Editor’s note: This review of Ghost of Yōtei contains graphic imagery.

Sony and the PlayStation brand have encountered difficulties lately. Despite the triumph of Helldivers 2, PS5’s multiplayer initiatives have faltered, leading to the cancellation of Concord and the postponement of The Last of Us live-service project. Nevertheless, single-player experiences remain robust, with successful titles such as Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Astro Bot, and Death Stranding 2 keeping the console favored among gamers.

Ghost of Yōtei perpetuates this momentum. As the sequel to Sucker Punch Productions’ Ghost of Tsushima, it is grander, bolder, and more vibrant. Its tale of vengeance and redemption renders it one of the most heartfelt encounters of the year; its combat mechanics have been broadened to offer players even more gory ways to defeat foes, and it boasts one of the finest open worlds in recent times.

The game is set once more in feudal Japan, specifically Ezo, over 300 years after the occurrences of Tsushima. Luckily, Yōtei‘s narrative is entirely independent of the first game, allowing newcomers to dive in without needing familiarity with the original. Yōtei follows a fresh protagonist, Atsu, who comes back home after roaming around taking odd jobs and mercenary gigs to survive. Sixteen years prior, her family was massacred by the Yōtei Six, a band of rogue samurai who instill terror in Ezo’s residents. Atsu was impaled on a massive tree within her family home and left for dead as it was consumed by flames.

Somehow, Atsu persisted and has embraced the identity of the onryō, a vengeful spirit from Japanese mythology. Tales of the spirit circulated throughout Ezo, amplifying Atsu’s legend and reputation. Now, she’s seeking retribution against the Yōtei Six and their leader, Lord Saitō. It’s a haunting, dark premise that immediately captivates your attention. Yet there’s a glimmer of hope ahead. As Atsu encounters new allies across Ezo, her narrow focus starts to broaden. While her thirst for vengeance is warranted, she must grapple with the repercussions it may hold for her newly formed family. Atsu’s evolution feels organic, her growth credible, and her character arc rich with depth.