Ghost of Yōtei Reveals Epic Kurosawa Mode Return and Stunning New Samurai Presentation Styles
Ghost of Yōtei is back with some exciting new features that fans of samurai games will definitely want to check out. Sucker Punch Productions has just revealed more details about the upcoming PlayStation 5 title during Sony’s recent Yōtei-focused State of Play, including the return of the beloved Kurosawa Mode and fresh presentation styles inspired by legendary Japanese directors.
- Return of Ghost of Tsushima’s Kurosawa Mode with black-and-white visuals and Japanese dialogue
- New Takashi Miike Mode with intense close-up combat and gritty effects
- Chill Samurai Champloo-inspired mode featuring lo-fi beats for exploration and fights
- New weapons like dual katanas, ōdachi, and kusarigama with fluid combat mechanics
- Open-world exploration similar to Elden Ring’s discoverability
- Limited Edition PS5 consoles and controllers themed around Ghost of Yōtei
- Game set 300 years after Ghost of Tsushima, following new protagonist Atsu in Hokkaido
Classic Kurosawa Mode Returns – And Then Some
If you loved the cinematic black-and-white Kurosawa Mode from Ghost of Tsushima, you’re in luck. It’s making a comeback in Ghost of Yōtei, complete with film grain and authentic Japanese voice acting with lip sync. But that’s not all. The game also introduces a Takashi Miike Mode, which cranks up the intensity by placing the camera closer to the action, with more blood and mud flying during fights—perfect for fans of gritty samurai cinema. And for a completely different vibe, there’s a Samurai Champloo-inspired mode created in collaboration with director Shinichirō Watanabe. This mode layers smooth lo-fi beats over exploration and combat, giving you a chilled soundtrack while you hunt down your enemies.
Check out the latest gameplay reveal here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgM6poO2JmY
New Weapons and Combat Dynamics
Atsu, the new protagonist, wields a variety of weapons including dual katanas, ōdachi, and kusarigama. Combat flows smoothly as you can switch between weapons on the fly, disarm foes, or even risk being disarmed yourself. The gameplay trailer emphasizes not just fighting but also exploration—following wildlife to uncover hidden spots is back, along with an Elden Ring-like sense of adventure that encourages players to roam far and wide to discover secrets and unique locations.
Setting and Story
Ghost of Yōtei isn’t a direct sequel to Ghost of Tsushima but takes place 300 years later in a new region: Ezo, now known as Hokkaido. You play as Atsu, driven by vengeance against the Yōtei Six, the group responsible for her family’s death. The game offers more narrative freedom than its predecessor, allowing players to take down the Yōtei Six in any order they choose, adding a fresh layer of strategy and replayability.
Limited Edition Consoles and Release Date
At the end of the presentation, Sucker Punch revealed Limited Edition PS5 consoles and controllers themed around Ghost of Yōtei. The console plates feature Mount Yōtei, while the controllers highlight Atsu’s design, making them must-haves for collectors and fans alike.
Ghost of Yōtei is scheduled for release exclusively on PS5 on October 2, 2025. The game was first announced during September 2024’s State of Play, so the wait is almost over!
