Summary
- Ghost of Yotei is anticipated to improve upon Ghost of Tsushima with new gameplay mechanics and visuals.
- NPC schedules could make the open world more dynamic and immersive in Ghost of Yotei.
- Implementing NPC schedules in Ghost of Yotei could enhance player agency and interactions for a more unique experience.
The highly-anticipated game for 2025, titled “Ghost of Yotei,” is riding the wave of popularity following the success of “Ghost of Tsushima” in 2020 – a hit surprise from Sucker Punch. Although not a direct sequel to “Ghost of Tsushima,” “Ghost of Yotei” is expected to expand on its predecessor’s legacy, boasting numerous upgrades based on sneak peeks at its visuals and the gameplay mechanics and player choice confirmations shared by Sucker Punch.
One key aspect that the game Ghost of Yotei should definitely maximize is its open-world environment, as this was a major factor in the incredible success of Ghost of Tsushima. Given how well the latter excelled in this area, it’s surprising to think that there’s still room for improvement in the former, but it’s indeed true. Developer Sucker Punch has already hinted at making the open world of Ghost of Yotei less monotonous compared to its predecessor’s, which is promising, however, there’s a crucial element missing that would give the upcoming game’s world a more vibrant feel: NPC routines.
Ghost of Yotei’s NPCs Should Have Their Own Schedules
NPC Schedules Are a Great Way to Increase Immersion in an Open World
In modern gaming, particularly with titles like “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2”, Non-Player Characters (NPCs) have been growing in popularity due to their ability to add a higher level of realism and immersion. This is achieved by making the NPCs appear as real individuals within a virtual world. The secret lies in giving these characters schedules, which means they have set routines that adjust based on the time of day. Consequently, this enhances the game world’s dynamism since these NPCs mimic realistic behavior rather than standing static in one place.
In “Ghost of Tsushima”, the game featured a day-night cycle, which gave the game world a sense of life and movement. However, the non-player characters (NPCs) in the game didn’t have schedules that adjusted to this cycle. As a result, regardless of the time of day, the NPCs remained stationary, making the day-night cycle feel more like a decorative feature rather than an integral part of the game. Now, “Ghost of Yotei” aims to improve upon this by creating a more dynamic world where the behavior of NPCs is influenced by the time of day.
NPC Schedules in Ghost of Yotei Could Affect Both the World and Gameplay
Beyond its predecessor, “Ghost of Yotei” is ideally positioned to maximize an NPC-schedule system. This feature could make the world of “Ghost of Yotei” seem even more lively than that of “Ghost of Tsushima“. With NPC schedules, merchants may close their businesses at night and guards or other enemies might rest during the night, offering players a chance to catch them off guard. This would not only make the game world feel more vibrant but also provide distinctive gaming experiences.
Discussing unique character dynamics, it’s evident that the protagonist of Ghost of Yotei, named Atsu, is a rogue samurai, unlike Jin Sakai from Ghost of Tsushima who was initially bound by a code of honor. This means Atsu might engage in unconventional actions, including potentially harmful ones towards innocents. Her story suggests she’s seeking revenge while also evading capture, making survival crucial for her. A day-night cycle with authentic NPC routines could offer chances for Atsu to steal, such as when shops are closed or guards leave their belongings unattended during the night, like when they sleep.
In an NPC schedule, merchants often shut their stores during the night, while guards and adversaries usually retire for the night. This creates a perfect moment for players to catch these characters off-guard.
As a gamer, I can’t wait to see how Sucker Punch takes Ghost of Tsushima’s formula to new heights with Ghost of Yotei. One way they could do this is by adding NPC schedules, creating a more immersive open world where characters have their own routines and the gameplay is influenced by a day-night cycle. This would perfectly suit Atsu’s unpredictable and morally flexible character. With a stronger focus on player agency and unique interactions, Ghost of Yotei could build upon what made its predecessor exceptional while carving out its own identity in the process.
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2025-03-12 15:38