Ghost of Yotei is currently making waves as one of the most eagerly awaited yet enigmatic titles in the gaming world. Recently, Sucker Punch, the developer behind the series, teased fans with a stunning but fierce glimpse into the much-talked-about sequel to Ghost of Tsushima. This time around, the story introduces Atsu as the new lead character, and her journey unfolds 300 years after the events of the first game.
Initially, you might think Ghost of Yotei follows closely in the footsteps of its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima. But this new installment’s different era and Atsu’s driving motive might set it apart in significant ways. As much of the information we have arises from its announcement trailer, enthusiasts have been scrutinizing each frame. A particularly intriguing scene might hint at gameplay mechanics influenced by Tears of the Kingdom. One clip gives a glimpse of possible horse-taming features, potentially marking a bold diversion from the original game, Ghost of Tsushima.
In a captivating moment around the 1:50 mark in the trailer, Atsu is spotted riding next to a herd of wild horses. While this might simply be an artfully crafted scene, it raises questions about a major departure from Ghost of Tsushima’s mechanics. In Tsushima, you had to pick between three horses at the game’s start: Nobu, Sora, and Kage. This choice didn’t carry much weight in terms of impact on the plot, but Ghost of Yotei might be gearing up to offer something richer. Just as horse taming in Tears of the Kingdom added depth to the gaming experience, it could also create a stronger bond between players and their equine companions in Ghost of Yotei.
Set at the dawn of the Edo period in 1603, Ghost of Yotei weaves a fresh narrative backdrop.
Atsu’s personality and journey might resonate with this horse-taming feature as well. Unlike Jin, who was bound by honor in Ghost of Tsushima, Atsu seems driven by a thirst for vengeance, suggesting she might operate more on the edge compared to Jin. Comparisons between the two are inevitable as the release nears, but Atsu’s path, driven by fury, promises to offer an intriguing contrast.
At first glance, it may seem odd to connect Atsu’s personality with a horse-taming gameplay feature. However, the teased nomadic elements of her lifestyle fit perfectly into such a mechanic. While Sucker Punch has certainly retained Tsushima’s tradition of breathtaking visuals and graphics, enhancing and evolving features in a sequel is expected to deliver a more engaging experience. Making the process of acquiring a horse more dynamic is a great starting point, especially since the simple choice in the original game left players wanting more.
Atsu also stands apart from Jin in several other ways worth noting. She prefers playing a shamisen over a flute and wields a distinct set of weapons like dual katanas and matchlock muskets. The shift in setting to Mount Yotei in Ezo, an area not fully integrated into Japan at the time, adds yet another layer to the evolving story.
While a release date for Ghost of Yotei is yet to be announced, it is anticipated for a 2025 launch date.
From the fresh setting to the unique motivations of its protagonist, Ghost of Yotei indicates that Sucker Punch is embracing bold choices for this well-loved sequel. Just as Ghost of Tsushima’s gameplay focused on highlighting Jin’s attributes, it’s only logical that Ghost of Yotei would do the same, where a rogue warrior needing to tame horses fits right in.
While this is all exciting conjecture, it might turn out to be far from what Sucker Punch has in store. As of now, the eventual experience Ghost of Yotei promises remains shrouded in mystery, but borrowing elements from Tears of the Kingdom might just be the innovation required to elevate the sequel to new heights.
