8 Epic Games to Immerse You in Feudal Japan While Awaiting Ghost of Yotei’s Release!

by

Summary

  • Ghost of Yotei is confirmed as a thematic sequel with a new story, not Jin’s continuation. Many are intrigued by trailers & features.
  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers realistic sword combat, Like a Dragon: Ishin! showcases early firearms in 19th-century Japan.

2020 saw the massive success of “Ghost of Tsushima”, leading many to anticipate a follow-up. In 2024, that wish was granted with “Ghost of Yotei”. While it wasn’t exactly what fans initially envisioned (being a thematic sequel instead of a continuation of Jin Sakai’s story), the prospect of returning to Feudal Japan and experiencing Sucker Punch Productions’ new offerings had plenty intrigued. The trailer hinted at some exciting developments. Expected for release in 2025, “Ghost of Yotei” doesn’t yet have a specific launch date.

Luckily, you have several engaging game choices to pass the time before Ghost of Yotei. If you’re fascinated by Feudal Japan or merely intrigued by a medieval/renaissance setting, or if sword fighting piques your interest, there are some excellent games to consider. These games offer a variety to keep players entertained during the wait for Ghost of Yotei.

8. Ghost of Tsushima

Conclude Jin’s Fight Against Mongols to See Where the Ghost Story Goes Next

In “Ghost of Tsushima,” we follow Jin Sakai, a samurai, during the historical Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island in 1274. However, the traditional Samurai Code of Honor proves troublesome for them when confronting an adversary that disregards their rules. After barely escaping the first wave of attacks, Jin embarks on a voyage that compels him to reconsider his notions of honor as he battles against the Mongols.

Newcomers can take a sneak peek into what brought about the forthcoming game and sample what they might encounter, while long-time fans of “Ghost of Tsushima” can refresh their perspective ahead of the sequel. Although “Ghost of Yotei” is more thematically linked than directly following, playing “Ghost of Tsushima” can help familiarize oneself with the mechanics and potentially offer insights into some aspects of the game. Additionally, it’s likely that “Ghost of Yotei” will incorporate Easter Eggs or subtle references to “Ghost of Tsushima,” which may become more apparent after playing the game.

7. Kingdom Come Deliverance

A Game About Being a Knight in Medieval Bohemia

One of the main attractions of Ghost of Tsushima was its focus on swordfighting, a feature that seems set to persist in Ghost of Yotei. Given Jin Sakai’s status as a samurai, who are renowned for mastering intricate sword techniques that remain relevant today, this is not surprising. Throughout the game, he engaged in various combats ranging from intense one-on-one duels to grand battles against the Mongol army. Luckily, there are some excellent choices for players yearning to wield a sword. One such choice is Warhorse’s role-playing game experiment, Kingdom Come: Deliverance.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance shifts its setting from Feudal Japan to Medieval Bohemia, yet it maintains a key appeal by striving for authentic medieval combat representation, with swordplay as the primary focus. While you’ll wield a greatsword instead of a katana, mastering it still requires considerable skill. Moreover, Kingdom Come: Deliverance gains recognition for its accurate integration of historical events into its narrative, which fans of Ghost of Tsushima can certainly appreciate.

6. Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Action-Packed Romp Through Bakumatsu

One intriguing aspect found in the trailer for the game, Ghost of Yotei, suggests that its main character may possess early firearms. This creative choice could bring a distinctive twist to the combat system in Ghost of Tsushima. For those eagerly anticipating this new approach, they might want to check out Like a Dragon: Ishin!, a spin-off from the Yakuza series. This title transports the usual modern setting to 19th-century Japan near the end of the Edo Period, offering a unique opportunity to explore an alternate historical context.

The plot unfolds during Japan’s feudal period, marking the alleged end of samurai culture, and delves into a classic revenge tale against the backdrop of the era’s political unrest. Alongside the customary side quests and eccentric encounters typical of the series, the game introduces an engaging mix of sword and gunplay, as it cleverly incorporates firearms, which were prevalent in the 19th century.

5. A Plague Tale: Requiem

Stealth Adventure in Medieval France

As a devoted fan, I’d like to highlight a significant element that made “Ghost of Tsushima” truly captivating: the deep emphasis on stealth gameplay. This wasn’t just about Jin Sakai earning his nickname as a ‘ghost’, but also because he mastered guerilla tactics, catching the Mongols off guard. It was an aspect that struck a chord with many fans, and it seems we can expect more of the same in “Ghost of Yotei”. Luckily, for those craving a medieval stealth experience before the sequel’s release, there’s another game to satisfy that desire.

A Tale of Plagues: Requiem, earlier known as Innocence

Storyline: This narrative chronicles the journeys of Amicia De Rune, a young girl, as she maneuvers through medieval France during the height of the Black Death. Unlike traditional tales, this series eschews swordfights and instead emphasizes stealth and creative or distant weaponry. The inability for Amicia to directly confront her adversaries introduces a unique set of challenges.

4. Sengoku Dynasty

A Game About Building and Managing a Dynasty in Feudal Japan

For enthusiasts yearning to revisit Feudal Japan, the Sengoku Dynasty provides an exceptional gaming experience. Unlike assuming the role of just a Samurai or Shinobi, players can immerse themselves in the position of a Daimyo, a highly influential figure similar to a Medieval European lord. However, it’s important to note that they don’t start as a Daimyo from the get-go. The game is designed around your climb up the feudal hierarchy, progressing from a common villager to overseeing a small settlement and eventually cultivating a prosperous village.

The trip isn’t a walk in the park, and a significant aspect of this game involves players deciding on the best strategies for ascending. They could choose the path of the warrior, where they establish an empire through force, or opt for peace by focusing on diplomacy and forming alliances.

3. Rise of the Ronin

The Story of Twins in Bakumatsu Who Entwine With History Itself

One compelling aspect of the storyline in “Ghost of Tsushima” lies in its integration of real-life history. While the characters are imaginative, the narrative mirrors actual events, including the Mongol invasion of Tsushima, which is a historical fact. If you’re drawn to the game’s historical elements, you might also enjoy “Rise of the Ronin.

This story, too, is set in 19th-century Japan amidst the tumult that would eventually dismantle its feudal system. However, unlike “Like a Dragon! Ishin”, “Rise of the Ronin” adopts a more somber approach to its historical setting. The narrative follows two customizable twins as they maneuver through the real-life events of Bakumatsu. Their tales interweave with those of genuine historical figures and occurrences from this period.

2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

FromSoftware’s Mythical Take on Feudal Japan

At approximately the same period when Ghost of Tsushima made its debut, another game named Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was also launched, causing numerous comparisons between them. Similar to Ghost of Tsushima, Sekiro was a role-playing game based on authentic history (specifically the Sengoku period in Japan). However, what sets it apart is its focus on a shinobi, or ninja, whose actions frequently contrasted with those of Samurai like Jin.

Indeed, given that this game hails from FromSoftware, expect the bizarre to become commonplace. The narrative centers around a Shinobi named Wolf, who undergoes an extraordinary transformation: his lost arm is replaced with a mechanized limb imbued with supernatural powers. As the story unfolds, he encounters numerous enigmatic bosses, eludes a colossal serpent, and braces himself for a challenging journey.

1. Yakuza

Japanese Mobsters, Wacky Minigames, and Brawls Take Over Kamurocho

Players who are excited to immerse themselves once more in Japan and its unique culture, despite being flexible about the timeline, might find solace in the Yakuza series. Renowned for its focus on martial arts, brawling scenes, and a cast of eccentric characters, as well as entertaining minigames, these games often have protagonists who can’t stroll down a street without finding themselves in a fight.

The game also immerses players in a comprehensive Japanese cultural experience, offering numerous mini-universes to delve into. Thematic alignment is another strength. Much like Ghost of Tsushima, the narrative challenges the protagonist’s sense of honor and pushes them into morally complex situations that test their integrity. This theme echoes throughout the Yakuza series, where many characters grapple with doing what is right while maintaining a semblance of honor amidst a world rife with moral ambiguity.

Read More

2025-02-08 09:34