Sucker Punch Showcases New Ghost of Yotei Gameplay, Reveals Limited Edition PS5 Consoles and Controllers

In a special State of Play broadcast, Sucker Punch Productions offered an in-depth look at its highly anticipated title Ghost of Yotei, set to release on October 2, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro. The presentation, led by creative directors Nate Fox and Jason Connell, not only highlighted exciting gameplay innovations and narrative depth, but also revealed two stunning limited edition PS5 consoles and DualSense controllers themed after the game, available at launch.

A Cinematic Samurai Experience

Sucker Punch continues its tradition of merging cinematic influences with immersive gameplay. Returning is the beloved Kurosawa Mode, which renders the game in black and white as a tribute to legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Now, Ghost of Yotei will expand this concept with two new modes: the Watanabe Mode, featuring a lo-fi soundtrack curated by Shinichirō Watanabe that plays during exploration, and the Miike Mode, which brings the camera closer to the action while amplifying blood and mud effects to deliver a more intense, gritty experience.

For players who favor authenticity, Ghost of Yotei will also include native Japanese voice acting with accurate lip-syncing, a refinement over Ghost of Tsushima, where mouth movements still matched the English dialogue even in Japanese voice mode.

New Hero, New Combat Philosophy

Unlike Jin Sakai, Atsu, the protagonist of Ghost of Yotei, is not a noble samurai. She is a mercenary on a quest for vengeance against the Yotei Six, the brutal warriors responsible for murdering her family. Atsu has no moral code and uses every tool at her disposal.

Combat has been overhauled: instead of switching between stances, players now switch between weapons, including single katana, dual katanas, odachi (great katana), spear, and the chained kurisagama. Atsu can also utilize kunai, a bow, and a rifle, adapting to different enemy types on the fly. Her ability to disarm enemies—or be disarmed herself—adds a new layer of challenge and dynamism to each encounter.

Exploration and Storytelling Deepened

Exploration has also seen major improvements. Rather than fast-tracking players through the main story, Ghost of Yotei encourages them to follow a card-based quest tracking system, picking up narrative threads organically. Players can now camp in the wilderness, cooking meals and meeting NPC travelers who serve as vendors, quest-givers, or skill unlockers. These characters can become returning companions, some of whom, like Atsu’s wolf companion, can assist in combat.

Other additions include bounty hunting side quests and a dynamic bounty system on Atsu herself, which escalates as her legend spreads. One compelling narrative mechanic allows players to revisit Atsu’s destroyed home and toggle between its past and present states—offering emotional depth and visual storytelling, though it's unclear how far-reaching this mechanic is across the game world.

While much was shown in terms of features, exploration, and combat, the core story of Atsu’s journey remains closely guarded. However, Ghost of Yotei appears poised to deliver an even more cinematic, vibrant, and emotionally charged experience than its predecessor. With its release just a few months away, anticipation is high—and if this State of Play is anything to go by, Sucker Punch may have another masterpiece on its hands.

Are you planning to pick up Ghost of Yotei on day one—or maybe the limited edition console? Which director mode are you most excited to try out? Let us know in the comments!