Sony and Sucker Punch aired a 20-minute State of Play focused entirely on Ghost of Yōtei, the spiritual successor to Ghost of Tsushima. The presentation offered the most detailed look yet at the game’s combat, exploration, music, and customization systems, along with a surprise reveal of two PS5 bundles launching alongside the game.
Gameplay: vengeance with freedom
Players take control of Atsu, a lone warrior hunting the six members of the Yōtei clan across a snowy, war-torn version of 1603 Japan. The game emphasizes player freedom, allowing you to choose your targets in any order and explore the open world using a new Clue System, spyglass navigation, and dynamic encounters.
Combat has been expanded with:
- New melee weapons: katana, odachi, kusarigama, dual swords
- Ranged options: bow and gun
- A wolf companion that can attack enemies mid-fight
- Environmental boosts like flower fields and hot springs
Music and atmosphere
The game features a dynamic soundtrack with multiple audio modes:
- Standard English audio
- Subtitled English audio
- Samurai Cinema: full Japanese voice acting with English subtitles
Sucker Punch also introduced Watanabe Mode, inspired by Samurai Champloo director Shinichirō Watanabe, which overlays original lo-fi beats during exploration and combat. It’s a bold stylistic choice that blends traditional samurai aesthetics with modern rhythm.
The State of Play also spotlighted the game’s soundtrack, composed by Toma Otowa, known for blending traditional Japanese instruments like the shamisen with cinematic orchestration. Otowa’s score draws emotional depth from Atsu’s journey, mixing ambient textures with percussive intensity to reflect both introspection and combat.
Two tracks from the official Ghost of Yōtei soundtrack are now available on streaming platforms:
- “Atsu’s Theme” – a haunting melody that captures the protagonist’s grief and resolve
- “The Yōtei Six” – a dramatic piece tied to the game’s central antagonists
You can listen to both on Spotify and Apple Music, along other streaming platforms, with more tracks expected to drop closer to launch.
Director modes: cinematic immersion
Three visual modes were revealed:
- Kurosawa Mode: black-and-white filter with film grain
- Miike Mode: close-up camera, heavier blood and mud effects
- Watanabe Mode: stylized visuals paired with lo-fi music
Each mode offers a distinct way to experience the game, whether you prefer gritty realism or anime-inspired flair.
PS5 bundles and hardware
As a final surprise, Sony announced two Ghost of Yōtei PS5 bundles:
- Standard PS5 bundle: includes the game and a custom DualSense controller
- Collector’s Edition bundle: features a themed PS5 console, exclusive controller, steelbook case, and digital extras
Both bundles will be available on October 2, 2025, the game’s official launch date.
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