Action
PlayStation
2025-10-02
Ghost of Yotei
Critics hail Ghost of Yotei as a worthy successor to Tsushima with breathtaking open-world exploration and fluid combat, earning high scores around 90/100 on aggregate sites. However, player sentiment is deeply divided, with many decrying it as 'woke' propaganda, resulting in user scores dipping below 5/10 amid review-bombing campaigns.
Consensus Score: 4/10
Praised by critics for its stunning visuals and refined gameplay, but heavily review-bombed by players upset over perceived DEI influences and a female protagonist.
Controversy: 9.5/10
Significant backlash from online communities accusing the game of 'forced diversity' due to the female lead Atsu and elements like inclusive representation in feudal Japan, leading to review-bombing on platforms like Metacritic and Steam; critics dismiss it as overblown, but it has polarized players (187 chars).
The Good
- Gorgeous visuals and atmospheric world-building
- Refined combat and exploration mechanics
- Compelling side quests and cultural authenticity
The Bad
- Perceived forced DEI elements alienating some players
- Repetitive mission structure in later acts
- Technical issues on base PS5 models
Ghost of Yotei bursts onto the scene as Sucker Punch's ambitious follow-up to the beloved Ghost of Tsushima, transporting players to the majestic yet treacherous landscapes of 1603 Hokkaido. The general vibe from critics is overwhelmingly positive, with outlets like IGN and GameSpot lauding it as a visual masterpiece that captures the raw beauty of Japan's northern wilderness, complete with dynamic weather and wildlife that make every journey feel alive. Players, however, paint a more fractured picture—while some embrace the fresh perspective, a vocal contingent has turned the game's reception into a battleground for cultural debates, dragging down aggregate user scores on Metacritic to around 4.2/10 despite professional reviews averaging 88/100. This disparity highlights a growing trend in gaming where artistic choices clash with audience expectations, but at its core, Yotei offers an immersive samurai epic that evolves the formula without reinventing the wheel. The release timing in October 2025 positioned it as a holiday contender, yet the online furor has somewhat overshadowed its merits, leading to discussions on forums like Reddit's r/GhostOfYotei about whether the controversy is warranted or manufactured.
Diving into the gameplay loop, Yotei refines the open-world action-adventure blueprint that made Tsushima a hit, centering on protagonist Atsu's quest for vengeance amid Ainu and Japanese cultural tensions. Combat remains a highlight, with critics from Polygon and Eurogamer praising the expanded stance system that incorporates dual-wielding katanas and new mystical abilities tied to Shinto and Ainu folklore, allowing for fluid, balletic duels that feel both strategic and visceral. Exploration encourages wandering through snow-swept mountains and dense forests, where players can liberate villages, compose haikus at scenic spots, or engage in fox-guided side activities—elements that echo the original but with added depth like mountaineering mechanics and animal taming. The fun factor shines in boss fights and large-scale battles, where chaining combos and parries creates exhilarating highs, though some players note repetition in enemy encounters after 20+ hours. Community feedback on Steam forums emphasizes the satisfying progression from underdog ronin to legendary ghost, but complaints arise about the pacing of upgrades, with some feeling the skill tree is bloated compared to Tsushima's elegance. Overall, the loop hooks you in with its blend of stealth, action, and discovery, making it a joy for fans of the genre despite minor gripes on variety.
On the narrative front, Yotei's story weaves a tale of identity, colonialism, and personal growth through Atsu, a female warrior navigating a male-dominated era, drawing from historical inspirations while taking creative liberties. Critics like those at The Guardian and Kotaku commend the writing for its emotional depth, with well-voiced characters and branching dialogues that influence alliances and endings, creating a more player-driven plot than its predecessor. Pacing starts strong with a gripping prologue but can sag in the middle acts due to optional content overload, though the climax delivers poignant twists that tie into themes of cultural preservation. Player reception varies; many appreciate the mature handling of Atsu's backstory and her relationships, finding it empowering and authentic, as seen in positive threads on Resetera. However, detractors on YouTube and Twitter argue the story injects modern sensibilities into a historical setting, criticizing dialogue for feeling anachronistic at times. Despite this, the narrative's ambition elevates Yotei beyond mere sequel status, offering a reflective experience that resonates long after the credits roll.
Technically, Yotei pushes the PS5's capabilities with ray-traced reflections, haptic feedback via DualSense, and a photo mode that's become a community favorite for capturing aurora-lit vistas. Graphics receive universal acclaim from sources like Digital Foundry for their detail in foliage, water effects, and character models, running smoothly at 60fps in performance mode, though frame drops occur in crowded sieges on older hardware. Bugs are minimal but present, with reports of clipping issues and occasional AI glitches in enemy pathing, as noted in user reviews on PlayStation Store—nothing game-breaking, but enough to frustrate perfectionists. Performance on PS5 Pro is stellar, enhancing load times and visuals, while the soundtrack by Ilan Eshkeri blends traditional instruments with orchestral swells, earning praise for immersion. Community patches post-launch have addressed early complaints, but some players on base consoles report optimization woes, contributing to slightly lower technical scores in aggregate.
The controversy surrounding Ghost of Yotei centers on accusations of 'woke' content, particularly the choice of a female protagonist in a historically male-centric samurai narrative, which ignited backlash from segments of the gaming community upon announcement and intensified post-release. Platforms like 4chan and certain YouTube channels amplified claims of forced DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) messaging, pointing to Atsu's portrayal as a strong, independent woman and subtle inclusions of Ainu cultural respect as pandering to modern politics rather than historical accuracy. This led to organized review-bombing, with Metacritic user scores plummeting due to zero-star ratings decrying 'SJW agendas' and comparisons to games like The Last of Us Part II. Critics, including those at GamesRadar and Washington Post, counter that these elements enhance authenticity, noting Sucker Punch's consultations with cultural experts, but the divide is stark—player forums are split between defenders praising representation and critics boycotting over perceived agenda-pushing. No widespread evidence of overt political preaching exists, yet the drama has fueled petitions and social media storms, underscoring broader industry tensions around inclusivity in AAA titles.
In verdict, Ghost of Yotei is a must-buy for fans of open-world adventures and Japanese history buffs who can look past the noise, offering dozens of hours of engaging content that builds meaningfully on Tsushima's legacy. However, if you're sensitive to cultural representation debates or prefer male-led stories, the backlash might sour the experience—wait for a sale or check demos. Critics' high marks suggest it's a technical and artistic triumph, but the low player sentiment reflects a polarized reception that could evolve with time. Ultimately, it's recommended for PlayStation owners seeking beauty and brutality in equal measure, provided they ignore the online vitriol and judge it on its merits.
Diving into the gameplay loop, Yotei refines the open-world action-adventure blueprint that made Tsushima a hit, centering on protagonist Atsu's quest for vengeance amid Ainu and Japanese cultural tensions. Combat remains a highlight, with critics from Polygon and Eurogamer praising the expanded stance system that incorporates dual-wielding katanas and new mystical abilities tied to Shinto and Ainu folklore, allowing for fluid, balletic duels that feel both strategic and visceral. Exploration encourages wandering through snow-swept mountains and dense forests, where players can liberate villages, compose haikus at scenic spots, or engage in fox-guided side activities—elements that echo the original but with added depth like mountaineering mechanics and animal taming. The fun factor shines in boss fights and large-scale battles, where chaining combos and parries creates exhilarating highs, though some players note repetition in enemy encounters after 20+ hours. Community feedback on Steam forums emphasizes the satisfying progression from underdog ronin to legendary ghost, but complaints arise about the pacing of upgrades, with some feeling the skill tree is bloated compared to Tsushima's elegance. Overall, the loop hooks you in with its blend of stealth, action, and discovery, making it a joy for fans of the genre despite minor gripes on variety.
On the narrative front, Yotei's story weaves a tale of identity, colonialism, and personal growth through Atsu, a female warrior navigating a male-dominated era, drawing from historical inspirations while taking creative liberties. Critics like those at The Guardian and Kotaku commend the writing for its emotional depth, with well-voiced characters and branching dialogues that influence alliances and endings, creating a more player-driven plot than its predecessor. Pacing starts strong with a gripping prologue but can sag in the middle acts due to optional content overload, though the climax delivers poignant twists that tie into themes of cultural preservation. Player reception varies; many appreciate the mature handling of Atsu's backstory and her relationships, finding it empowering and authentic, as seen in positive threads on Resetera. However, detractors on YouTube and Twitter argue the story injects modern sensibilities into a historical setting, criticizing dialogue for feeling anachronistic at times. Despite this, the narrative's ambition elevates Yotei beyond mere sequel status, offering a reflective experience that resonates long after the credits roll.
Technically, Yotei pushes the PS5's capabilities with ray-traced reflections, haptic feedback via DualSense, and a photo mode that's become a community favorite for capturing aurora-lit vistas. Graphics receive universal acclaim from sources like Digital Foundry for their detail in foliage, water effects, and character models, running smoothly at 60fps in performance mode, though frame drops occur in crowded sieges on older hardware. Bugs are minimal but present, with reports of clipping issues and occasional AI glitches in enemy pathing, as noted in user reviews on PlayStation Store—nothing game-breaking, but enough to frustrate perfectionists. Performance on PS5 Pro is stellar, enhancing load times and visuals, while the soundtrack by Ilan Eshkeri blends traditional instruments with orchestral swells, earning praise for immersion. Community patches post-launch have addressed early complaints, but some players on base consoles report optimization woes, contributing to slightly lower technical scores in aggregate.
The controversy surrounding Ghost of Yotei centers on accusations of 'woke' content, particularly the choice of a female protagonist in a historically male-centric samurai narrative, which ignited backlash from segments of the gaming community upon announcement and intensified post-release. Platforms like 4chan and certain YouTube channels amplified claims of forced DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) messaging, pointing to Atsu's portrayal as a strong, independent woman and subtle inclusions of Ainu cultural respect as pandering to modern politics rather than historical accuracy. This led to organized review-bombing, with Metacritic user scores plummeting due to zero-star ratings decrying 'SJW agendas' and comparisons to games like The Last of Us Part II. Critics, including those at GamesRadar and Washington Post, counter that these elements enhance authenticity, noting Sucker Punch's consultations with cultural experts, but the divide is stark—player forums are split between defenders praising representation and critics boycotting over perceived agenda-pushing. No widespread evidence of overt political preaching exists, yet the drama has fueled petitions and social media storms, underscoring broader industry tensions around inclusivity in AAA titles.
In verdict, Ghost of Yotei is a must-buy for fans of open-world adventures and Japanese history buffs who can look past the noise, offering dozens of hours of engaging content that builds meaningfully on Tsushima's legacy. However, if you're sensitive to cultural representation debates or prefer male-led stories, the backlash might sour the experience—wait for a sale or check demos. Critics' high marks suggest it's a technical and artistic triumph, but the low player sentiment reflects a polarized reception that could evolve with time. Ultimately, it's recommended for PlayStation owners seeking beauty and brutality in equal measure, provided they ignore the online vitriol and judge it on its merits.