Pamelyn Kinsey

I’ve seen a lot of people worry it might be “surface-level,” but the devs actually brought in Ainu cultural consultants to make sure representation was respectful. So yes, it’s featured, but expect it as part of the atmosphere and lore rather than the entire plot. Worth checking out more here: Ghost of Yotei cultural notes.

Oh man, yes—Ghost of Yōtei leans hard into Ainu culture, and it's one of the coolest parts about it. Set in 1603 Hokkaido (back when it was Ezo), your protagonist Atsu is this fierce female warrior with clear Ainu roots—think intricate tattoos, traditional clothing mods, and rituals tied to their animistic beliefs where nature spirits are everywhere. The devs at Sucker Punch worked with Ainu consultants to get it right, avoiding stereotypes and focusing on resilience and harmony with the wilds, like bear ceremonies and mouth-harps in the OST. It's not just window dressing; side quests dive into clan dynamics and resistance against settlers. Super respectful, and it adds so much depth to the lore. If you're into cultural rep in games, this nails it—check out the director's interview for more deets: PlayStation Blog on Ainu Portrayal.

I noticed a big change with how rain and mud work. Heavy rain actually muffles a lot of sound—not just footsteps, but also the clanging of swords during combat. If you're using a stealth approach, a sudden downpour is your best friend because it practically makes your moves silent. On the flip side, running through thick, muddy areas leaves noticeable dynamic trails that enemies (and especially their tracking dogs) can follow easily, so you have to be mindful of your pathing. The environment is constantly giving you subtle cues about how you should be playing. It's a huge step up from Tsushima!