Ghost of Yotei: The Perfect Sequel for Ghost of Tsushima

After what feels like an eternity of anticipation, the long-rumored sequel to Ghost of Tsushima has finally been unveiled. However, it might not align with what some fans were hoping for. Instead of continuing the journey of Jin Sakai from the first installment, Ghost of Yotei introduces a brand-new protagonist named Atsu and is set three centuries after the original game's events, at the transition between the Sengoku and Edo periods. Players will venture "beyond the edge of Japan" to Ezo, the area surrounding Mount Yotei, where they will encounter an original storyline that may or may not directly relate to Jin’s saga.

While the absence of the beloved Jin Sakai as the main character in Ghost of Yotei may disappoint some fans, this new anthological approach is precisely what the franchise needed. It expands the horizons of what can now be considered Sucker Punch’s "Ghost" franchise, creating a wealth of opportunities for storytelling that wouldn’t have been possible with a direct sequel.

Establishing an Anthological Framework

Ghost of Yotei sets the stage for an anthological structure within the franchise, a direction that a direct sequel featuring Jin couldn't have achieved. While it would have been satisfying to see Jin don the Ghost mask once more, this new game opens the franchise to explore narratives beyond his personal journey and the lives impacted by his actions. Sticking strictly to Jin's story might have limited the franchise’s potential for exploration.

By taking this unexpected route, Ghost of Yotei paves the way for Sucker Punch's Ghost series to evolve in a manner similar to Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed. The Assassin's Creed series has allowed players to traverse diverse historical periods connected by a common thread of shared lineage among Assassins. This concept has enabled the series to thrive, introducing a multitude of captivating timeframes, original tales, and unique protagonists.

A Broader World Awaits

With this new anthological structure firmly in place, Sucker Punch's Ghost franchise can now incorporate multiple protagonists, explore various time periods, and expand its world significantly. In an interview with the New York Times, creative director Nate Fox noted:

"When we started working on a sequel, the first question we asked ourselves was, 'What is the DNA of a Ghost game? It's about transporting the player to the romance and beauty of feudal Japan.'"

Ghost of Yotei embodies this vision with its new protagonist and expansive open world, reinforcing the franchise’s mission to immerse players in a location rather than tether them to a single character.

The future of the Ghost series remains uncertain in terms of characters, settings, and eras. However, Sucker Punch is reportedly planning multiple spin-offs. It will be fascinating to see how these titles interconnect and whether Jin Sakai will make a return in some capacity.

In conclusion, Ghost of Yotei not only revitalizes the franchise but also enriches its storytelling potential, ensuring that players will have even more engaging experiences in the beautiful landscapes of feudal Japan.