Ghost of Yotei — More of the Same, and That’s a Good Thing

Written By Ryan Hayden

Introduction

Ghost of Yotei (2025) quickly became one of the most talked-about action RPGs of the year. Developed as a spiritual successor to Ghost of Tsushima, it invites players into a snow-covered Japanese landscape surrounding Mount Yotei. While some critics argued that the game felt too similar to its predecessor, my own experience was overwhelmingly positive. The graphics are breathtaking, the world feels alive with wildlife and human activity, and the NPCs behave with a realism that deepens immersion. Notably, the game’s quality was recognized with a nomination at The Game Awards 2025, cementing its place among the year’s standout titles.

Narrative and Atmosphere

The story of Ghost of Yotei continues the tradition of samurai-centered narratives, focusing on themes of honor, survival, and resistance against overwhelming odds. While the plot structure echoes Ghost of Tsushima, the setting around Mount Yotei provides a fresh cultural and environmental backdrop. The snow-laden villages, shrines, and mountain passes create a unique atmosphere that distinguishes it from Tsushima’s coastal and forested environments.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Gameplay mechanics remain familiar: fluid sword combat, stealth assassinations, and exploration by horseback. For some, this similarity was a point of criticism, but I found it reassuring. The developers refined rather than reinvented the formula, ensuring that combat feels responsive and cinematic. Wildlife encounters add unpredictability, while side quests often involve dynamic NPC interactions that make the world feel reactive.

Graphics and Worldbuilding

Graphically, Ghost of Yotei excels. The snow effects, lighting, and environmental textures create a painterly realism that rivals the best in the genre. Wildlife such as foxes, cranes, and wolves roam freely, adding vibrancy to the landscape. Villagers chop wood, pray at shrines, or tend to fields, creating a sense of daily life that makes the world believable. These details elevate immersion beyond simple visual spectacle.

NPC Realism

One of the most impressive aspects of Ghost of Yotei is the authenticity of its NPCs. Unlike static background characters in many RPGs, these NPCs engage in routines, conversations, and emotional reactions. Their presence reinforces the idea that the player is part of a living society rather than a staged backdrop. This realism contributes significantly to the game’s atmosphere and replayability.

Comparisons of Ghost of Tsushima

The most common critique was that Ghost of Yotei felt too similar to Ghost of Tsushima. While the comparison is fair, I believe it misses the point. For players who loved Tsushima, Yotei offers more of what made the original successful: refined combat, cinematic storytelling, and immersive exploration. In my view, “more of the same” is not a weakness but a strength, especially when executed with such polish.

Awards and Recognition

At The Game Awards 2025, Ghost of Yotei earned a nomination, validating its artistry and execution. While it may not have introduced groundbreaking mechanics, its technical excellence, atmospheric storytelling, and immersive world design resonated with both players and critics. This recognition places it alongside other major titles of the year, proving that refinement can be just as impactful as innovation.

Conclusion

Ghost of Yotei may not reinvent the samurai RPG genre, but it doesn’t need to. For players like me, it’s a chance to return to a world of honor, survival, and breathtaking landscapes, with even more polish and detail than before. The graphics are gorgeous, the world feels alive, and the NPCs breathe authenticity into every encounter. And with its Game Awards nomination, it’s clear that sometimes “more of the same” can still be extraordinary.

References

 

Ryan Hayden
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