Why a New Setting and Protagonist Are an Excellent Choice for Ghost of Yōtei

Why a New Setting and Protagonist Are an Excellent Choice for Ghost of Yōtei

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the breathtaking world of Ghost of Tsushima, I must admit that the announcement of Ghost of Yōtei left me absolutely thrilled! Having had the privilege to witness Sucker Punch’s masterful storytelling and gameplay mechanics firsthand, I can confidently say that this new title is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.


Immediately upon its release in 2020, “Ghost of Tsushima” quickly gained popularity among fans. Its stunning open-world environment, cinematic style reminiscent of Kurosawa, engaging and captivating combat, and striking visual appeal combined to create a game that was often hailed as Sucker Punch’s finest work. Given the studio’s history with games like “Sly Cooper” and “inFamous”, this recognition was particularly significant.

Of course, there’s been a lot of excitement for a sequel to the open-world samurai epic, “Ghost of Tsushima”. In September, Sony and Sucker Punch officially announced a follow-up titled “Ghost of Yōtei“. Before its unveiling, many fans were curious about what kind of sequel we’d be getting – would it continue Jin Sakai’s story from the end of the first game or introduce a new protagonist in a fresh setting? The reveal of “Ghost of Yōtei” confirmed that Sucker Punch is opting for a new hero and new environment.

NOTE: There are spoilers ahead for Ghost of Tsushima.

Some people have expressed concerns regarding the creative choice made, disregarding any misleading arguments. It’s easy to see why others might have hoped for a straightforward sequel to Tsushima, let’s call it “Twoshima” if you like. After all, the first game had an engaging storyline and Jin Sakai has quite a following. So, it’s not surprising that there are those who feel disappointed that we won’t be getting another installment featuring him, considering how Tsushima concludes.

From a narrative standpoint, while some might advocate for a direct sequel in “Ghost of Tsushima,” the game’s story feels self-contained and complete. The character arc of Jin Sakai is resolved, and every narrative thread is tied up by the end of the game. However, there could potentially be a follow-up where Jin embarks on new adventures, such as facing the shogun in mainland Japan or dealing with another Mongol invasion years later. Despite the possibility of a sequel, “Ghost of Tsushima” doesn’t demand one, and the creators have the advantage of both endings being canon, as intended by the developers.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel invigorated by the prospect that “Ghost of Yōtei” won’t follow in the footsteps of traditional sequels, providing a breath of fresh air compared to what some critics argue are repetitive patterns often seen in first-party PlayStation franchises. Titles like “God of War Ragnarok,” “Horizon Forbidden West,” and “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” are unquestionably top-notch games, but they do face criticism for not offering enough novelty and deviating too little from their predecessors’ approaches.

Why a New Setting and Protagonist Are an Excellent Choice for Ghost of Yōtei

It wouldn’t make sense for The Ghost of Yōtei to be an entirely different type of game compared to Ghost of Tsushima; instead, it’s the kind of sequel that manages to blend the best aspects of both. In terms of gameplay and design, it’s safe to assume that it will primarily expand upon the original game’s core elements. We can anticipate enhancements in mechanics and new features, some of which have been confirmed by Sucker Punch, like new weapons and even firearms due to the game being set three centuries after the first one, in 1603. It would also be great if there were upgrades to stealth, movement, and other elements as well.

Primarily, when it comes to gameplay, Ghost of Yōtei is expected to expand on established elements, featuring combat mechanics similar to parrying, a focus on stealth and agile navigation, an expansive open world for exploration, and a historically-inspired setting to engage with. Simultaneously, from a narrative standpoint, Sucker Punch enjoys creative liberty as they can shape the story however they wish. Unlike Ghost of Tsushima, which had a predetermined narrative, starting anew with a fresh protagonist in Ghost of Yōtei will bring a level of originality and storytelling flexibility that isn’t common among sequels.

It’s no secret that anthology-style franchises have been around for quite some time, and their advantages have long been recognized. Take “The Legend of Zelda” or even “Assassin’s Creed,” a series often compared to “Ghost.” Both franchises have produced sequels, but they haven’t shied away from starting fresh, which has generally worked out well for them. The developers can build upon an established gameplay structure while maintaining creative freedom in storytelling. In the case of “Ghost,” Sucker Punch could use this series to tell various stories set across different eras of Japanese history, sharing common motifs and themes, but featuring new protagonists and settings with each installment.

Why a New Setting and Protagonist Are an Excellent Choice for Ghost of Yōtei

Atsu appears to be an enticing addition as the main character in this upcoming tale. At present, not much is known about her, but we do know she’s a shinobi and seems to be a fugitive, with Sucker Punch positioning her at the heart of their “underdog vengeance story”. The game’s announcement trailer hints that she may have a bond with wolves (or possibly just one wolf), which could add depth both in terms of gameplay and narrative. Whether Atsu will prove to be a robust protagonist is yet to be determined, but given what we’ve glimpsed so far, we’re hopeful.

Beyond all else, it’s crucial to emphasize that Sucker Punch has certainly won our trust, and rightly so. While Ghost of Tsushima wasn’t without its flaws, the game was nothing short of extraordinary, offering a unique and breathtaking adventure that continues to resonate with players and garner a massive fanbase. Given the studio’s proven track record of creating exceptional games, we can’t help but be thrilled about their upcoming Tsushima follow-up. Admittedly, we may miss Jin Sakai for now, but overall, the prospect of a game that builds upon Ghost of Tsushima’s gameplay mechanics while crafting its own narrative in a stunning new open world is more than enough to pique our interest. We’re eagerly waiting to be a part of this exciting journey.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

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2024-10-30 16:13