STACK #252 October 2025

FEATURE GAMING

• Ghost of Y Ō tei is out Oct 2

“In Ghost of Tsushima , we did our best to honour the lethal precision featured in classic samurai films. For Y ō tei , we added in a feeling of improvisation, allowing the player to take advantage of unexpected opportunities to get the upper hand,” says Nate. “For instance, Atsu might disarm an enemy then pick up their weapon to lethally throw at another foe. Or an elite enemy

might spot Atsu while she is sneaking around, so the player decides it’s worth using a loud firearm to kill the enemy, despite the sound of the gunshot bringing all the other enemies running.” Ghost of Tsushima could be frenetically paced one minute, and you could be chilling out in a hot spring or petting a fox the next. Nate reveals that there are new peaceful diversions experience moments of peace in Ezo. From Sumi-e painting, to playing shamisen, to playing a high stakes gambling game called Zeni Haijki in inns.” Ultimately, Ghost of Y ō tei is about discovery, and Nate hopes that it leaves a lasting effect on players. “All of us at Sucker Punch built the game so that players can get lost exploring Ezo. Years after folks are done playing the game, I hope they remember a buzzy feeling of discovery while guiding their horse up a hill toward something that caught their eye.” to look forward to in Ghost of Y ō tei . “There are a lot of opportunities to

quest for vengeance. But that’s just where the game starts, as Atsu’s story progresses her motivations change and mature in unexpected ways.” Even upon launch on the PS4, Ghost of Tsushima was one of the most stunningly beautiful looking games ever seen. The Sucker Punch team went to great lengths to bring further realism to Ghost of Y ō tei . “We chose to set the game in Hokkaido [called Ezo in 1603] because of the intense beauty and variety found there,” says Nate. “Sucker Punch went over for two research trips, taking photos, videos and audio recordings. What we experienced on those trips absolutely guided our hands as we built. For example, we were blown away by Mount Y ō tei. It inspired us to make the mountain the hub which Atsu’s adventure rotates around, and the title of the game.” One of the many beauties of Ghost of Y ō tei is that players can take their time exploring the world of Ezo. “Players are under no time pressure to find the Y ō tei Six,” Nate tells us. “For Atsu, 'revenge is a dish best served cold’. To hunt down her targets she’ll need to acquire clues, while doing that there are plenty of people to meet, skills to learn and gear to acquire. The path players carve through the world while hunting is very much up to them.” Combat was free flowing in Ghost of Tsushima , and the ante has been upped in Ghost of Y ō tei .

All of us at Sucker Punch built the game so that players can get lost exploring Ezo

“I’d recommend players get good at the Perfect Parries, it’s both a move that feels great to pull off and is your best friend in duels. Also, do yourself a favour and visit the dual wielding Sensei early on, it’s a good time fighting with two swords.” REVENGE TIPS Here are Nate’s top tips for Ghost of Y ō tei players…

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