Sucker Punch's latest downloadable content for Ghost of Yotei, bundled as Echoes of Sekigahara and Most Wanted, offers a compelling reason for players to return to its ronin fantasy. While not introducing radical new concepts, these additions skillfully distill and expand upon the precise combat and stunning landscapes that defined the base game. The content is available as part of the Ghost of Yotei: Complete Edition or as a $15 upgrade for existing owners via the PlayStation Store.
Accessing Echoes of Sekigahara requires players to have progressed roughly 10 hours into the original story, specifically after defeating a handful of the Yotei Six, and initiating a bounty titled "Nagato, the Handsome." Most Wanted, on the other hand, is accessible immediately from the main menu. Though distinct in their approach, both offerings are considered worthwhile additions.
Burning Old Flames
Echoes of Sekigahara delves into the past of lead character Atsu, weaving a personal narrative through flashbacks that explore her history with an old flame named Nagato, known as "The Handsome." This expansion introduces a new region, Ashoro Foothills, complete with its own condensed questline and open-world activities, offering approximately seven to eight hours of new content. The narrative centers on Atsu's efforts to disrupt Lord Saito's army and confront the Vipers, a faction vying for power. As Atsu confronts Nagato, their shared past during the pivotal Battle of Sekigahara is revealed through playable flashbacks, detailing a romance complicated by duty. While the story follows a predictable arc, its execution, driven by the contrasting personalities of Atsu and Nagato, remains captivating.
Nagato accompanies Atsu in key missions, providing support by targeting separate enemies when Atsu aims her bow, which can lead to satisfying coordinated takedowns. The expansion also introduces Massive Weapons, disposable items dropped by heavier enemies or found in combat arenas. These add a visceral element to combat, allowing players to wield large, impactful weapons, though they do not fundamentally alter the game's established weapon mechanics.
The new region features platforming and climbing sequences, often accompanied by engaging banter between Atsu and Nagato, set against the backdrop of Yotei's visually striking landscapes. These vistas, reminiscent of the base game's Kurosawa-inspired aesthetic, highlight the series' strength in depicting natural beauty amidst conflict. Sidequests within Ashoro Foothills contribute to the theme of rebuilding and defending a neglected region, with one particular questline offering a nuanced perspective on Atsu's quest for revenge.
Ronin Gone Rogue
The Most Wanted mode offers a pure combat challenge, presenting six bounties based on the Yotei Six villains. Players must survive increasingly difficult waves of enemies and minibosses to reach and defeat each target in a single attempt, stripping away stealth and exploration in favor of direct confrontation. Players can choose from four hunters: Atsu, Oyuki, Nagato, and Jin Sakai, each with distinct starting weapon loadouts that complement the game's rock-paper-scissors combat system.
Waves can quickly become overwhelming, forcing players to adopt a more tactical approach and utilize every available tool, from smoke bombs for crowd control to specific weapon combos to manage enemy groups. The higher stakes in Most Wanted emphasize the importance of situational assessment and adaptation, complementing the core mechanics of dodging and parrying.
Progression through Most Wanted involves selecting one of three random perks per run, offering advantages that can range from supplemental weapons to unique combat boons. These perks can significantly influence gameplay, enabling strategic build-crafting and creating satisfying moments of execution and good fortune. The inclusion of Jin Sakai as a playable character provides a refreshing callback to Ghost of Tsushima, preserving his distinct movement and combat style within the new mode.
While Most Wanted utilizes existing points of interest and recycled bosses from the main game, the run-based format and increased combatant numbers create a fresh sense of tension. However, the game's targeting system, which relies on proximity rather than a dedicated lock-on, can occasionally lead to frustration. Unintended target switching during combat, especially in intense boss encounters involving additional mobs, can spoil well-executed moves and lead to disappointing ends to long runs. Despite these occasional hiccups, the Most Wanted mode remains a rewarding experience that underscores the depth and satisfaction of Ghost of Yotei's combat system.
Overall, the Echoes of Sekigahara and Most Wanted DLCs serve as a powerful reminder of Ghost of Yotei's core strengths. The combat remains graceful and deadly, enhanced by the strategic demands of Most Wanted. Echoes of Sekigahara, while not reinventing the narrative wheel, provides a poignant expansion of Atsu's character and a compelling reason to revisit the game's world.