Since the revelation last fall, Ghost of Yotei has soared to the top of many gamers' lists of most anticipated releases in 2025, surpassed only by the likes of GTA 6. As said, Ghost of Yotei makes some significant changes from its predecessor, with a new setting and protagonist and therefore a completely different set of narrative circumstances, oddly reminiscent of other AAA hits like Red Dead Redemptionwho have made similar risky moves.
Ghost of Yotei surprised the audience when it was revealed, when Sucker Punch revealed that Jin Sakai would not be the main character in this highly anticipated sequel. Jin will not actually be in the game at all, as it takes place hundreds of years after the events of the first game, and in a completely different region of Japan. While some see this radical change as a welcome bit of experimentation and subversion, others are less convinced and disappointed that Jin will not be returning. This sentiment reflects the public's reception to Red Dead Redemption 2 who, prior to launch, was revealed to have a different playable character than the iconic John Marston from the first game. As most would now agree, this was a good decision on Rockstar's part; perhaps Sucker Punch has made a similar good call here.
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Ghost of Yotei should not trade repetition for linearity
As Sucker Punch iterates on the Ghost of Tsushima formula with Ghost of Yotei, it should make sure to strike a good balance with its open world.
Ghost of Yoteis Atsu could be the “Arthur Morgan” of the franchise
Arthur Morgan exceeded expectations, and so could Atsu
The gaming audience was more than skeptical that John would be replaced by Arthur, but now Red Dead Redemption the fanbase generally considers Arthur to be the superior character, with many going so far as to crown him the greatest video game protagonist of all time. This is obviously quite a lofty title to aspire to, and while Atsu may not quite be able to reach the same heights, she could conceivably replace Jin in the fans' hearts, with Yotei cementing her as the definitive hero of the series.
To be honest, this wouldn't be very difficult. Jin Sakai isn't a bad character by any means, and his struggle between honoring his samurai code and driving out the Mongols by any means necessary is compelling enough, but he's also a bit bland. His trip of tradition in conflict with reality was good for the last game, and maybe his legacy will live on in some way in Ghost of Yoteibut there is not enough substance in his character to warrant his appearance in a full sequel. Atsu, on the other hand, can make up for Jin's shortcomings.
How Atsu could be better than Jin, Red Dead Way
There are a number of reasons why Arthur Morgan is generally considered a more interesting character than John Marston, but to put it succinctly: he is more complex. John spends the first Red Dead Redemption running away from his complicated past and trying to build a new life for himself, while Arthur finds himself in a life that doesn't serve him, but he doesn't know any different. RDR2 takes the same broad themes of the first game and expands them through Arthur's story, and Ghost of Yotei could do the same.
The struggle between honor and survival has narrative potential, but it is never presented in a multifaceted or nuanced way in Ghost of Tsushima. If players are meant to interrogate Jin's actions, the game doesn't do a good job of eliciting such an answer, as he can either be stealthy or see his country slaughtered; the choice seems to be easy. But Ghost of Yotei could muddy the waters further, putting Atsu at the heart of a much messier internal conflict, thereby allowing her to reveal her character in more decisive and exciting ways than Jin ever had to.
The sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch's Ghost of Yōtei is a PS5 exclusive scheduled for release sometime in 2025. The story is set in 1603 and will feature a new protagonist and a new Japanese region far removed from Tsushima's setting.
Action
Adventure
Open-World
- Released
- 2025
- Publisher
- Sony Interactive Entertainment