Crafting the perfect sequel to a critically acclaimed title like Ghost of Tsushima is easier said than done. The AAA title earned its flowers by thrusting players into a detailed depiction of feudal Japan and taking them on a journey filled with breathtaking visuals and enthralling deflective combat. However, even the most celebrated games are not without their shortcomings, and Sucker Punch Productions will be looking to improve upon a few areas in the Ghost of Yotei sequel. Although some might view it as a nitpick, one of the most significant criticisms aimed at Ghost of Tsushima was the lack of variety in its architectural design.
While the game’s buildings captured the aesthetic of 13th-century Japan, resplendent in its vegetative majesty and mountainous landscape, players often found themselves navigating structures that looked pretty much the same across the map. For a game with so much emphasis on environmental building, this oversight diminished the sense of immersion in an otherwise vibrant open world. With Ghost of Yotei set to release sometime in 2025, Sucker Punch has an opportunity to address this issue while maintaining the historical accuracy that fans of period-based games such as this cherish.
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Ghost Of Yotei Has To Do A Better Job Of Representing Human Settlements
Despite being released over four years ago, Ghost of Tsushima still features some of the best visuals in an open-world game. However, after a few hours of riding through settlements, it became apparent that the buildings didn’t receive the same careful attention to detail that other components did. Much of the architecture, from lowly farmsteads to castles, has the same aesthetic. Now, it can be argued that the landscape accurately depicts the style of feudal Japan. However, there needs to be some form of environmental diversity to capture attention. When every new town feels exactly like the last, it can undermine the sense of adventure that open-world games aim to deliver.
If Ghost of Yotei is to take up the challenge left by its predecessor, then it must skillfully balance the need for accurate building representations with diverse designs. The architectural layout of 17th-century Japan is not too different from that of the 13th century, with most buildings constructed with wood, thatch, and stone.
Hokkaido Island, Ghost of Yotei‘s setting, is much bigger than Tsushima Island. That’s where the challenge lies for Sucker Punch. With a significantly larger expanse to cover, the developer needs to get creative with its building designs, or else Ghost of Yotei risks feeling even more repetitive than its predecessor.
Ghost of Yotei’s 17th Century Setting Could Provide the Answer to Sucker Punch’s Environmental Question
The game’s setting in 1604 provides a golden opportunity to diversify its construction blueprint. The Portuguese first set foot in Japan in 1543, and their arrival could make for some exciting additions to Ghost of Yotei‘s portfolio. These Portuguese were Catholics who came to Japan to spread the gospel and trade, so it would not be out of place if players came across churches and priests during their gameplay. In the same vein, there should also be more features that represent the prevalent culture and religion during that period, like Buddhist temples and cathedrals dotting the landscape.
Like Ghost of Tsushima’s expansion, which brought Iki Island, Sucker Punch can also consider creating a DLC for its highly anticipated sequel that takes place in one of Japan’s major cities—preferably Heian-kyō (modern-day Kyoto), since it was the home of Japan’s ruler at the time. Exploring this would allow Sucker Punch to create more intricate societal layouts with architectural variety, like palaces, film houses, marketplaces, and all sorts. While Ghost of Tsushima’s rendition of towns and buildings is not game-breaking by any means, not improving on its offerings in Ghost of Yotei would feel like a waste.
The sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Yōtei is a PS5 exclusive scheduled to drop at some point in 2025. Taking place in 1603, the story will feature a new protagonist and a new Japanese region that is far removed from Tsushima’s setting.
Action
Adventure
Open-World
- Released
- 2025
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment