How Ghost of Yotei Can Solve One of Tsushima’s Biggest Problems

How Ghost of Yotei Can Solve One of Tsushima's Biggest Problems

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can attest to the fact that Sucker Punch Productions has set a high bar for themselves with the upcoming sequel, Ghost of Yotei. Having immersed myself in the rich world of feudal Japan through Ghost of Tsushima, I was left yearning for more – but not just more of the same.

Creating an exceptional follow-up to a highly praised game such as “Ghost of Tsushima” is no small feat. This AAA game garnered much praise for immersing players in a richly detailed feudal Japan setting, offering a visually stunning journey with captivating defensive combat. Yet, even the best games have room for improvement, and Sucker Punch Productions will be focusing on enhancing certain aspects in the “Ghost of Yotei” sequel. While some may consider it minor, one of the main criticisms directed at “Ghost of Tsushima” was its limited architectural diversity.

In the game, buildings mirroring 13th-century Japanese architecture, brimming with lush greenery and towering mountains, were visually stunning. However, players frequently encountered structures that appeared similar throughout the map, which somewhat weakened the feeling of immersion in a world otherwise bursting with life. With Ghost of Yotei slated for release in 2025, Sucker Punch can rectify this inconsistency while preserving the historical authenticity that is crucial to fans of period-based games like this one.

Ghost Of Yotei Has To Do A Better Job Of Representing Human Settlements

How Ghost of Yotei Can Solve One of Tsushima's Biggest ProblemsHow Ghost of Yotei Can Solve One of Tsushima's Biggest ProblemsHow Ghost of Yotei Can Solve One of Tsushima's Biggest ProblemsHow Ghost of Yotei Can Solve One of Tsushima's Biggest ProblemsHow Ghost of Yotei Can Solve One of Tsushima's Biggest Problems

Even though Ghost of Tsushima was launched more than four years back, its visuals in an open-world setting continue to rank among the finest. Initially, as I galloped through various settlements, it seemed clear that not all structures received the same level of intricate detailing. Many buildings, from humble homes to castles, shared a similar design. While the game’s landscape effectively portrays feudal Japan, there should be more variety in the environment to keep players engaged. Unfortunately, when each new town feels identical to the last, it may diminish the sense of exploration and adventure that open-world games strive to evoke.

To surpass its predecessor, Ghost of Yotei needs to expertly juggle the requirement for precise architectural depictions alongside a variety of designs. Architecture from the 17th century Japan bears a striking resemblance to that of the 13th, as both periods primarily featured buildings made of wood, straw, and stone.

The backdrop for the “Ghost of Yotei,” located on Hokkaido Island, is far larger than Tsushima Island. This presents a formidable challenge for Sucker Punch, as they must think outside the box when it comes to designing their structures due to the extensive area they need to cover. If not, the “Ghost of Yotei” could potentially feel even more monotonous compared to its previous iteration.

Ghost of Yotei’s 17th Century Setting Could Provide the Answer to Sucker Punch’s Environmental Question

In 1604’s backdrop for the game, we find a ripe occasion to enrich its architectural design. With the Portuguese making their initial visit to Japan in 1543, this historical event could bring intriguing elements to the game Ghost of Yotei. The Portuguese were Catholic missionaries and traders who arrived in Japan, so it would be fitting for players to encounter churches and priests within the game. Additionally, to accurately portray the era’s culture and religion, we should incorporate more features such as Buddhist temples and cathedrals scattered throughout the game environment.

Similar to how the expansion for “Ghost of Tsushima” introduced Iki Island, Sucker Punch could potentially develop a DLC for their upcoming sequel that is set in one of Japan’s significant cities, particularly Heian-kyō (present-day Kyoto), given its historical significance. This setting would provide an opportunity for Sucker Punch to construct more complex societal structures with diverse architectural styles, such as palaces, movie theaters, marketplaces, and various other buildings. While the depiction of towns and buildings in “Ghost of Tsushima” is by no means disappointing, not enhancing these elements further in a potential “Ghost of Yotei” DLC might seem like a missed opportunity.

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2024-12-08 14:33