History of Ghost of Yotei’s Matchlock Guns Explained

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History of Ghost of Yotei's Matchlock Guns Explained

Key Takeaways

  • Ghost of Yotei introduces a new protagonist, Atsu, in a new setting, 300 years after Ghost of Tsushima.
  • Ghost of Yotei will feature matchlock guns, potentially replacing bows, reflecting historical accuracy.
  • Ghost of Yotei’s Edo period setting may lead to tanegashima guns being more popular than bows, impacting Atsu’s choice of weapons.

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the latest revelation about Ghost of Yotei has me both excited and intrigued! The shift from Jin Sakai to Atsu as the new protagonist is a bold move, but one that promises a fresh perspective in this captivating world.

To the delight of many fans, the sequel to “Ghost of Tsushima”, titled “Ghost of Yotei“, has been unveiled. Unlike the previous game where Jin Sakai was the main character, “Ghost of Yotei” introduces Atsu, a fresh protagonist, who assumes the role of the Ghost in a new setting. Instead of following on from the original story, “Ghost of Yotei” is set in 1603, three centuries after “Ghost of Tsushima”, in the region of Ezo, where Atsu appears to be on a quest for vengeance. Sucker Punch has been tight-lipped about the game’s details so far, but they have promised to share more information as its 2025 release date approaches.

The Ghost of Yotei is stirring up excitement for the series by presenting a fresh lead character and a novel setting, however, its innovations don’t stop there. Intriguingly, Ghost of Yotei will incorporate matchlock guns into gameplay, although it remains to be seen if these firearms will replace the bows from Ghost of Tsushima. As we await further details in the coming months, it’s worthwhile to delve into the history of matchlock guns and their potential role within Ghost of Yotei.

The History of Matchlock Guns and Their Place in Ghost of Yotei

Matchlock Guns Were First Introduced to Japan in 1543

1543 saw the introduction of matchlock guns, specifically the “tanegashima,” in Japan, having been brought over by the Portuguese. During the Sengoku Period (1549), a prominent daimyo named Oda Nobunaga, despite doubts from other daimyos about firearms replacing conventional weapons like bows, ordered 500 of these guns for his troops. Over time, the tanegashima proved its superiority, particularly in piercing armor, leading to increased production.

Despite varying designs in matchlock guns throughout history, the Japanese tanegashima stood out with its snap matchlock mechanism that sparked the firearm upon discharge. The serpentine, a curved, tensioned lever on the rear of the gun, sprang into action when triggered. At the end of this lever was a slow-burning fuse which ignited the priming powder in the gun’s flash pan. This in turn would spark and travel through the touch hole in the barrel to set off the gunpowder. This sequence is exactly what you can observe for a moment at the conclusion of the Ghost of Yotei trailer, as the spring-loaded lever snaps onto Atsu’s weapon and it discharges.

How Ghost of Yotei Might Utilize Matchlock Guns

During the year 1603, marking the commencement of the Edo period, the setting for “Ghost of Yotei” unfolds. By this point in time, the Tokugawa shogunate had seized power over Japan, under the leadership of Tokugawa Ieyasu. As a result, ongoing internal conflicts within Japan started to subside, causing a decrease in the necessity for weapons like tanegashima. Given that battles during the Edo period were often small-scale, the katana became the preferred weapon. However, there were approximately 200 blacksmiths dispersed across Japan who continued to produce guns. It was primarily the samurai who utilized these weapons, but they were mostly used for recreational purposes such as hunting and target practice.

According to the trailer for “Ghost of Yotei”, bows might not play a significant role this time around because the tanegashima, which was popular but declining in 1603, seems to be more prominent. However, if Atsu follows the Ghost’s path, she may require a stealthier weapon than a tanegashima due to its potential difficulties such as slow loading times and limited ammo supply. Despite these challenges, players might still find an opportunity to improve their tanegashima at a gunsmith, similar to how they could upgrade the bow in “Ghost of Tsushima”.

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2024-10-08 00:04