Could Ghost of Yotei Finally Take Us to Mainland Japan?

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Summary

  • Ghost of Yotei shifts focus to a new protagonist, Atsu, set in Ezo 3 centuries after Ghost of Tsushima.
  • Mainland Japan may still be visited in Ghost of Yotei due to its proximity to Ezo and Atsu’s revenge-driven arc.
  • Mainland Japan offers unique storytelling opportunities during the Edo period for the Ghost franchise.

Even though it’s only the second installment, Ghost of Yotei marks a substantial change for Sucker Punch’s Ghost series, as it was initially assumed to be a direct sequel to Ghost of Tsushima and thus a continuation of Jin Sakai’s tale. However, instead, Ghost of Yotei places players in the role of Atsu, a completely new protagonist who has journeyed to Ezo (today’s Hokkaido) a staggering three centuries following the events of Ghost of Tsushima. The connection between how Atsu becomes a Ghost and her possible link to Jin Sakai is yet to be revealed, but it sets up an engaging premise for the next game in the series.

In a similar fashion to how Ghost of Tsushima initially confined gameplay to Tsushima Island, it appears that Ghost of Yotei primarily takes place within Ezo during its storyline. However, there are strong indications that Ghost of Yotei might eventually transport players to the mainland of Japan at some point in its plot. This potential move could be a significant reward for those anticipating the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima to include this feature. The closeness of the mainland to Ezo, Atsu’s storyline potentially leading her to the mainland, or the political turmoil occurring during the time period of Ghost of Yotei, could all suggest that accessing the mainland Japan for players may not be too distant in the next installment of the Ghost series.

Ghost of Yotei Could Still Take Players to the Mainland

The Mainland Is in Proximity to Ezo and Could Tie in to Atsu’s Story

One key indication that the game “Ghost of Yotei” could potentially transport players to mainland Japan is the close proximity of Ezo to the nearest major islands. Unlike Tsushima Island in “Ghost of Tsushima”, which was approximately 31 miles from Japan’s southernmost mainland, Ezo is only around 12 miles away. Given this geographical closeness in “Ghost of Yotei”, it seems plausible that the narrative could eventually involve Atsu venturing to the mainland, possibly even in a DLC expansion.

Despite being physically nearer to the Japanese mainland, Ezo was culturally and politically more distant compared to Tsushima Island.

It seems plausible that the storyline of Atsu in Ghost of Yotei could lead her to the mainland, as suggested by what we know about the game so far. According to the description on PlayStation’s website for Ghost of Yotei, “Atsu is on a quest for revenge against those who killed her family.” Given that revenge often fuels an intense desire in those seeking justice, Atsu might be prepared to travel far and wide to find the ones who harmed her. If she learns at some point that her enemies have escaped to the mainland, it’s possible she will pursue them there.

The Mainland Could Offer Unique Storytelling Opportunities

At the very least, during the time of “Ghost of Yotei,” mainland Japan presents intriguing storytelling possibilities that should not be overlooked. The early Edo period was marked by significant political changes, many of which impacted Japan’s main islands. In 1603, specifically, when “Ghost of Yotei” is set, Tokugawa Ieyasu was made Shogun by the Emperor after winning the Battle of Sekigahara. This event marked the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate in Edo (now modern-day Tokyo and thus mainland Japan). These historical events could provide a rich backdrop for narrative exploration if players were to visit mainland Japan within the context of “Ghost of Yotei.

It might lead Atsu on a journey that takes her to the mainland, based on what we know about the storyline of Ghost of Yotei so far.

If Ghost of Yotei’s Ezo is roughly half the distance from Japan’s mainland compared to Ghost of Tsushima’s Tsushima Island, there’s a strong chance that the following game could bring us even closer or fully onto the mainland. In simpler terms, if Ghost of Yotei doesn’t transport players to the mainland, it seems increasingly likely that the next entry will do so.

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2025-04-09 16:34