Ghost of Yotei is a wild game about chasing down killers on a mission for payback. You take out a lot of folks along the way. There are tons of intense battles where you elegantly slice down enemies as blood sprays from their cut limbs. But what I actually dig doing the most in it is just sometimes standing still. Sucker Punch’s brand new open-world follow-up may not be the prettiest game on PlayStation 5 but it sure feels like one of the most visually lively and dynamic within the genre of hyper-realistic action adventure sandboxes. The island of Ezo is packed with characters, some more fascinating than others, but none more captivating than the wind.
It drifts through the world, guiding you on which way to head next in what remains one of my favorite UI innovations of the PS4 era. Even when you ain’t looking for your next goal, though, it’s always lingering nearby, rustling leaves, blowing through flowers, and knocking over tall grass to remind you that the world of Ghost of Yotei is more than just a playground for collectibles, upgrades, and quest markers. There are so many times when I’m sprinting across a field or along a river with Atsu on horseback and just feel urged to stop, hop off, and absorb my surroundings. It’s scarce that a game can consistently knock me off the critical path and get me to take my time exploring off the beaten path. Sometimes they try with secrets, rewards, or confusing level design. Yotei does it better than most, and without just relying on the same old tricks. There are spots in its world that make standing around look and feel so good I sometimes don’t wanna stop. A rare thing for a game indeed, to make putting the controller down every once in a while feel as riveting as the rest of it.
In Conclusion, Ghost of Yotei offers players a thrilling experience of hunting down murderers while also providing moments of calm and serenity in its vibrant world. The game’s attention to detail in the environment, from the subtle movements of the wind to the lush landscapes of the island of Ezo, creates a truly immersive experience for players. Whether you’re engaged in intense battles or simply taking in the beauty of your surroundings, Ghost of Yotei manages to strike a balance between action and tranquility that sets it apart from other games in its genre. So, next time you find yourself playing Ghost of Yotei, be sure to take a moment to appreciate the world around you—it might just surprise you.
