(Image credit: Sucker Punch)
A new age rating for Ghost of Yotei has unveiled that a fan-favorite aspect of Ghost of Tsushima is making a comeback in the sequel. Yes, you will once again have the chance to catch a fleeting glimpse of your character’s backside as they step into the hot springs to contemplate their grave mistakes. ESRB has officially assigned an M 17+ rating to Ghost of Yotei, primarily due to its high level of violence as, predictably, this is another intense revenge narrative.
The certifications board took note of the game’s graphic depictions, including decapitation, dismemberment, blood splatter, impalement, and stabbing, all of which are occasionally featured in slow-motion, justifying the mature rating. The board also highlighted cutscenes showcasing more extreme violence: characters set ablaze, a man being repeatedly stabbed, and a character slitting their own throat. Just your typical jolly scenes, be cautious as you proceed. GamesRadar provides more insights into the creative choices behind such scenes.
However, on a lighter note, Yotei’s list of less family-friendly content also confirms the anticipated return of the hot spring sequences. “During the course of the game, a female character’s exposed buttocks is depicted in a hot spring,” the rating notes. These naturally became a viral topic with Ghost of Tsushima in 2020, perhaps due to the brief yet memorable glimpse of Jin Sakai’s posterior. Whether it went viral for humor or thirst remains uncertain. Nonetheless, it’s intriguing to see this straight-faced series fostering a tradition that’s not entirely centered around gore.
In addition to this, if you’re feeling adventurous, the ESRB also highlights your ability to indulge in sake and partake in drinking games, resulting in amusing screen-blurring effects. A nice touch indeed. The developers behind Ghost of Yotei acknowledge their initial ignorance regarding Japanese culture, but similar to their efforts with Ghost of Tsushima, they’ve engaged “cultural advisors” to ensure they “deliver a respectful representation” of Japan. Kotaku discusses this cultural collaboration in detail.