Fans of Japanese epics will have plenty of games to choose from this year. First off, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” brought the series to the Warring States period of the nation’s history, and now, Sucker Punch has announced that “Ghost of Yotei” will release Oct. 2, 2025.
The team also unveiled a new trailer that provides more details about the plot for its follow-up to the brilliant 2020 project, “Ghost of Tsushima.” The upcoming game follows the exploits of Atsu, who returns to Ezo, which is present-day Hokkaido. It’s the northernmost of Japan’s main islands. For “Pokemon” fans, it’s also the primary inspiration for the Sinnoh region.
As a child, Atsu was left for dead by a gang of outlaws known as the Yotei Six after they killed her family and left her pinned against a burning ginkgo tree outside her home. After years away, she returns to extract her revenge with a plan to hunt down six members: the Snake, the Oni, the Kitsune, the Spider, the Dragon and Lord Saito.
A PlayStation blog post revealed more details about additions to the game, including a new flashback mechanic and a more open-ended way to track down the gang. The post also said returning activities from “Ghost of Tsushima” would be returning as well.
With the upcoming release, 2025 will be bookended by two Japanese epics, but each has its own spin on an open-world adventure. “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” feels more granular and gritty, while the upcoming “Ghost of Yotei” looks more artistic and cinematic.
After both come out, it will be an interesting exercise to figure out which was the better revenge tale.
Along with the release date, Sucker Punch also announced that preorders for “Ghost of Yotei” will begin at 10 a.m. May 2 with a standard edition selling for $69.99, a Digital Deluxe Edition with in-game extras for $79.99 and a Collector’s Edition with art cards, sash, a ghost mask and other physical items for $249.99.
“Ghost of Yotei” promises to be just as beautiful as Sucker Punch’s previous game. “Ghost of Tsushima.” (Sony Interactive Entertainment)
