After Ghost of Yotei, This PlayStation Trend May Finally Be Coming to an End

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Ghost of Yotei is here, and it’s making a strong first impression with a skilled swordsman as its lead. The main character, Atsu, is interesting and well-developed, quickly becoming a popular hero on PlayStation. Ghost of Yotei faced a tough task following the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, but the development team at Sucker Punch successfully delivered.

Ghost of Yotei not only lives up to the standards of its original game, but it also improves upon Ghost of Tsushima in many areas. While the two games are clearly connected, they each tell unique stories. In Ghost of Tsushima, Jin wrestles with the conflict between his principles and the need to survive, whereas Atsu’s story centers around dealing with loss. Ghost of Yotei’s tale of grief is certainly moving, but it’s a theme we’ve seen a lot in PlayStation games lately, and hopefully Atsu’s story will signal a change in direction.

This article is free of spoilers.

After Ghost of Yotei, the Next Round of PlayStation Exclusives Hopefully Steer Clear of Grief-Stricken Protagonists

I really enjoy Ghost of Yotei, but unfortunately, Atsu’s reasons for acting and his sadness don’t feel particularly new. Ghost of Tsushima offered a refreshing take on the conflict between two opposing ways of life, but the story of loss in Ghost of Yotei has become a common theme in PlayStation games. This trend seems to have started with God of War in 2018. Since then, many popular PlayStation exclusives have focused on characters dealing with grief.

  • The Last of Us Part 2
  • Returnal
  • God of War Ragnarok

The Last of Us Part 2 is a standout example, because the game’s initial, shocking loss drives the entire plot forward. Returnal is another strong title that explores similar ideas, though it doesn’t get as much attention. And while God of War Ragnarok also shows Kratos developing after experiencing loss, this theme isn’t quite as central as it was in the 2018 game.

There are quite a few ways that Ghost of Yotei reminds me of The Last of Us Part 2. I really like games that aren’t afraid to be emotionally impactful, but that particular approach has become somewhat common lately. With the PS5 now offering a strong selection of exclusive games, I’m hoping future releases will offer something a little different.

Ghost of Yotei faced a tough task following the incredibly popular Ghost of Tsushima, but the development team at Sucker Punch successfully delivered.

PlayStation’s Upcoming Exclusives Are Teasing Compelling New Stories

  • Saros (March 20, 2026)
  • Marvel’s Wolverine (Fall 2026)
  • Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet (TBD)

Currently, the intricate storylines of these three games are still largely unknown. Regarding Saros, the developer Housemarque has revealed that the main character, Arjun Devraj, is “a determined Soltari Enforcer completely dedicated to finding what – or who – he seeks.” Considering Housemarque also created Returnal, Saros is likely to be a deeply moving experience, though hopefully with a different approach.

Insomniac’s Marvel’s Wolverine and Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic are still largely unknown. We expect Wolverine to feature Logan on a violent journey, possibly seeking revenge. Intergalactic, meanwhile, will center around a civilization on the planet Sempiria, which has been isolated from the rest of the universe for 600 years. It’s still too soon to know the full stories behind these three games, but after Ghost of Yotei, I’m hoping they offer something new and exciting.

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2025-10-04 02:42