Ghost of Yotei recently showcased some interesting new gameplay modes during its State of Play presentation that might change how open-world games approach atmosphere and style. These modes pay tribute to iconic filmmakers and bring fresh sensory layers to the game’s world, offering players a chance to experience the game through different artistic lenses.
Back in 2020, Ghost of Tsushima launched with a Kurosawa Mode, a tribute to legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, that transformed the game’s lively colors into dramatic black-and-white visuals. Naturally, fans expected this mode to return in Ghost of Yotei, the sequel set in the snowy island of Ezo (current-day Hokkaido). But Sucker Punch Productions went beyond that, introducing two additional modes inspired by other ambitious creators.
Kurosawa Mode Returns, Alongside Miike and Watanabe Modes
The first is the familiar Kurosawa Mode, bringing back those striking monochrome visuals that give the game a classic samurai film atmosphere. Then there’s Miike Mode, inspired by Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike, which cranks up the intensity by zooming the camera closer during combat and amplifying the gore, blood, and mud effects get seriously amped up. It’s a grittier, more visceral experience that feels like stepping into a dark, violent movie.
But the real standout is the new Watanabe Mode, named after Shinichirō Watanabe, the director behind classics like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. This mode layers the game with lo-fi hip hop music, including original tracks composed by Watanabe himself. The result is a chill yet interesting vibe that turns exploration into a laid-back, almost hypnotic journey through the snowy landscapes.
Lo-Fi Mode: A Surprising but Natural Fit
One might wonder: does lo-fi hip hop really belong in a samurai action game? Surprisingly, yes. While Ghost of Yotei isn’t precisely a cozy game, there’s limb carving and revenge plots aplenty, the lo-fi soundtrack fits naturally during moments of calm exploration. It’s a nod to Watanabe’s signature blend of stylish visuals and memorable music, giving players a fresh way to experience the environment and atmosphere.
The original Ghost of Tsushima already set a high bar for environmental design, with its impressive biomes and peaceful moments that offered a sense of zen amidst chaos. Ghost of Yotei carries that forward, and with the addition of Watanabe Mode, it emphasizes mood and ambiance in a way that feels carefully crafted and thoughtful.
Of course, not every open-world game could pull off a lo-fi mode. Imagine Arthur Morgan from Red Dead Redemption 2 trying to study or relax to hip hop beats—yikes, right? But it’s a clever idea that other developers might want to consider when thinking about how to deepen player immersion and make their worlds feel lived-in and cozy.
Ghost of Yotei will feature a new 'Watanabe Mode' which plays lo-fi hip hop tracks as you explore.
Features new, original tracks from the director of Samurai Champloo Shinichirō Watanabe. 🔥#GhostofYotei #StateofPlay #PS5 pic.twitter.com/CQ8JmNYerv
— KAMI (@Okami13_) July 10, 2025
What do you think? Would you want to see more games experiment with modes like these? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
