Ghost of Yotei Ditching Jin Could Create a ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ Moment

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Ghost of Yotei Ditching Jin Could Create a 'Red Dead Redemption 2' Moment

As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that the revelation of Atsu as the protagonist of Ghost of Yotei has me genuinely excited for what’s to come. While Jin Sakai was an engaging character in his own right, I believe Atsu could surpass him and become a true icon in the gaming world, much like Arthur Morgan did for Red Dead Redemption 2.

Ever since its unveiling this fall, the highly-anticipated game titled “Ghost of Yotei” has soared to the pinnacle of many players’ wish lists for 2025 releases, trailing only behind the legendary “GTA 6“. Despite this, “Ghost of Yotei” is introducing some substantial changes from its predecessor, offering a fresh setting, new protagonist, and an entirely unique set of storylines, bearing a striking resemblance to other AAA titles such as “Red Dead Redemption“, which have successfully taken similar daring steps.

I was genuinely taken aback when I learned that the Ghost of Yotei isn’t about Jin Sakai, the protagonist we all were eagerly waiting for in the sequel, as Sucker Punch announced. Instead, Jin won’t even be present in this game, set centuries later and in a distinct part of Japan. While some fans view this shift as an exciting experiment and a subversion of expectations, others are expressing disappointment that they won’t get to rejoin Jin on his journey. This reaction mirrors the public response to Red Dead Redemption 2, which, before release, was revealed to include a playable character other than John Marston from the original game. Now that we can see the outcome of Rockstar’s decision, most would agree it was brilliant; maybe Sucker Punch has made an equally inspired choice here.

Despite some unfortunate conversations centering on Jin’s replacement in “Ghost of Yotei” being rooted in sexism, there are still numerous individuals who mourn his departure due to more rational motives.

Ghost of Yotei’s Atsu Could Be the ‘Arthur Morgan’ of the Franchise

Arthur Morgan Exceeded Expectations, and So Could Atsu

Initial doubts were abundant among gaming enthusiasts when John was replaced by Arthur in Red Dead Redemption, but now the fanbase overwhelmingly views Arthur as the standout character. Some even go so far as to proclaim him the greatest video game protagonist ever. It’s a prestigious title indeed, and while Atsu might not reach those same pinnacles, she has the potential to displace Jin in fans’ affections. With Yotei, she could firmly establish herself as the series’ iconic heroine.

Frankly speaking, it’s not overly challenging to see why Jin Sakai might need improvement. He’s not poorly developed by any means and the internal conflict he faces – balancing his samurai principles with the need to expel Mongols – is intriguing. However, he comes across as somewhat uninteresting or one-dimensional. In the previous game, the contrast between tradition and reality was effective, and perhaps it will continue to be a part of Jin’s story in Ghost of Yotei. Yet, his character lacks depth that would warrant a leading role in a full sequel. Conversely, Atsu could fill in the gaps left by Jin.

How Atsu Could Become Better Than Jin, the Red Dead Way

In essence, Arthur Morgan stands out as a more captivating character compared to John Marston due to his depth and complexity. While John is grappling with his intricate past, trying to construct a fresh life, Arthur is immersed in a lifestyle that doesn’t suit him, yet he lacks alternatives. The second installment of Red Dead Redemption, RDR2, delves deeper into the themes from the initial game by focusing on Arthur’s narrative, and Ghost of Yotei could potentially achieve similar results by exploring its character more thoroughly.

As a gamer, I’ve found that the struggle between honor and survival in games like Ghost of Tsushima is engaging, but it doesn’t offer a complex or nuanced perspective. The game doesn’t really encourage me to question Jin’s actions; he either chooses stealth or watches his homeland be destroyed. The decision seems straightforward. But in a game like Ghost of Yotei, they could make things more intriguing by focusing on Atsu and her internal conflict, which is much messier than what I experienced with Jin. This would give Atsu the opportunity to develop her character in more critical and captivating ways.

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2024-10-20 00:54