If a game includes stealth elements, it's fair to expect it to have some sort of targeted eavesdropping ability. Joel and Ellie from The Last of Us have superpowers that help them single out clickers. Assassin's Creed assassins can use Eagle Vision to highlight enemies and a variety of other notable objects in the environment. Ghost of TsushimaJin Sakai from the series gained the ability of focused hearing by taking the path of a ghost, and he became a ninja. So where are Atsu's abilities? Ghost of Yotei?
[Ed. note: Spoilers for Ghost of Yōtei follow.]
Depending on which path you choose Ghost of Yoteithe latest open-world samurai adventure from Sucker Punch Productions, you might think super-powered focused hearing is nowhere to be found. How some players mourned on Ghost of Yothei on the subreddit, he is not immediately introduced, despite numerous combat encounters that seem to be built around stealth, and in particular the presence of such an ability. It turns out that the game actually has a super hearing (called “Hearing”), but it is somewhat hidden towards the end of the game.
Male, Yoteirevenge-seeking protagonisthas flexibility in what order she can pursue the Yotei Six. Right out of the gate, you'll receive the main story quests, giving Atsu the opportunity to find a rematch with Lord Saito, put out the Oni fire, or pursue the Kitsune. Although, let's be honest: you'll probably get distracted. exploring the open world before going after any of them. There are so many shrines to pray at, hot springs to bathe in, and weapon masters to train under that you could play for two dozen hours before even killing a member of the Yotei Six (raises hand).
However, deep in the main quests you will find the ability to Listen. In the snowy Teshio Range, while pursuing Kitsune and his group of Nine-Tails shinobi, Atsu gains superpowers of hearing. This will make the stealth sections a little smoother as enemies can be easily spotted thanks to focused hearing, but I would argue that there is a better way to play. Ghost of Yotei.
Your experience may vary, but in the 33 hours I spent exploring Ezo (and I'm just now chasing Kitsune), I chose direct combat over stealth almost every time. It's not that Atsu is a bad ghost ninja – stealth is an absolutely viable strategy in this game – it's just that the moment-to-moment combat is much more interesting. Especially when a wolf joins us!
Since I've already completed several quests in the wolf's den and updated the wolf skill tree, my canine companion is more likely to appear than ever. Every time I approach an enemy camp I think, “Okay, this time to bring these guys out of the shadows,” a confrontation button appears at the bottom of the screen, along with a prompt reminding me that I can play the shamisen to summon the wolf. And every time I call this damn wolf.
It's not my fault that the confrontations are so cool! Confrontation with a partner? Double cool. When is this partner a wolf? Infinitely cool.
Fighting in a village overrun by Oni Raiders or on a farm occupied by the Nine-Tails is such a pleasure with her wolf friend Atsu by her side. The wolf is deadly on its own, killing the enemy during a confrontation alongside Atsu. It will also stagger enemies, giving Atsu an easy opportunity to capitalize. I especially like throwing empty sake cans at enemies, which can encourage a wolf to rush down their throat. Nice dog.
Atsu and her wolf companion are quite strong. Ghost of Yoteibordering on OP, the more Atsu's skill tree is filled. Whether you're stealth striking or attacking enemies head-on, she has a range of powerful options for how you want her to kill an enemy. I didn't miss the ability to Listen during the first hours of working with Ghost of Yoteiand I don't think I'll use it much now.
