Ghost Of Yotei Scaling Back A Key Game Feature Was Difficult But The Right Call, Dev Says

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Ghost of Yotei includes a cool feature where players can rewind time to see what the main character, Atsu, was doing in the past. While it currently only works at certain locations, the original idea from the game developers at Sucker Punch was to let players do this anywhere, at any moment.

Creative director Jason Connell shared with Breaking Bad’s Vince Gilligan that he was thrilled with this feature when it was first proposed. He explained that the idea was to let players experience Atsu’s difficult present – her solitary journey through a dark and challenging time – and then immediately jump back to her happier past, giving them a sense of what motivates her and why she’s fighting.

Connell explained the initial idea was to implement the feature widely, potentially across the entire platform. They were asking if it could be established as a core, defining element of the game.

After working on this feature for about a year, the team at Sucker Punch realized it would significantly increase the amount of art needed. They ultimately decided to limit its availability to specific parts of the game. While it was a disappointing decision, the developer explained it was the best course of action in the end.

Connell explained the feature was simplified based on feedback from testing and conversations with his team. Although he believes it was the best choice, he admitted it wasn’t an easy decision.

He explained that if the feature had been implemented throughout the whole game, it could have come across as a superficial addition if Sucker Punch didn’t provide enough compelling story and substance to support it.

Gilligan compared the situation to carefully adding just the right amount of salt to french fries – it needs to be just right.

He explained it’s all about balance, like adding salt to fries. A little bit is perfect, but too much completely ruins them. ‘Ugh, these are too salty!’ is usually the result when you add too much, he said.

TopMob’s review of Ghost of Yotei highlighted the game’s enjoyable time-travel feature. Reviewer Richard Wakeling explained that players can travel back in time by visiting key locations, allowing them to experience cherished moments from the protagonist’s past, like sword training with her brother and helping her father at the family forge.

Seeing glimpses of her past helps you understand and sympathize with the character, even as she later commits violent acts. The sadness from her earlier experiences is powerfully felt throughout the game, especially as you uncover more of the world of Ezo.

Ghost of Yotei launched in early October and has exceeded 3 million sales so far.

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2025-11-18 17:10