A story of revenge, a glorified feudal Japan and a strong homage to Japanese cinema: Ghost of Yōtei ticks all the boxes of the ambitious video game fresco. Available on PlayStation 5, the game from Sucker Punch Productions takes place 300 years after Ghost of Tsushima, of which it is the spiritual sequel. And as players explore this new samurai universe, a discreet mode shakes up their habits.
Three options are offered to vary the atmosphere: “Kurosawa”, a visual homage to the classics of the genre, “Miike”, more bloody and raw, and finally “Watanabe”, a mode that few had seen coming. Accessible only in the display settings, the latter combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with a haunting lo-fi soundtrack inspired by the animated series Samurai Champlooin collaboration with its creator Shinichirō Watanabe.
An unexpected immersion in a lo-fi Japan
Some players had doubts at first. Wouldn’t associating chill and hushed music with 17th century Japan break the immersion? This is not the case, quite the contrary.
“Don’t neglect the lo-fi (Watanabe) mode of Ghost of Yōtei,” says a Reddit user, relayed by ComicBook. “For some unknown reason, ‘Watanabe’ mode, the game’s lo-fi soundtrack, is hidden in GoY’s display settings.” A revelation that immediately attracted the attention of the community. This bold choice transforms crossing the world into a contemplative, almost meditative escapade.
Between two fights, walks in the rain or in foggy forests take on a whole new dimension. Sucker Punch is once again striking with its attention to detail. As one of the game’s early testers points out: “Ghost of Yōtei is pure cinematic genius, and Sucker Punch Productions deserves to be congratulated once again for knocking it out of the park and, in some ways, surpassing its predecessor.”
The Watanabe mode seduces but divides
Despite the general enthusiasm, some players note limitations. The main criticism concerns the lack of musical variety.
“The lo-fi mode is great, but it’s missing more tracks. After about an hour, they get boring. I ended up turning it off,” laments another player. On the forums, many people share this observation. The musical atmosphere works, but it ends up looping, which breaks the initial effect of freshness.
Some even suggest that Sucker Punch includes an option to add your own songs. A recurring request but as yet without an official response from the studio. In the meantime, the experience remains accessible to anyone who wants to discover Ghost of Yōtei from a more relaxed angle.
A new way to explore Ghost of Yōtei
Ghost of Yōtei doesn’t just offer challenging gameplay or powerful storytelling. It also explores new ways of making the player feel its world. Watanabe mode is the perfect example.
While it will not replace other visual or cinematic options for everyone, it becomes a valuable addition for those who like to lose themselves in a soothing sound world. It’s an astonishing proposition in an action-adventure game, and perhaps a turning point for future productions of the genre.