During a special State of Play livestream on Thursday, Sony and Sucker Punch showcased an in-depth look at the gameplay of Ghost of Yotei. The nearly 20-minute presentation highlighted various aspects of the game, including its clue-based exploration, questing mechanics, combat systems, available weapons, and additional gameplay modes. In conjunction with the gameplay reveal, Sony announced a limited-edition PS5 bundle themed around Ghost of Yotei, complete with distinct designs for both the console and the DualSense controller.
Gameplay Insights for Ghost of Yotei
This event marked the first extensive preview of Ghost of Yotei’s gameplay, presented by creative directors Jason Connell and Nate Fox. Sucker Punch elaborated on the journey of the new protagonist, Atsu, who seeks vengeance against the Yotei Six, a notorious band of outlaws responsible for the death of her family and her own near-fatal injuries. In contrast to the character archetypes seen in 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima, Atsu is defined not as a samurai or ninja but as a “lone wolf mercenary,” equipped to use various weapons and tactics to defeat her adversaries.
According to Sucker Punch, Ghost of Yotei significantly emphasizes player autonomy compared to the studio’s previous titles. The game’s innovative exploration approach, distinct from typical open-world games, features a clue system that guides players toward areas of interest and potential quests. By interrogating defeated enemies, players can uncover new leads on their targets, subsequently unlocking new regions on the map.
This clue system utilizes cards that assist players in managing their quests and objectives. The game will also incorporate a bounty hunting mechanic that enhances both Atsu’s and her enemies’ pursuits. As Atsu’s notoriety increases, so does the bounty on her head, inviting rival bounty hunters to hunt her down. Conversely, players can also accept contracts to apprehend other outlaws in exchange for rewards.
The grappling hook mechanic from Ghost of Tsushima returns in this installment, complemented by a spyglass that allows players to identify significant landmarks and surveil foes in camps. Sucker Punch teased several new and familiar side activities, such as hot springs, a sketching feature, bamboo strikes, and a fresh tabletop gaming experience.
New Weapons and Gameplay Modes in Ghost of Yotei
In the livestream, the developers provided an overview of Ghost of Yotei’s combat mechanics. Players will have a diverse selection of melee weapons at their disposal, including katanas, spears, kusarigama, odachi, and the option to wield dual swords. Each weapon is designed with unique combat styles tailored to tackle different enemies effectively. Ranged options, including bows and rifles, alongside thrown weapons like bombs, kunai, and blinding powder, further enhance Atsu’s combat capabilities.
Additionally, it was revealed that Atsu will not embark on her quest alone; she will be joined by several allies, including a cryptic wolf that provides assistance during encounters. Echoing mechanics from titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, players can establish camps throughout the open world, utilizing these locations to rest, cook, enjoy music, and interact with allies to receive upgrades.
Sucker Punch also highlighted various gameplay modes set to be available at launch, including a black-and-white mode inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s films. To pay tribute to other renowned Japanese filmmakers, Takashi Miike and Shinichirō Watanabe, two additional modes will offer unique visual and audio enhancements for players.
Ghost of Yotei is scheduled for exclusive release on PS5 on October 2. Pre-orders are currently available on the PlayStation Store.
