Ghost Of Yotei: Confirmed Changes From Ghost Of Tsushima

Key Takeaways

Set over 300 years after
Ghost of Tsushima
,
Ghost of Yotei
introduces new weapons and a new musical instrument.
New protagonist Atsu provides a fresh perspective as a wandering female warrior in Feudal Japan.
Instead of the Tsushima and Iki islands, players will explore the new region of Mount Yōtei in Ezo, featuring stunning visuals.

As a long-time samurai enthusiast and ardent fan of Sucker Punch Productions, I eagerly await the release of Ghost of Yotei. The decision to introduce a new protagonist, Atsu, and delve into an untold story set in Feudal Japan, has me both intrigued and excited. It feels as if Sucker Punch is crafting a fresh saga within the rich tapestry of Japanese history while also staying true to the spirit of their previous masterpiece.

The upcoming game titled Ghost of Yotei, a sequel from Sucker Punch Productions following Ghost of Tsushima, was a major highlight during the latest State of Play presentation. A significant surprise for numerous viewers was the creative choice by the developers to move away from the narrative of Tsushima and Jin Sakai, opting instead for a new location and a fresh female lead character. Despite some fans anticipating Jin’s return, this new direction appears to align perfectly with the Ghost series, enabling the creators to keep the elements that made it popular while introducing innovative perspectives, time periods, and locations – similar to the evolution seen in the Assassin’s Creed series.

To date, there isn’t much information available on the upcoming 2025 release titled Ghost of Yotei. The storyline remains largely unknown, but a glimpse at the reveal trailer has already pointed out some notable differences compared to Ghost of Tsushima. In this piece, we’ll delve into the most significant confirmed alterations that will give the upcoming game an original twist while still maintaining a sense of familiarity.

1 New Protagonist

Players Will Take The Role Of Wandering Female Warrior, Atsu

In the captivating world of Ghost of Tsushima, I found myself deeply drawn to Jin Sakai – a character rich with depth and complexity that endeared him to many players like me. However, the twist in leaving him behind for Ghost of Yotei took us all by surprise. Yet upon reflection, it makes perfect sense within the series’ core philosophy: each installment presents an opportunity to introduce fresh, original characters and narratives set against the backdrop of Feudal Japan, as a roaming warrior is at the heart of this franchise’s essence.

In “Ghost of Yotei“, gamers will assume the part of Atsu, an enigmatic female nomadic warrior, persistently pursued by numerous ronin for motives yet to be disclosed. Although storyline details and Atsu’s backstory remain a mystery, she already captivates – a proficient swordsman with a katana. Given Sucker Punch’s past successes, it’s safe to assume they’ll continue to create a powerful and enduring main character.

2 New Region Of Japan

Players Will Explore The Map Of Mount Yōtei And Its Surroundings

Prior to the unveiling of “Ghost of Yotei”, there were numerous theories suggesting that the sequel to “Ghost of Tsushima” might reuse Tsushima and Iki islands as its backdrop. Thankfully, the creators decided on a completely fresh area of Japan as the setting instead. Players will now delve into the majestic Mount Yōtei and its environs, nestled in the core of Ezo (which is today known as Hokkaido).

The precise dimensions of the “Ghost of Yotei” map haven’t been determined yet, but it’s anticipated to be just as extensive or even larger than the regions featured in the prior game. From the trailer, it appears that the new zones will showcase breathtaking visuals with diverse landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, thick forests, and vibrant settlements. Among these, Mount Yōtei stands out as a remarkable landmark, a towering peak that dominates the horizon while players traverse the lands at its foot.

3 New Era

The Events Take Place More Than 300 Years After Ghost Of Tsushima

Indeed, it’s been verified that the storyline of “Ghost of Yotei” unfolds in the year 1603, over 300 years following the events depicted in “Ghost of Tsushima”. Although the initial Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274 was an enticing period to delve into, this time leap to several centuries later also piques curiosity. This tale is set during the early Edo era (also recognized as the Tokugawa period), which signifies the closing chapter of traditional Feudal Japan.

In the unveiling trailer for “Ghost of Yotei,” there were distinct hints of Western-style themes, including original music and a solitary protagonist driven by personal motivations. This stands in stark contrast to Jin’s noble quest in the initial game. Since so much time has passed between the two games, it’s highly unlikely that players will meet any recurring characters. Yet, the storyline of “Ghost of Tsushima” could potentially re-emerge in the sequel as tales about a vengeful ghost from the past.

4 New Weapon Types

Players Can Expect New Weapons, Including Firearms

As we move further into modern times, it’s only logical that players will encounter fresh weaponry in the game Ghost of Yotei. Unlike Jin Sakai who mainly utilized his katana and tanto for stealthy assassinations, Atsu has been demonstrated using not one but two katanas, and opting for matchlock muskets over conventional bows. In a portion of the unveiling video, Atsu can be seen brandishing a kusarigama – an ancient Japanese weapon consisting of a sickle (kama) and chain (kusari) – dealing quick and impressive blows to her adversaries.

In the upcoming sequel of “Ghost of Tsushima”, it’s expected that the exceptional battle system will reach even greater heights. If Sucker Punch manages to keep the rewarding sensation of katana combat while integrating fresh weapons to learn, enhance, and use skillfully, players are certain to be delighted.

5 New Musical Instrument

Instead Of Jin’s Flute, Players Will Play A Shamisen

One significant difference spotted between the trailer for the Ghost of Yotei and its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima, is that the protagonist, Atsu, now carries a new type of musical instrument during her voyage. Instead of Jin Sakai playing the shakuhachi (a flute) to manipulate tunes and influence weather in the original game, Atsu uses the shamisen – a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, sometimes referred to as samisen or sangen. The change in instruments could symbolize the game’s more Western-oriented atmosphere and might perform functions similar to the flute, possibly affecting the surroundings in some way.

In the recorded footage, the shamisen is constantly seen on Atsu’s back, prompting a variety of responses from fans. It’s uncertain if players can conceal the instrument in the character design, but considering that the shamisen is bigger than the flute, it seems logical that it stays visible throughout the gameplay.

2024-09-26 01:04