Hold the Phone: Erika Ishii Wants You to Know Her Actual Game of the Year Isn't What You Think (It's *Not* Ghost of Yotei!)

Erika Ishii. Just hearing the name probably brings a smile to your face if you're into video games. She's everywhere, lending her incredible talent to characters like Seer in Apex Legends, Ana Bray in Destiny 2, and Meredith Stout in Cyberpunk 2077. More recently, she's been making waves as a star in the upcoming, highly anticipated Ghost of Yotei. Given her prominent involvement in such a huge title, you'd be forgiven for assuming that Ghost of Yotei would automatically be her personal Game of the Year, right?

Well, hold on to your hats, because Ishii herself wants to clear up any misconceptions. While she's undoubtedly excited for Ghost of Yotei – and who wouldn't be? It promises to be a spectacular open-world adventure, perhaps a spiritual successor to the beloved Ghost of Tsushima – it's not the game that has truly captured her imagination and earned her ultimate GOTY seal of approval. She's been vocal about this, almost evangelical, making sure everyone knows her true affections lie elsewhere.

So, what is the game that's stealing her heart and claiming her top spot? Drumroll please... it's Blue Prince. And if you haven't heard of it, you're certainly not alone. Blue Prince is a different beast entirely. It's a surreal, atmospheric puzzle game, a far cry from the sprawling samurai epics or futuristic shootouts she's often a part of. But, oh, how she loves it!

What makes Blue Prince so special for Erika Ishii? From what she's shared, it’s all about the unique experience. This isn't your run-of-the-mill puzzler. Imagine a game where you're exploring a mysterious mansion, with new rooms appearing and rearranging based on your choices. It's got this incredible, almost dreamlike quality, blending narrative with intricate, brain-bending challenges. It’s got a very distinct visual style, a bit moody, a bit unsettling, and completely captivating. She talks about it with such genuine passion, urging people to just check out the Steam page, to witness the magic for themselves.

It really highlights how sometimes, the games that resonate deepest aren't always the ones with the biggest marketing budgets or the most familiar franchises. Sometimes, it's those quiet, artistic, utterly original experiences that truly stick with you. Ishii's dedication to Blue Prince is more than just a casual endorsement; it’s a full-blown championing of a game she clearly believes deserves all the attention it can get. She's practically a one-woman promotional team for it, and honestly, you've got to respect that kind of enthusiasm for an indie gem.

So, while we'll all be diving into Ghost of Yotei when it arrives, knowing it will likely be a fantastic journey, let's also keep an eye on Blue Prince. Erika Ishii has spoken, and when someone with her experience and passion points you towards something, it's probably worth a look. Who knows, it might just become your unexpected Game of the Year, too.