Ghost of Yotei is set to release on October 2 exclusively for PS5. Just like the anticipation, expectations are also sky-high. Its prequel, Ghost of Tsushima, delivered cinematic open-world experiences, but it seems the sequel is aiming to push the series to the next level.
A recent interview (by AUTOMATON Japan) with Sucker Punch Productions‘ Art Director, Joanna Wang, reveals how the game takes full advantage of next-gen PS5 technology to create a world that is larger, more immersive, and more cinematic than anything seen in the original.
From Snowflakes to Starry Skies: Ghost of Yotei Brings Next-Level Immersion
Wang explained that one of the most impressive feats in Ghost of Yotei is going to be its ability to render an enormous, seamless world using PS5’s raw power. The game will be streaming millions of assets, with tens of thousands visible on-screen simultaneously.
This was made possible by the console’s ultra-fast SSD and GPU, which also help increase the view distance. Every leaf, snowflake, and particle, from drifting fog to falling ash, will be immersive and realistic to look at, giving Hokkaido a fully alive and reactive environment.
The immersiveness doesn’t end at the visuals; developers also fully take advantage of the PS5’s DualSense controller. The game uses the controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to enhance the experience. Players can feel combat clashes or even the music directly in their hands.
Meanwhile, the game will also offer terrain deformation and environmental interaction, enabling it to have realistic activities like snow falling from trees or footprints forming in powdery snow.
Combine that with the ability to remove the tear and noise of the textures (in the distance), strict color rules, and enhanced lighting, and the game offers everything from skies, auroras, and even seamless day-night transitions, fully utilizing the PS5’s next-gen capabilities.
How Next-Gen Tech Elevates Storytelling and Brings Cultural Depth
Beyond improving the visuals with sheer technical prowess, Ghost of Yotei also uses PS5 technology to elevate storytelling and character design. Set in the north of Japan, the game immerses players in Hokkaido’s culture, architecture, and landscapes.
Wang even explained that every part of the game is rendered with detail in mind. The result can also be seen in the character design. Take Atsu, for example: her yellow costume represents her story, from the sash around her waist to her shamisen; each of these ties her design to her past and family.
With the help of high-resolution textures, better lighting, and particle effects, these details are elevated, allowing players to appreciate them even when riding the horse. It creates a connection and makes even the silhouettes feel important, immersing you in the story even more.
If the early reviews are to be believed, the result of the next-gen technology and brilliant artistry is proving that Ghost of Yotei is not just a technical marvel but also a deeply thoughtful standalone sequel.
Do you think this next-gen tech in the game will redefine what open-world games can look like? Let us know in the comments below.
