With the reveal ofGhost of Yoteibeing one of the biggesthighlights of September 2024’s State of Play, discussion is rife over what has been revealed so far. Although it is clear that the game is connected to the hitGhost of Tsushima, it can seem less clearwhether this new game is a true sequel or more of a spin-off title. However, although details are currently light, there is enough context to indicate just how stronglyGhost of Yoteiis tied toGhost of Tsushima.
Originally released in 2020,Ghost of Tsushimaattracted great praise for its combat and story. A laterDirector’s Cut version ofGhost of Tsushimanevertheless offered many improvements over the original, with one of the largest additions being a story set on the new setting of Iki Island. However, while this additional content was very well received, many were still eager for a full new game to follow on fromGhost of Tsushima. Now, at last, these hopes have been answered, withGhost of Yoteidue to release in 2025.
Ghost of Yōtei Is A Spiritual Sequel To Ghost Of Tsushima
One of the most important clues to how closelyGhost of Yoteiis tied toGhost of Tsushimais in its setting. As revealed in its announcement trailer,Ghost of Yoteiis set in 1603; a massive 329 years afterGhost of Tsushima. As such, it comes as no surprise that the game follows an entirely new protagonist, a Ronin named Atsu. Moreover,there is currently no indication that Atsu shares any direct connection with Jin Sakai, although there is one thing that they do have in common: the mantle of the Ghost.
According to a post on thePlayStation Blogfrom Senior Communications Manager Andrew Goldfarb, developersSucker Punch have decided to build their new title around “the idea of the Ghost”rather than continue Jin’s own storyafterthe ending ofGhost of Tsushima. As a result, Atsu will be wearing a Ghost mask of her own as she sets out on her own journey. Of course, it is entirely possible that stories of Jin will provide the inspiration for this in-game, but it seems unlikely that his influence on the narrative ofGhost of Yoteiwill extend beyond that.
As Jin’s actions have undoubtedly long-since passed into legend by the time ofGhost of Yotei, the new game could also provide definitive closure on Jin’s story by revealing his ultimate fate.
Combined with the different era and new setting, the vicinity of MountYotei, all this makes it very clear thatGhost of Yoteiis more of a spiritual sequel toGhost of Tsushimathan anything else. As indicated by the title, the concept of the Ghost is the major thematic link between the two games, rather than any of the characters fromGhost of Tsushimareappearing themselves. Although their actions may still be referenced in this new game, that will most likely be the limit of their significance.
Playing Ghost of Yotei Likely Won’t Require Knowing Ghost Of Tsushima
The fact thatGhost of Yoteiis clearly so separate from its predecessor likely means that intimateknowledge ofGhost of Tsushimawill not be crucial to enjoying the game. It seems thatGhost of Yotei’s very different setting will allow people to mostly treat it as a stand-alone title. By allowing Atsu to take up the role of ‘the Ghost’ when she is also so far removed from Jin’s story, any previous experience withGhost of Tsushimawill presumably only have a minor impact on one’s understanding ofGhost of Yotei.
Ghost of Yotei Developer Breaks Down The Sequel’s Most Controversial Change
Developer Sucker Punch breaks down why it opted to use a new protagonist for Ghost of Yotei despite fans' love for Tsushima’s Jin Sakai.
Of course, it should also be noted that whileGhost of Yoteiwill still present similar themes toGhost of Tsushima, it will also grow beyond it. Goldfarb notes thatGhost of Yoteiwill include “new mechanics, gameplay improvements, and even new weapons,” with every indication being that it will be an even more immersive experience thanGhost of Tsushima. As such,Ghost of Yoteiis clearly building upon its predecessor as any sequel should, incorporating new ideas and technological progress to ensure that the story of ‘the Ghost’ continues to be as impactful as possible.
Ghost of Yoteiis not a direct sequel, a decision which is arguably for the best. Instead, it is a fresh new game which allows the best aspects ofGhost of Tsushimato carry on and develop further without being limited to the same characters. Being a spiritual sequel allows the new game to make the most ofGhost of Tsushima’s success, whilst simultaneously not being limited to revolving around the story of Jin Sakai. This will undoubtedly help to ensure thatGhost of Yoteiwill reach as broad of an audience as possible when it releases next year.
