Ghost of Tsushimais Sucker Punch’s most successful game, which is partially due to the game’s setting during the Mongol invasion of Japan during its Kamakura period. The game’s historical accuracy, breathtaking visuals, combat system, and compelling characters and storyline have made it a classic for many gamers. One of theinspirations forGhost of Tsushimais renowned filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, whose movies influenced entire generations of artists. In homage to Kurosawa, bothGhost of TsushimaandGhost of Yoteiinclude a special cinematic mode, which applies a filter toGhost of Tsushimathat mimics the visual and audio style of his movies.
Ghost of Yoteitakes this one step further and includes additional modes that emulate the visual and audio styles of two of Japan’s most influential filmmakers. These modes transform the atmosphere and visual style of the games they’re featured, and give players an entirely different experience with each one used, each distinctly Japanese. This homage to Japanese cinema is a brilliant nod to the influences of some of Japan’s most influential filmmakers, and their impact on both the movie industry andGhost of Yotei.
Bringing Violence to Ghost of Yotei
The Kurosawa mode was incredibly popular among players, andGhost of Yoteiis taking the success of the cinema mode and running with it. In addition to Kurosawa mode,Ghost of Yoteiwill feature additional cinema modes by two other renowned Japanese filmmakers who have left their mark on the industry. Players will be able to apply Shinichiro Watanabe and Takashi Miike mode toGhost of Yotei, both of which will give an entirely new experience to exploring Ezo Japan.
Takashi Miike is a controversial figure in Japanese cinema, as his movies are considered to be incredibly violent and deeply disturbing. A prolific filmmaker, he’s created over 100 movies in different genres, including children’s and adaptations such asJojo’s Bizarre Adventure. However, he’s best known for his original movies, which feature heavy violence and disturbing imagery, and many of his movies are banned in the USA and EU territories.
Despite this, his movies have a distinct visual style, and he’s doubtless left his mark on Japanese cinema. Miike mode inGhost of Yoteiwill lean into Miike’s visual style by bringing in the camera during fight scenes, as well as increasing the amount of blood and mud seen onscreen during combat. It is possible thatAtsu’s fights could be more violent in Miike modebeyond its visuals, and may include dismemberment. Sucker Punch may pull back on the level of gore Miike is known for, but it’s likely that this mode may not be for sensitive players.
Exploring Ezo the Samurai Champloo Way in Ghost of Yotei
Watanabe is a legend in the Japanese cinema space, and is the creator for the anime series' Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. To honor Watanabe’s contribution to Japanese cinema,Ghost of Yoteiwill include a Watanabe modethat brings the lo-fi beats that are a distinguishing characteristic of Watanabe’s creations.
Sucker Punch worked with Watanabe on his cinema mode, and he directed original tracks forGhost of Yotei. Players will be able to explore Ezo with the same style beats asSamurai Champloo. As Ghost of Yotei is set during the same time period as Samurai Champloo, Watanabe mode will revisitSamurai Champloo’s iconic atmosphere and soundscape.
The Return of Kurosawa Mode
Finally,Kurosawa mode is returning toGhost of Yotei. This mode will recreate the visual and audio style of Kurosawa’s samurai films, and will apply a black and white filter, film grain, an audio filter, and increased wind to mimic Kurosawa’s iconic style. Sucker Punch worked directly with Kurosawa’s estate to create this mode in homage to the iconic director.
