Ghost of Yotei features three cinematic modes, offering players the ability to customize the look and feel of gameplay by implementing custom settings inspired by the works of famous directors from the film and anime industry.
In addition to the Kurosawa mode Ghost of Tsushima players will be familiar with, Ghost of Yotei introduces Watanabe and Miike modes as well. Here are their details.
What is Kurosawa Mode in Ghost of Yotei
Inspired by the films of acclaimed director Akira Kurosawa.
Applies a stylized black and white filter for an immersive cinematic experience.
When activated, Kurosawa mode applies a stark black and white, grainy, old-school samurai film-like filter that affects everything, including the menus. In addition to the visual changes, a subtle tonal shift filter is applied to the sound as well, with the aim of making it feel like you’re experiencing a classic black and white Japanese movie.
For a first playthrough, keeping this mode turned off is recommended. Ghost of Yotei is a gorgeous game with incredible vistas and stunning landscapes that cannot be appreciated when seen through a black and white lens. In the end, however, this is ultimately down to player preferences.
What is Miike Mode in Ghost of Yotei
Inspired by the films of acclaimed director Takashi Miike.
Adds more mud, more blood, and uses a tighter cinematic camera.
Off-screen attacks are harder to see, making combat more challenging.
Miike mode drastically increases the amount of mud and blood effects in Ghost of Yotei. Enemies bleed more profusely and running kicks up mud that sticks to Atsu’s clothes, resulting in a significantly more disheveled appearance compared to her normal state.
In addition, Miike mode also makes it so that the camera zooms in quite a lot during combat encounters, making it very difficult to see incoming attacks from the surroundings. This tighter camera is only in effect during fights; exploration remains the same. This can be quite punishing for players playing at Ghost of Yotei’s Lethal difficulty.
Miike Mode will only work as intended when the “Show Blood” option under “Display” is toggled ON.
What is Watanabe Mode in Ghost of Yotei
Inspired by the acclaimed anime director Shinichiro Watanabe.
Features original lo-fi music created under the direction of Watanabe.
Turning on Watanabe Mode replaces the default Ghost of Yotei soundtracks with chill lo-fi beats made exclusively for the game. If turned on, the lo-fi soundtracks remain in effect in all aspects of the game, including menus, exploration, and combat. Unlike regular soundtracks, these songs do not shift with scenes but play sequentially in a fixed pattern.
The change from regular soundtracks to lo-fi beats is not immediate when Watanabe mode is turned on. It can take up to 30 seconds for it to take effect.