Sucker Punch Productions is building upon the legacy of Ghost of Tsushima with the upcoming sequel, Ghost of Yotei. A recent State of Play presentation offered a deeper look at the game, confirming the return of a popular feature and introducing some fascinating new artistic collaborations that promise to enrich the game`s visual and audio experience.
Fans of the original game will be pleased to know that the distinctive black-and-white “Kurosawa Mode,” created in partnership with the estate of legendary director Akira Kurosawa, will make its return in Ghost of Yotei. This mode allowed players to experience Jin Sakai`s journey with the stark, high-contrast aesthetic reminiscent of classic samurai cinema, and its inclusion in the sequel ensures that stylistic tradition continues.
However, Sucker Punch isn`t stopping there. The developers have announced partnerships with two more acclaimed Japanese directors to introduce entirely new modes, further expanding the game`s cinematic inspirations:
Firstly, director Takashi Miike, known for his prolific and often intense films (such as 13 Assassins), is collaborating on a mode designed to deliver a more visceral and raw combat experience. This mode will apparently intensify the look of battle sequences, notably by increasing mud and blood splatter. Prepare for fights that feel significantly more grounded and brutal.
Secondly, director Shinichirō Watanabe, celebrated for his unique stylistic flair and particularly his distinctive musical direction in anime like Samurai Champloo, is contributing to the game`s audio landscape. Watanabe has reportedly directed a mode that adds original lo-fi tracks to the game`s soundtrack. It remains to be seen exactly how a chill, lo-fi beat integrates with intense samurai duels, but the prospect is certainly intriguing, perhaps offering a unique counterpoint to the on-screen action.
Beyond these stylistic modes, the State of Play also introduced the new protagonist, Atsu. Breaking from the more traditional samurai or shinobi archetypes, Atsu is described as having access to a broader arsenal of weapons. Furthermore, she can form alignments with other characters, including a wolf, suggesting a more flexible approach to combat and companionship than seen in the first game.
Alongside the gameplay reveal, Sony announced limited-edition PlayStation 5 bundles for Ghost of Yotei, set to launch with the game on October 2.
Ghost of Yotei appears poised to not only continue the successful formula of its predecessor but also daringly push its artistic boundaries through these unique director-led collaborations, promising a sequel that is both familiar and fresh.
Callum Darby