Now that Ghost of Yotei is finally here, gamers are able to see how it stacks up against its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima. While there is a debate to be had over which story is better, it’s pretty clear that the improvements made in Ghost of Yotei have made it a stronger game overall. Of course, this is still subjective, but the job of sequels is to evolve a franchise and make it stronger, and Ghost of Yotei definitely succeeds at this.
Between a brand-new protagonist, improved combat, better weapon diversity, and refining of free-roam exploration, Ghost of Yotei proves that Sucker Punch’s series has plenty of fresh ways to continue and evolve. Ghost of Yotei still holds Ghost of Tsushima‘s spirit, but with a variety of upgrades. One of the most notable features improved in the sequel is the larger variety of cinematic modes. The first chapter included the eye-catching Kurosawa Mode, but Ghost of Yotei adds two other modes inspired by film and television, and it could introduce players to a deep ocean of new media to dive into.
Ghost of Yotei's Cinematic Modes Pay Tribute to a Legendary Trio of Directors
- Akira Kurosawa
- Takashi Miike
- Shinichiro Watanabe
Ghost of Tsushima players will recognize Kurosawa’s name, of course, but when it comes to Takashi Miike and Shinichiro Watanabe, there are likely plenty who are unfamiliar with their works. Kurosawa is one of the most influential film directors of all time. Thanks to works like Seven Samurai and Yojimbo, modern directors like Quentin Tarantino and David Fincher have been influenced to bring their own amazing films to life. The return of the Kurosawa Mode and its iconic black and white color-grading was expected, but the other two choices among Ghost of Yotei’s cinematic homages are a welcome addition.
Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress was a big inspiration for George Lucas when making Star Wars.
Takashi Miike's Most Notable Works
- Audition
- Ichi the Killer
- Visitor Q
- One Missed Call
When it comes to Miike’s films, expect a violent and disturbing ride. Over the years, he has become one of the most notable directors of Japanese horror and thrillers, and Ghost of Yotei‘s Miike-inspired option honors the director’s legacy in a fun way. In keeping with Miike’s reputation for violent and off-putting moments, Ghost of Yotei‘s mode turns the dial up on the game’s blood and mud.
Miike has directed over 100 films.
Shinichiro Watanabe's Most Notable Works
- Cowboy Bebop
- Samurai Champloo
- Space Dandy
- Animatrix
Watanabe is one of the most influential anime directors of all time, so it’s fun that Ghost of Yotei chose to honor a director who isn’t known for live-action work. This mode is one of the most intriguing of all, because the way it honors Watanabe is by changing the soundtrack. Instead of Ghost of Yotei‘s original music, the soundtrack will be replaced with a lo-fi score that was composed with Watanabe’s direction. It shakes up the game’s tone in a brilliant way, so for players who enjoy this mode and have yet to check out Watanabe’s work, Ghost of Yotei is a fantastic appetizer.
Ghost of Yotei proves that Sucker Punch’s series has plenty of fresh ways to continue and evolve.
The Ways Ghost of Yotei Builds Upon its Predecessor Are Brilliant
Despite being set 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima, the two games still feel intrinsically intertwined. Their narratives aren’t connected, but Ghost of Yotei sets the stage for the franchise to blossom into a compelling and action-packed anthology series.
Comparing Ghost of Tsushima and Ghost of Yotei is hard to avoid, but when it comes down to it, the latter is the necessary step forward. Something as simple as two extra cinematic modes seems small, but it further showcases how Sucker Punch took every aspect of Ghost of Tsushima and made it a stronger iteration.