The long awaited sequel to Ghosts of Tsushima just dropped last week and the question is simple… is Ghost of Yotei worth watching? Check out John and Dallas’ initial thoughts!

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When you first hear there’s a sequel to Ghosts of Tsushima, you might wonder, can lightning really strike twice? That’s exactly what Dallas and John wrestled with in this latest episode of Comm Talk by Geek Devotions. Both long-time fans of the original, they dove headfirst into Ghosts of Yotei, logging over 20 hours each before even meeting the first main boss. Their verdict so far? Thai isn’t just more of the same; it’s a whole new experience.

The story of Ghosts of Yotei takes place nearly 400 years after the events of the first game, centered around a new protagonist named Atsu. Her journey isn’t about noble clans or grand causes; it’s deeply personal. Driven by revenge against the warlord who slaughtered her family, Atsu’s path feels grittier and more intimate. John admits he was hesitant at first, missing Jin Saikai’s sense of duty and self-sacrifice, but both he and Dallas agree the new direction is surprisingly refreshing. 

Mechanically, Ghosts of Yotei feels familiar yet evolved. The Open world is massive, but unlike many modern sandboxes, it’s thoughtfully structured. Dallas and John loved how each player’s path can unfold differently, to the point where they were having completely separate experiences despite playing the same game. That old school “lunchroom conversation” vibe came back, the kind where you’d compare secrets, strategies, and wild discoveries with friends!

Of course, the game has its quirks. The introduction feels a bit heavy-handed with hand-holding and cinematic cutscenes, something that initially frustrated John. But once you push through the first bit of the game, it opens up to a beautiful, vast world. The combat system swaps the old stance mechanics for multiple weapon types, and while it takes some adjustment, both guys found it satisfying once it clicked. The addition of the over-the-top “Miike Mode” (think Kill Bill levels of stylized absurdity) adds a fun, cinematic flavor, though, as Dallas notes, it’s so exaggerated you can’t take the gore seriously.

There’s also real depth in how Ghosts of Yotei handles its themes. Like its predecessor, it doesn’t shy away from the brutality of the era; cruelty, loss, and moral tension are all front and center. Yet underneath it all runs a current of redemption and balance, a call to rise above cruelty and restore harmony, even in a broken world.

Both Dallas and John praise Sucker Punch for creating a strong female lead who’s both modest and fierce, realistic without being objectified. Nor being written as a token to appease modern culture rather than being written to be a genuinely good character. They also caution that the game includes some mature elements (violence, cultural nudity in bathing scenes, etc.), so players should go in aware.

Ultimately, Ghosts of Yotei feels like a worthy successor, a game that respects its roots while carving its own path. It’s more personal, more experimental, and perhaps even more human. As Dallas put it, “It makes me feel like it was worth the investment.”

If you’re curious to hear their whole conversation, including a few hilarious tangents, deep dives into mechanics, and thoughts on cultural storytelling, check out the full podcast episode.