Ghost of Yotei vs Ghost of Tsushima – What’s New?

We’re right on the home stretch before we finally get our hands on one of 2025’s most anticipated releases, namely The Ghost of Yotei. This game is just a few weeks away and promises to be a significant achievement for Sucker Punch, following their introduction of Jin Sakai and his courageous struggle against the Mongol invasion in Ghost of Tsushima.

As we embark on an unexplored territory with a fresh map, ready to walk in Atsu’s shoes – a woman driven by revenge against those who disrupted her tranquil past – Ghost of Yotei appears poised to further enhance what was commendable in the franchise’s initial journey.

Instead of examining Sucker Punch’s planned changes, let’s explore 15 unique aspects that will make Ghost of Yotei feel fresh and exciting compared to its predecessors. Here they are!

Note: All of the information in this feature is based from official sources.

15. A More Dynamic Open World

In Ezo’s territories, potential hazards abound for those unprepared to face them. However, Atsu isn’t included in this category and is eager to establish her reputation within the locals by various means.

The creators of Sucker Punch have shown great excitement in their endeavor to create an organic and satisfying exploration experience for players who enjoy aimlessly wandering around the game’s new map. Yotei, the current-generation open world, is set to introduce visually stunning fields and paths adorned with flowers that will temporarily increase Atsu’s speed, as well as numerous activities to engage in while navigating towards revenge. This could potentially revolutionize the genre by offering a fresh take on its established conventions.

The map will have a size comparable to Tsushima, but the overall scale of the game seems to be much broader in scope.

14. A New Way to Track Important Quests

Atsu, similar to Jin, will encounter some intriguing individuals while pursuing the Yotei Six’s demise. However, unlike Jin, she has a stylish means of tracking these individuals through the novel clue card system. This innovative feature, beautifully integrated with the game’s distinct art style, is something we’re excited to experience as we embark on this adventure.

The reason for this change is that although the journal system in the initial game was efficient at its job, Sucker Punch’s revamped method for following crucial quests and information appears more immersive, mirroring the game’s time period, and serving as a distinctive visual cue for the significant characters in Atsu’s story.

13. An Innovative Approach to Discovery

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to highlight that Ghost of Tsushima was brimming with intriguing characters who played significant roles within its rich supporting cast. From the troubled souls of Tsushima who sought Jin’s aid, to various individuals he encountered, they all shared a common thread – Jin had to seek them out, engage in dialogues to understand their predicaments better, trade items with them, or enhance his equipment. This approach, reminiscent of traditional open-world game mechanics, was prevalent five years ago when the game was released.

In this modern era of gaming, Ghost of Yotei stands out with a creative twist on its supplementary gameplay. While Atsu can take a break in the expansive open world, strumming her shamisen for a brief respite, her camp offers more than just relaxation. Characters from the open world might stumble upon your campsite, offering to share your fire and providing valuable insights or even hinting at your next mission.

This method offers a breath of fresh air when it comes to unearthing novel content, and it’s likely to free up much of Yotei’s users’ time. Instead of hunting for objectives, they can now focus on accomplishing them directly.

12. New Mission Types

In the upcoming adventures, you’ll discover numerous opportunities to interact with the lands of Ezo. Atsu’s journey will lead her to encounter some formidable adversaries, excluding the Yotei Six. If you wish to expand Atsu’s legend and possibly acquire some funds for weapon and equipment enhancements, bounty hunts have been integrated into the gameplay system of the franchise. This means you can now capture wanted individuals for reward!

For enthusiasts who prefer action over words, these new missions significantly solidify Atsu’s status as a mercenary rather than the honorable samurai, such as Jin, would be more fitting for them.

11. A New Forecast For A New Land

One aspect we really enjoyed in Ghost of Tsushima was how the weather evolved as Jin’s transformation into the Ghost progressed. The shift from bright and clear skies to overcast, stormy ones, complete with ominous clouds rolling in, mirrored Jin’s departure from his noble samurai heritage. It seemed as if the island of Tsushima was grieving for one of its lost sons, symbolizing the dark journey he had embarked upon.

Yet, Ezo differs significantly from Tsushima. With diverse landscapes sprawling across its wide territories, it may present a distinctive character compared to Tsushima, potentially offering additional weather patterns too.

As we delve deeper into Ezo’s mysteries, it’s likely that we may encounter varying weather conditions similar to those found in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Consequently, the gameplay might be affected by these weather patterns, making the overall experience more diverse and dynamic.

10. Hunting The New Antagonists

In Ghost of Tsushima, Khotun Khan made no efforts to hide his location throughout the narrative. Jin was well aware of his whereabouts for much of the story, but he lacked the resources to confront him directly until he managed to unite the scattered forces of Tsushima under the Ghost’s banner. Only then was he able to successfully challenge and repel the formidable Mongol leader.

As an avid enthusiast, I must admit that the Yotei Six are subtly menacing, seamlessly integrating themselves into the heart of Ezo, operating from the protective veil of metaphorical shadows. In my mission for retribution, I’ll need to capitalize on Ezo’s innovative exploration features and every improvement Sucker Punch has to offer. I’ll embark on a quest to track down each of these chilling adversaries by nurturing a bond with the land and its inhabitants, using their wisdom and connection as my guide.

9. The Price of Revenge

The Ghost series isn’t known for avoiding deep and intricate themes, and although specifics about the cost Atsu must bear for her vengeance are not yet clear, we can expect her story to be equally powerful and moving as Jin’s.

As a devoted fan, I’d rephrase it this way: In Ghost of Tsushima, Jin Sakai gradually adapted his principles of honor and tradition due to the Mongol’s strategies. On the other hand, Atsu, much like myself when facing similar circumstances, has shed her former self and forged a new identity to exact a heavy toll from those who necessitated such a transformation.

Maybe she heard about Jin’s legendary tale, which had been handed down through the centuries that separated their times? Regardless, her narrative challenges will certainly be noteworthy as she embarks on her pursuit.

8. Past Participation

As a devoted fan, I must admit that while Jin’s past flashbacks in Ghost of Tsushima were instrumental in shaping his character, they occasionally disrupted the flow during pivotal present-day moments. It seems Sucker Punch has listened to our feedback and innovatively introduced an engaging new method for players to delve into Atsu’s heart-wrenching backstory in a way that complements the gameplay rather than interrupting it.

In an engaging turn of events, players now have the ability to hop between a character’s past and present at crucial points within the game. This allows them to delve deeper into her past life, thanks to the Yotei Six, and potentially understand more about her character motivations. This innovative twist in the game’s format could offer an effective means for introducing some backstory into the game’s storyline.

7. A New, More Willing Ghost

In the initial game, Jin’s struggle from being an honorable samurai to a ruthless spirit known as The Ghost was a crucial factor contributing to its emotional intensity. Conversely, Atsu, a relentless avenger, demonstrates her readiness to take extreme actions, which promises to distinguish her as the main character. The developers’ eagerness for Atsu to portray the demon, Onryo, is expected to significantly influence the storyline.

What’s left of Atsu after she exacts her vengeance on the Yotei Six? Just how far will the Onryo push herself in her mission to overthrow their rule? We’re just as eager as you are to discover the answers!

6. Different Warriors, Different Minds

As Jin crafted haikus and played the flute in a contemplative manner to psych himself up for conflict, Atsu adopts a unique but analogous strategy towards a comparable objective.

Following the franchise’s focus on natural elements, Atsu pursues the art of Sumi-e as a relaxing pastime. This resembles Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which may prompt some intriguing similarities.

As a gamer, I switch out my flute for a Shamisen that serves more than just a melodious tool – it’s a guide for me to mark my next destination within the game! By unlocking various songs, I can adapt my exploration journey based on my preferences and needs. It’s truly amazing how music can work in your favor in such an innovative way!

5. Revamped Combat

In my viewpoint, Jin’s remarkable agility in transitioning between stances, honed through decades of training with the Sakai family’s katana, stands in stark contrast to Atsu’s versatility, cultivated by her profession as a mercenary, which allows her to master numerous weapons.

In your fight against diverse adversaries, you’ll often need to change weapons, as each one has a moveset tailored to counter specific enemy attack patterns associated with their weapon types. However, Sucker Punch didn’t stop at this innovative mechanic and introduced an extra layer of excitement – Atsu might lose her weapon during the intense action of combat.

In simpler terms, you might end up having to confront another adversary who possesses the necessary weapon. Your goal would be to disarm them so you can retaliate against the one who armed themselves first. This shift could add an element of surprise to every encounter in Yotei, making each battle more exciting and therefore a welcome change.

4. Firearms

In the timeframe of Ghost of Yotei, set approximately 300 years following the previous game’s events, it’s no surprise that firearms have become common weapons in use. It’s evident that Atsu is quite proficient with handling guns!

A video demoing her expertise in handling firearms might suggest gunfights could effectively lead to victory for those adept with quick reactions. We’re crossing our fingers that it utilizes the sophisticated haptic feedback of the DualSense 5 to enhance realism and immersion.

3. Part of a Pack

In contrast to Jin, who typically fought alone except for help from other Tsushima residents, Atsu appears to have a strong connection with nature and even had a wolf join her in battle. Although Sucker Punch hasn’t revealed all of her new companion’s abilities yet, the Ghost of Yotei gameplay demonstration showed the wolf taking bites out of some hapless enemies who dared to challenge Atsu and her canine ally.

As an enthusiast, I’m yearning for some abilities that would allow my trusted companion to take a more proactive part in the battles ahead. We’re eager to see them play a more significant role!

2. Choose Your Legendary Director

As a dedicated admirer, I can’t help but acknowledge that Akira Kurosawa’s impact on the initial game was nothing short of monumental, echoing his own legendary status. Yet, with Ghost of Yotei, we’re set to embrace the cinematic brilliance of additional distinguished filmmakers from the samurai genre, broadening our horizons even further.

Two distinctive styles, reminiscent of Takashi Miike’s and Shinichiro Watanabe’s filmmaking techniques, will be incorporated into the upcoming release. These confrontations are set to become much more visually striking.

1. A New Perspective

Initially, there was some opposition when Atsu was chosen to replace Jin, especially after the debut of Ghost of Yotei. Given the historical context, Atsu’s social position might have been inferior, as a woman of high standing was often marginalized in a feudal society that did not appreciate her worth due to numerous hardships she endured before taking action. This intriguing twist could be one of the most captivating aspects of her journey, setting her apart distinctly from Jin.

As a noble samurai from the Tsushima clan, I, Jin, found my interactions with the inhabitants of my homeland steeped in respect and trust. However, Ezo seems to treat Atsu differently, demanding she earn not just trust, but also a certain fearful respect from those she meets. The gameplay demonstration hinted at this dynamic, yet it appears Sucker Punch is saving the game’s most compelling aspect for its official release.

2025-09-11 15:48