The wait is over and the verdict is in for the Ghost of Yotei.
We haven’t been able to get a review code early, so I’ve got it on pre-order ready to dive in next week. Having said that, there are a lot of outlets that have got their reviews up now the embargo is lifted.
So, because I have no self-control. I’ve been diving into every video, every written review and every bit of content I can find. Not to influence our review, but to see what the general feel is.
I came off Ghost of Tsushima pretty positive, but wasn’t necessarily hankering for more at the time. As we’ve moved on and a couple of years have passed, I’m ready for more, and it’s looking like the wait will have been worth it.
Critics have delivered a wave of overwhelmingly positive scores for Sucker Punch Productions’ Ghost of Yotei.
Launching next week exclusively for the PlayStation 5, Ghost of Yotei is being hailed as a magnificent technical achievement and a worthy, if iterative, successor.
While falling just short of universal acclaim, Ghost of Yotei is firmly positioned as a Game of the Year contender. Praised for its breathtaking world, refined combat, and a more personal, compelling protagonist.
By the numbers
I don’t really like the idea of average scores and how they now tie-in to developer/publisher deals and bonuses etc. But it’s part of the process, whether we like it or not. So here are the numbers at the moment (27th September 2025)
- Metacritic Score: 87/100 (based on 110 critic reviews)
- OpenCritic Score: 89/100 (with 95% of critics recommending)
Bigger gaming news outlets are scoring well, too:
- Game Rant: 10/10
- GameSpot: 9/10
- PlayStation Universe: 10/10
- IGN: 8/10
- Eurogamer: Recommended (3/5)
The highs
The move to the northern island of Hokkaido (formerly Ezo) is the most universally lauded aspect of the Ghost of Yotei. Critics have exhaustively praised the stark, snow-swept landscapes dominated by Mount Yōtei.
Terms like “unbelievably striking” and “a living watercolour” are common.
With the technical prowess of the PS5 is on full display. Reviewers are highlighting the stunning snow deformation as well as dynamic weather featuring blizzards and auroras.
The sheer density of detail that makes the world feel alive. GameSpot noted it is “a constant treat for the eyes, full of bold, saturated colours and an abundance of flying particles that make each and every frame feel full of life.”
A more compelling protagonist and story in Ghost of Yotei
The new protagonist, Atsu, is being hailed as a significant improvement.
Her journey of vengeance against the Yotei Six is described as more personal and engaging than Jin Sakai’s original arc.
Praising her “fiery and brash” personality and the well-told, if conventional, revenge narrative.
GamesRadar+ went as far as to call Atsu “one of the greatest protagonists in gaming.” Which feels a little hyperbolic, but i’m more than happy to be proven wrong!
Refined and brutal combat
It seems that with Ghost of Yotei, Sucker Punch has not reinvented the wheel, but polished it to a mirror shine.
The stance-based combat returns, now expanded with new weapons including the crowd-controlling naginata.
Reviewers describe the combat as fluid, satisfying, and visually spectacular.
Push Square celebrated that “Player freedom drives its open world, letting you craft the type of game you want to play.”
Meaningful exploration
The “Guiding Wind” mechanic returns, and the world is packed with more meaningful distractions than its predecessor.
Cit’s regularly noted that side activities, from composing haikus to new campsite mechanics, feel more integrated into the world and Atsu’s journey. Rewarding organic exploration over simply checking off a map.
The lows
The most consistent criticism levelled against Ghost of Yotei is its fundamental similarity to Ghost of Tsushima.
Several reviews, including Eurogamer’s, point out that the core gameplay loop of liberating camps and following the wind, while refined, feels very familiar.
IGN’s review calls the story “predictable but well-executed” a sentiment that applies to the game as a whole. It’s an evolution, not a revolution.
Narrative pacing and villain development
While the main story is praised, some critics have found its structure disjointed.
Screen Rant noted that the open-world freedom can lead to “odd pacing” in the latter half of the story.
Furthermore, some of the villains among the Yotei Six have been described as underdeveloped. Serving more as targets than fully fleshed-out characters.
It’s interesting that the pacing is being described as odd in the latter half, as that was my main gripe with the first game. Similar to that of Red Dead Redemption 2, where the back half of the second act was a drag.
Redundant mechanics and minor polish issues
A few reviewers pointed out that some new features feel redundant.
Like a campsite system for crafting, when players can easily restock supplies at liberated towns.
Push Square also noted that while the game is gorgeous, some NPC character models, particularly in close-ups, lack the detail of the main cast. Which, in contrast to the stunning environment, creates a noticeable visual inconsistency.
All in all
The current, general consensus is clear.
Ghost of Yotei is a phenomenal sequel and one of the most visually impressive games available on the PlayStation 5.
It builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessor in every meaningful way. And delivers a more emotionally resonant story alongside even more satisfying combat.
Sucker Punch have played it safe and the Ghost of Yotei doesn’t escape the familiar trappings of its open-world design.
However, sheer quality and artistry on display make it an essential purchase for fans of the original and a powerful contender for the year’s top honours.
We’ll see soon enough!
Ghost of Yotei is less than a week away now, and whilst I’m reserving thoughts and opinions until then. It is definitely getting harder to temper expectations.
I’ll make sure to let you know how we feel about it, and no doubt over-share tips and tricks and everything else.
Keeps your eyes peeled!
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