How does the combat system in Ghost of Yotei compare to the first game?
The enemy AI is also much more aggressive and will work together more effectively. Archers will specifically try to flank you while swordsmen press the attack, and brutes will charge you to break your guard. You can't just stand in one place and parry forever; you have to constantly be aware of your positioning and use all the tools at your disposal. It's a more challenging and engaging system overall.
Combat feels familiar but more refined. Parrying and dodging are tighter, enemy AI reacts more intelligently, and environmental hazards are integrated into fights. You also get new tools like rope grapples and snow-based gadgets for more dynamic encounters.
I also noticed the stamina management is more critical. You can’t just spam attacks; you need to plan combos and retreat strategically. It’s more tactical than the first game.
The core "standoff, stances, parry, dodge" loop is still there and feels as great as ever, but they've built significantly on top of it. The biggest addition is the Spirit Gauge. By performing perfect parries/dodges and using certain charms, you build up a spirit meter that can be spent on powerful Kami Techniques. These are special abilities tied to the guardian spirits you befriend, like summoning a gust of wind to stagger all enemies around you or creating a temporary ice wall for cover. It adds a strategic resource management layer to the otherwise reaction-based combat.
They've also made the sword stances more fluid. Instead of manually switching stances for specific enemy types, your character now automatically adapts their stance based on the enemy you're targeting, which makes combat flow much better. The depth now comes from the new weapon types (like the Kusarigama) and the integration of your spirit powers. It feels more dynamic and less like a "rock-paper-scissors" matchup. The combat has evolved from a pure samurai duel simulator to a more hybrid, supernatural warrior fantasy, and it's all the better for it.