Ghost of Yotei’s Origin Story Needs to Side-Step Tsushima’s

Key Takeaways

  • Ghost of Yotei shifts focus to a new protagonist, Atsu, creating a story beyond Ghost of Tsushima’s Jin Sakai.
  • Atsu’s origin story in Ghost of Yotei needs to differentiate itself from Jin’s to offer players a fresh experience.
  • Atsu may face an internal conflict centered around vengeance in Ghost of Yotei, departing from Jin’s moral identity struggle.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the prospect of a new installment in the Ghost series, titled Ghost of Yotei, has piqued my interest significantly. Having played and immersed myself in the rich storytelling of Ghost of Tsushima, it’s exciting to see Sucker Punch expanding the universe and introducing a fresh protagonist, Atsu, into the mix.


Instead of continuing with Jin Sakai as the protagonist, the upcoming game titled Ghost of Yotei will star a new character named Atsu. Sucker Punch aims to expand the Ghost series beyond a single story by focusing on different characters who embody the legend of the Ghost. As such, the narrative of Ghost of Yotei follows Atsu’s journey in Ezo, set 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima. This shift allows for the idea that anyone can take on the role of the Ghost and become the legendary figure.

Introducing the Ghost of Yotei, we can expect a narrative shift towards Atsu’s origins, similar to how Jin’s story unfolded in Ghost of Tsushima. To ensure a unique and engaging player experience, it might be more effective for the Ghost of Yotei not to follow Jin’s footsteps too closely. This approach would help distinguish the new game from its predecessor as intended by Sucker Punch Productions.

Atsu’s Origin Story in Ghost of Yotei Needs to Separate Itself From Jin’s

Jin Sakai Was Shunned for Adopting Dishonorable War Practices

In the main storyline of “Ghost of Tsushima”, although the primary conflict revolves around Japan’s Mongol invasion and Jin’s attempts to push them back, a significant aspect of the game’s tale delves into the internal struggle within Jin. As a samurai, Jin was expected to adhere to the samurai ethos, which emphasized honorable combat and confronting foes head-on instead of sneaking up on them like a criminal. However, driven by his desire to expel the Mongols from his land, Jin transforms into the Ghost of Tsushima – a stealthy assassin who strikes his enemies in the shadows before they even suspect his presence.

The internal struggle persists right up until the end of the game ‘Ghost of Tsushima’, at which point, players must decide whether to execute Lord Shimura, Jin’s uncle, as a symbol of an honorable loss or to merely depart, allowing him to live on.

Most of Jin’s internal struggle originates from his uncle, Lord Shimura, who raised him since his father passed away. Lord Shimura wants Jin to embody the noble samurai he was destined to be. However, Jin soon recognizes that he must merge with the shadows and use underhanded tactics against his Mongol adversaries, even if they are dishonorable, in order to liberate Tsushima Island from their oppressive rule. This internal struggle within Jin is evident in the initial chapters of Ghost of Tsushima‘s narrative. Yet, the choice between being an honorable samurai, a ruthless ghost, or a combination of both is ultimately left to the players.

Atsu Will Need a Different Internal Conflict in Ghost of Yotei

To ensure that Ghost of Yotei offers a unique experience and doesn’t replicate the same themes as Ghost of Tsushima, it may be wise to steer clear of the moral conflict trope. Since Ghost of Yotei is set 300 years after Ghost of Tsushima, the concept of the Ghost has likely become more accepted over time. This could mean that the protagonist, Atsu, might not grapple with her identity in the same manner as Jin did. Instead, it seems plausible for Atsu’s internal struggle in Ghost of Yotei to revolve around her thirst for revenge rather than her moral dilemmas.

In a conversation with The New York Times, Sucker Punch shared that the narrative for Ghost of Yotei centers around “revenge from underdogs,” but specifics regarding this angle are still unknown. However, it’s possible that Atsu’s personal journey may involve grappling with whether to seek revenge at all, similar to many other characters in revenge-themed stories. This would allow Ghost of Yotei to have a unique origin story distinct from Ghost of Tsushima and further develop the character of Atsu. Regardless, it’s important for Ghost of Yotei to avoid repeating the identity crisis trope seen in Ghost of Tsushima.

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2024-11-06 03:35