Summary
- Ghost of Yotei will offer breathtaking open-world gameplay in a new setting, Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido).
- An annual seasonal cycle could make Ghost of Yotei’s world more immersive, offering dynamic gameplay opportunities.
- Quests tied to specific seasons in Ghost of Yotei could enhance player engagement and immersion.
While Ghost of Tsushima certainly had a lot going for it in terms of gameplay and story, its standout feature was undoubtedly its open world. With its stunning visual design and immersive atmosphere, Ghost of Tsushima offered players an unprecedented gaming experience in feudal Japan, complete with vibrant fields of flowers, dense forests, misty mountains, and golden sunlit meadows. Now, Ghost of Yotei is set to build on the foundation of its predecessor with yet another breathtaking open world, though it will take place in the land of Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido) rather than on Tsushima Island.
It’s almost a given that Ghost of Yotei will feature an open world that is just as captivating (if not more so, since it is being developed for the PS5) as Ghost of Tsushima. However, Ghost of Yotei may need to go further than merely offering better graphics in its open world if it hopes to capture players in the same way that Ghost of Tsushima did. As such, there are a few things that the next entry in the Ghost franchise can add to its open world to make it feel more alive than ever, with one notable element being an annual seasonal cycle — especially if Ghost of Yotei keeps the wind mechanics of its predecessor, as wind plays a major role in seasonal changes.
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Ghost of Yotei Should Feature an Annual Seasonal Cycle
An Annual Seasonal Cycle Would Make Ghost of Yotei’s World Even More Immersive
One major thing that Ghost of Tsushima lacked was an annual cycle that allowed its world to experience all four seasons. Fortunately, its environments were varied enough that this didn’t matter too much, but there is no denying the impact that an annual cycle could have had on its open world. The presence of an annual cycle in a game world can immediately make it feel like it is actually moving through time and is therefore living and breathing, which is exactly what Ghost of Tsushima was going for in the first place.
Even Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which is often regarded as an imitation of Ghost of Tsushima, has an annual cycle, so it may not make sense for Ghost of Yotei to exclude one at this point.
In light of that, an annual cycle could only help Ghost of Yotei to feel more immersive and alive. If players were able to experience all four seasons in the game, especially if those seasons impacted gameplay in some way, Ghost of Yotei‘s open world could be that much closer to becoming the next open-world standard. The only issue, perhaps, would be the game’s concept of time. After all, if the seasons were to change for an entire year in Ghost of Yotei, it might not make sense for time to essentially stand still, especially when historical accuracy is at stake. Nevertheless, considering Ghost of Tsushima‘s emphasis on movement, Ghost of Yotei could “move” even more with an annual cycle.
Ghost of Yotei Could Feature Quests Tied to Certain Seasons
To complement an annual cycle, Ghost of Yotei could even feature quests tied to certain seasons. This would prompt players to pay more attention to the game’s annual cycle, and it would also potentially increase Ghost of Yotei‘s immersion in the process. Perhaps certain seasons in Ghost of Yotei might see specific wildlife emerge, or there might be seasons that make survival more difficult for Ezo’s inhabitants. Enemies might be more prevalent during specific seasons as well. There is certainly a lot Ghost of Yotei could do with an annual cycle gameplay-wise.
If players were able to experience all four seasons in the game, especially if those seasons impacted gameplay in some way, Ghost of Yotei‘s open world could be that much closer to becoming the next open-world standard.
Ultimately, an annual cycle in Ghost of Yotei could be a defining feature that sets it apart from its predecessor, pushing its open world closer to true immersion. By allowing players to witness and adapt to the changing seasons, the game could offer an open world that feels truly alive. Not only would this enhance the visual spectacle of Ezo’s landscapes, but it could also introduce new gameplay opportunities, from seasonal quests to shifting environmental challenges.
Action
Adventure
Open-World
- Released
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2025
- Publisher(s)
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Sony Interactive Entertainment