By Bilawal Bashir,Em Stonham And Others Em Stonham And Others

Copyright escapistmagazine

PlayStation’s next big exclusive game, Ghost of Yotei, is arriving soon, and with it, plenty of changes when compared to the original. As an indirect sequel to 2020’s highly acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, the sequel is mixing things up to keep the formula fresh. Ghost of Yotei 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima, so the world has changed.

The game introduces a new cast of characters, and takes place around Mount Yotei, a region far removed from the Island of Tsushima. Before you press the Ghost of Yotei pre-order button, let’s check out the five biggest differences between Tsushima and Yotai from a gameplay point of view.

The Escapist recaps

Ghost of Yotei is an indirect sequel to Ghost of Tsushima. The game is set 300 years after the events in Ghost of Tsushima. The players will play as Atsu, a vengeful woman seeking revenge. Ghost of Yotei will feature stealth, melee, and ranged combat. Players will explore a new map set around Mount Yotei of roughly the same size as the first game.

1. No Stance System

The stance system from Ghost of Tsushima was one of the game’s biggest highlights. It enabled Jin to switch between different fighting styles according to the situation. Stone, Water, Wind, and Moon stances were available and were designed to counter different enemy types. Ghost of Yotei, however, completely scraps the stance system in favor of more weapon variety.

Five unique weapons are available to Atsu, all with unique fighting styles, animations, combos, and uses. The change in mechanics aims to improve combat by making it more dynamic and hopefully reducing repetitiveness in direct combat. Weapons like spears, Odachi, and Kusarigama are included.

Of course, the iconic Katana is still there, and players can dual-wield it too. There’s also the new disarm system, where Atsu can disarm enemies and use their dropped weapons in combat. If she isn’t careful, she can be disarmed, too.

2. Non-Linear Story

The Ghost of Yotei trailer showcased the game’s non-linear story. Atsu’s adventure is a story of revenge; she tracks down and hunts Yoteoi-Six, who has wronged her. Players are free to pursue the six targets in any order they please. The story has a striking similarity to Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, released early this year. However, Atsu fights like a samurai, not a ninja.

Sucker Punch Productions added a new clue system; various activities, such as interrogation or conversation, will reveal clues that Atsu can follow to her targets. The clues are represented as cards, which will nudge players in the direction of the objective. The clue system is used for both main and side quests, a welcome change for players tired of chasing quest markers.

3. Character Focused Narrative

Ghost of Yotei is focusing more on the characters Atsu meets on her journey with the Wolf Pack menu using them as a driver. Characters Atsu meets will be added to the Wolf Pack’s lists to highlight their questlines. The menu will also show which characters have new objectives or information for the players.

The camping system has also been improved. When Atsu sets up a camp, important characters will come visit her. The Wolf Pack gang will show up with information, gifts, or upgrades for Atsu. The feature seems perfect for side quests to come to you instead of you riding to them.

With the Ghost of Yotei release date around the corner, players won’t have to wait long to see how deep the character ties are in the game.

4. Japanese Lip-Sync and Modes

Ghost of Tsushima didn’t launch with Japanese lip-sync. The Director’s Cut version of the title added the feature later.. However, Ghost of Yotei will launch with the much-requested feature from the get-go. With the series set in Japan and receiving praise from Japanese gamers, it’s a significant gesture for Japanese cinema purists.

Speaking of Japanese cinema, Ghost of Yotei will retain the Kurosawa Mode from the first game. It will also include two new atmosphere settings: Miike and Wantanabe Mode. Takashi Miike is known for 13 Assassins and Ichi the Killer, movies that have increased blood and mud splatter effects. Shinichiro Watanabe is known for Cowboy Bebop.

5. Spyglass and Customization

Ghost of Yotei introduces a spyglass mechanic, players can spot any point of interest with the spyglass, and the guiding winds will lead them to it. The new feature aims to reduce the time players spend on the in-game map. The immersive feature is not new; it has been in several other open-world games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Ghost of Tsushima offered ample customization options, ranging from dyeing clothes to modifying weapon designs. Ghost of Yotei’s new customization options are a direct result of five new weapon types. All weapons, including bows, can be customized according to the player’s taste. Want to cosplay an all-black ninja? You can do that in Ghost of Yotei.

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