Ghost of Yotei is diverting from its predecessor in a number of ways, but there is one thing that remains clear. The highly-anticipated sequel is set to continue Ghost of Tsushima‘s reverence for nature. The first footage teasing Ghost of Yotei showcases a beautiful montage of breathtaking nature scenes filled with vast landscapes and wild animals. It seems like a given that Ghost of Yotei will shine a spotlight on the wildlife, which gives the title the perfect chance to take inspiration from a Red Dead Redemption 2 trick.
RDR2 features a cleverly subtle detail that enhances the story in a huge way. When Arthur has low honor in RDR2, he will be joined by coyotes during rainstorms. A low honor playthrough of RDR2 affects the story in a variety of ways, but especially Arthur’s spirit animal. If he has high honor, Arthur is represented by a buck, but if he has low honor, his spirit animal is shown as a black coyote. These two animals depict the man Arthur has become based on a player’s actions, and Ghost of Yotei seems like the perfect game to use this as a source of inspiration.
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The Last of Us Would Be Remiss Not to Track Ghost of Yotei’s Footprints
Ghost of Yotei will reap the rewards of a renewed and revitalized perspective and it isn’t too late for The Last of Us to board the same train.
Ghost of Yotei Should Take Note of Red Dead Redemption 2’s Approach to Animal Symbolism
Ghost of Yotei is Already Teasing a Big Animal Connection
Ghost of Tsushima‘s Jin Sakai held a love for nature that Ghost of Yotei‘s Atsu may possess as well. Throughout the game’s reveal trailer, Atsu is seen riding among wild horses and even seemingly becoming companions with a wolf. Ghost of Yotei embracing the animal themes of its predecessor is a small, but effective, way of tying the games together. Much of Ghost of Yotei remains a mystery, but Atsu’s journey is confirmed to be fueled by vengeance, which is a big departure from Jin’s motives. However, the story may not be as black and white as it seems. Of course, Atsu’s journey can be motivated by revenge and bloodlust, but it’s likely for good reason. Throughout the story, Atsu could choose to enact revenge in either an honorable or dishonorable way, which could inform her relationship with nature like it does with Arthur in RDR2.
In further contrast to Jin, Atsu will also dual-wield swords and even use matchlock guns.
Ghost of Yotei’s Setting Could Inform Its Approach to Animals
Set in 1603, Ghost of Yotei takes place in Ezo, which eventually became Hokkaido. During this time, Ezo wasn’t technically part of Japan. The indigenous people of the land, the Ainu, were animists, believing that all living things had spirits. This sets the stage for animals playing an even larger role in Ghost of Yotei, and Atsu’s actions could likely attract specific types of animal spirits along her journey. Because of the setting and time period chosen by developer Sucker Punch, it is quite possible that animals are far more than they seem.
The Ainu people viewed wolves with high regard. A wolf god named Horkew Kamuy, or “howling god”, played an important role in Ainu culture. This makes
Ghost of Yotei
‘s teased wolf companion possibly have a larger meaning.
Exploring Atsu’s Gray Morality
Atsu may prove to be a more complicated character than Jin, which is exciting. Jin’s story was compelling and complex in its own right, but Ghost of Yotei may be teasing a deeper dive into more moral gray areas. Atsu’s journey as a lone wolf out for revenge is a stark contrast to Jin’s mission of protecting the island of Tsushima.
With The Game Awards on the way, there will hopefully be more footage about Ghost of Yotei revealed, or at the very least a release date. Sucker Punch’s decision to sidestep a direct sequel to Ghost of Tsushima in favor of a new setting and protagonist was a risky choice, but Ghost of Yotei could prove to be the perfect way to evolve the franchise.
Action
Adventure
Open-World
- Released
- 2025
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment