Ghost of Yotei Smashes Scores, Outshines Tsushima in 2025

Critical Reception Across Platforms

When Ghost of Yotei rolled onto stores, the industry’s scoreboards lit up. Metacritic tallied an 87 from 102 critic reviews, a full four points higher than the original Ghost of Tsushima’s 83. OpenCritic mirrored the enthusiasm, posting an 89 average from 66 reviews versus Tsushima’s 84 from nearly 200 voices.

GameSpot led the praise parade with a 9/10 score, calling the sequel "a gripping narrative wrapped in razor‑sharp gameplay." Other outlets echoed that sentiment, noting the game’s ability to feel both familiar and freshly daring. Even in a year packed with blockbuster releases, the title secured a spot just shy of the top‑20 list, underscoring how fierce competition has become.

Gameplay Innovations and New Protagonist

The most talked‑about shift is the introduction of Atsu, a fierce new warrior whose quest for vengeance drives the story forward. While Jin Sakai’s legacy still haunts the series, Atsu brings a distinct fighting style, cultural nuance, and emotional depth that many reviewers called "the soul of the sequel."

Stealth, long a hallmark of the franchise, received a meticulous overhaul. Players now chain assassinations with fluid precision, employing the Kasuri Gama—a hidden blade that lets you eliminate foes without a whisper. Reviewers highlighted the satisfaction of silently sweeping enemy camps, noting that the revamped system feels both accessible and rewarding.

Combat isn’t just about sneaking anymore. New parry mechanics, expanded weapon trees, and dynamic enemy AI push fights into a more strategic realm. Exploration rewards are also richer: secret shrines, lore‑filled scrolls, and optional side missions deepen immersion and give players tangible incentives to stray from the main path.

Critics praised how each tweak serves Atsu’s character, making the gameplay feel tailored rather than generic. One review summed it up succinctly: "The ghost is just a mask. What matters is who's behind it." This line captures the core achievement of the sequel—keeping the series’ spirit alive while daring to reinvent it.

• Improved stealth chaining and Kasuri Gama integration
• Expanded combat with new parry and weapon options
• Deeper exploration incentives and lore content
• Atsu’s narrative arc adds fresh emotional stakes

Overall, Ghost of Yotei stands as a bold stride forward, proving that sequels can transcend expectations when they listen to criticism and dare to innovate.