Ghost of Yotei’s Main Villain May Already Be Clear

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As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for immersive, historically-rooted open-world games, I can hardly contain my excitement over the announcement of Sucker Punch’s upcoming title, Ghost of Yotei. Having spent countless hours traversing the breathtaking landscapes of Tsushima and unraveling its rich narrative, I eagerly await the next chapter in this captivating saga.

In contrast to the confirmation by Sucker Punch about their upcoming title, Ghost of Yotei, which serves as a follow-up to the 2020 hit, Ghost of Tsushima, there are still many unclear aspects regarding this new game. The initial teaser presented players with the lead character, Atsu, and the backdrop of Mt. Yotei in the year 1603 Ezo. Given the significant time gap between Ghost of Tsushima and Ghost of Yotei, it’s reasonable to assume that the game may not include the same antagonists as its predecessor.

In contrast to Jin Sakai’s mission to free Tsushima from the Mongol occupation that enthralled players in Ghost of Tsushima, it appears Sucker Punch intends to explore a distinct narrative with its sequel. Instead of continuing the Second Mongol Invasion of Japan plot, which could have served as a natural sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, they’ve opted for a setting centuries ahead, thus enabling Ghost of Yotei to present an entirely unique tale. If Ghost of Yotei adheres to its setting’s historical reality like its predecessor, there is a likely choice for the game’s main antagonist.

The Matsumae Clan’s Real-World History Makes Them the Likely Villains of Ghost of Yotei

Ghost of Yotei Could Explore the Conflict Between the Matsumae Clan and the Ainu

Before the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the northernmost Japanese island of Hokkaido, known as Ezo by the indigenous Ainu people, was largely autonomous. Mount Yotei, a feature within this region, serves as the backdrop for the game “Ghost of Yotei.” Given its setting in 1603, the game’s world and character design are expected to reflect strong influences from the Ainu culture. However, it’s worth noting that 1603 was a turbulent period in Ezo, as the Japanese Matsumae Clan sought control over the region against the wishes of the Ainu inhabitants.

In 1590, Daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi gave the Matsumae Clan control over the region known as Ezo, with the condition that they protect it, along with all of Japan, from what he considered a barbaric group – the Ainu tribe. The Matsumae Clan’s claim to this land was made official in 1604 when Tokugawa Ieyasu granted them exclusive trading rights with the Ainu. This timeline of the Matsumae Clan’s invasion of Ezo aligns perfectly with the backdrop for the story Ghost of Yotei. The cultural clash between mainland Japan and Ezo led to regional conflict, making it possible for players in Ghost of Yotei to experience this tension firsthand.

The Matsumae Clan’s Invasion of Ezo Could Mirror the Mongol Invasion of Tsushima

It appears that the character Atsu in Ghost of Yotei might share some similarities with Jin from Ghost of Tsushima, as both characters could embark on revenge journeys while trying to defend their homeland from foreign invaders. The invasions of Tsushima by the Mongols and Ezo by the Matsumae Clan provide a shared basis for this narrative. However, Atsu’s story might delve deeper into personal matters, as her fight could involve preserving the Ainu culture in the face of persistent invaders, a struggle that lasted for decades in Ezo.

In the fictional narrative of “Ghost of Yotei,” Matsumae Yoshihiro, the chief of the Matsumae Clan who was the first daimyo of Ezo, emerges as a likely main antagonist. However, the Matsumae Clan could serve as recurring adversaries in the game. Despite historical conflicts between the Ainu and the Matsumae, there existed significant trading ties between these two groups. This intricate relationship might be portrayed more intricately in “Ghost of Yotei” than the one seen between Jin Sakai and the Mongols in the prior game, implying that players may have a larger impact on the game’s plot, as hinted by Sucker Punch in the past.

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2024-12-24 15:23