mission failed screen for that choice; however, you can also silently take out an entire camp ninja-style, and it is just as rewarding.
One thing that I would like to point out is that Yotei does not force you to traverse across the entire countryside, which is a great quality of life feature for those who don't have as much time to play. You can simply open your map and fast travel to the nearest landmark, eliminating the need for horseback. That said, they've also added subtle improvements, such as providing a boost when traveling through white flower patches or gathering resources while you're riding. Such a small feat, but great for making some of the more tedious activities worthwhile.
A brief encounter that I had with a few Nine-Tails.
I knew this was a great game from the start. Similar to Ghost of Tsushima, Yotei opens up with a cinematic moment that sets up Atsu and her story for the remainder of the game. You immediately understand the "Why" and "How" behind her motive. Unlike Jin Sakai, who was torn between the ways of the Samurai and the ways of the Ghost, you learn that after years of fighting, it was who Atsu has naturally become. She is the Onryō.
While I was more drawn to the ending of Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei stands on its own two legs as a successful story. Tsushima is not a prerequisite play for Yotei, though you will immediately be more familiar with the mechanics should you have played the existing title. Atsu and Jin Sakai should not be compared, as they each had individual experiences crucial to their growth. While Jin Sakai's path required him to learn the new ways, Atsu's path required hear to forgive and forget the old.
Ghost of Yotei is. a beautiful, cinematic masterpiece, with very few flaws. If you love the first game as much as I do, then I highly recommend giving this one a try.
Ghost of Yotei is 100% worth the space on your Memory Card!
- Kaleb
