The Climbs in Ghost of Yotei Were No Coincidence

Ghost of Yotei stands out for the sense of freedom it offers its players. However, the climbing mechanic in the game isn’t just a tool for exploration. According to the Sucker Punch team, this system is inspired by the real geography of Hokkaido, Japan, and the game’s theme of “freedom.”

Sucker Punch Aimed to Create a Realistic Feeling of Freedom in Ghost of Yotei

Creative director Jason Connell stated in an interview with GamesRadar+ that climbing is a core philosophy of the game. “The idea of ​​freedom was very important to us,” Connell said, emphasizing that Hokkaido’s natural challenges are transformed into “opportunities” for players. He explained that elements like “magical teleports” would have disrupted credibility in a realistic world, so they focused on “exploration through natural means.”

According to Connell, Hokkaido’s steep slopes shaped the game’s design, both visually and mechanically. “We chose to view these areas not as a problem, but as an opportunity,” Connell said, noting that by climbing to the top of the mountains, players encounter not only the view but also a spiritual reward. Reaching the temples is intended to create a sense of accomplishment.

Sucker Punch developed special systems to make not only the climb but also the descent enjoyable. “Some temples were very high, so we added fast descent systems and a sliding mechanic,” Connell said, explaining that these details turn Hokkaido’s steepness into an advantage. These features provide both pace and variety for the player.

Connell emphasized that climbing is an element that reinforces Ghost of Yotei’s “epic realism,” saying, “No matter how steep and challenging the game world is, we balanced these challenges with a sense of discovery.” Thus, Hokkaido’s harsh landscape has become a natural setting that complements the game’s theme of freedom.

Ghost of Yotei goes beyond being a typical open-world game. Players don’t just fight; they also explore their own paths while navigating the challenges of the Japanese landscape. Climbing becomes not only a physical but also a spiritual part of this journey.

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