How Ghost of Yotei’s 1603 Setting Could Pave the Way for One Theme

by

How Ghost of Yotei's 1603 Setting Could Pave the Way for One Theme

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the breathtaking world of Ghost of Tsushima, I can confidently say that the announcement of Ghost of Yotei has sent me into a whirlwind of excitement! The prospect of stepping into a new era with a fresh storyline and intriguing protagonist Atsu is nothing short of exhilarating.

As a diehard fan, I can’t contain my excitement about the unveiling of the Ghost of Yotei, hands down one of the most thrilling announcements this year! Sucker Punch is venturing into uncharted territory with their cherished Ghost of Tsushima series, and I’m eager to see where they take it. The newcomer, Ghost of Yotei, promises a captivating narrative centered around the protagonist Atsu. While many details about the storyline are yet to be revealed, the first sneak peek at the game hints at an unforgiving journey brimming with vengeance-driven carnage.

The enigma surrounding the game “Ghost of Yotei” makes it an intriguing title to ponder, but what sets it apart from its predecessor is a substantial leap forward in time. Unlike “Ghost of Tsushima“, which takes place, “Ghost of Yotei” is set in the year 1603, over 300 years later. This temporal shift is one of the key aspects that has sparked curiosity about “Ghost of Yotei‘s narrative. While some were taken aback by the focus on a different time period, the year 1603 represents a significant cultural transformation in Japan that could serve as a foundation for one of the major themes in “Ghost of Yotei“.

Ghost of Yotei’s Setting Marks the Beginning of Japan’s Edo Period

A Time Defined By Rigid Social Standards

The Edo period spanned approximately 200 years, starting from the year 1603, as historians point out. This era, a major chapter in Japan’s extensive history, marked a shift towards a more rigid hierarchy that heavily emphasized social stratification. Although it holds an air of mystery, this time period provides rich ground for analysis, such as early studies of “Ghost of Yotei”. Since Atsu’s journey occurs beyond the borders of Japan, her experiences and approaches could potentially conflict with the rapidly evolving world around her.

Mount Yotei and Hokkaido

The movie “Ghost of Yotei” places Mount Yotei in its scenic surroundings, situated on the island of Hokkaido – a fascinating selection given that it wasn’t incorporated into Japan until 1869. This setting raises questions about Atsu’s background; she might have either escaped to this region or been raised there. If the former is correct, then perhaps Atsu finds comfort in Hokkaido as she escapes from Japan’s transition into a more rigid society. In the trailer, Atsu appears as an outlaw, contrasting sharply with both the samurai bushido ethos and Japan as a nation.

The term “bushido” was first written down in 1616.

As a gamer, I find myself immersed in the world of “Ghost of Yotei,” where my character Atsu, a samurai, is breaking free from the traditional norms of the Edo period. Unlike the samurai of that time who were formalizing bushido and strictly adhering to a rigid set of rules, Atsu seems to be embracing a more nomadic lifestyle. This could potentially ignite one of the game’s major conflicts, as it challenges the established order and sets Atsu apart from his fellow samurai who serve as role models for the lower classes.

Atsu Paving Her Own Path in a Changing Social Order

Bushido Virtues That Helped Define the Edo Period

  • Righteousness
  • Courage
  • Benevolence
  • Respect
  • Honesty
  • Honor
  • Loyalty

At first glance, these seven virtues make for excellent guidelines in life, but over-emphasizing them might lead to an oppressive atmosphere. During that time, the samurai way of life appeared to have a much more rigid view on contemporary issues, whereas Atsu seemed capable of viewing everything as much more nuanced. If Ghost of Yotei is aiming to usher in a new phase for the franchise, then exploring this moral dilemma could be an intriguing foundation for the game’s narrative.

As a history enthusiast, I can’t help but feel thrilled by the sneak peeks of “Ghost of Yotei.” This captivating tale appears to offer a deep dive into a particular epoch of Japan’s rich history. The intriguing time leap in the narrative seems purposeful, and the commencement of the Edo period could well be the key that unlocks its significance.

Read More

2024-10-21 21:13