Ghost of Yotei continues developer Sucker Punch’s epic historical adventure franchise, except there are a lot of changes being made. Predecessor Ghost of Tsushima was one of the biggest hits of 2020, so many were shocked to learn that the sequel Ghost of Yotei would be changing not only the setting, but the protagonist, too.
Sucker Punch is taking a bold and exciting risk with Ghost of Yotei. This time around, the story is set in Ezo – now known as Hokkaido – and takes place 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima. It’s a huge leap for the developer, and while it has been controversial, it’s an intriguing shake-up. However, as exciting as a new entry in the franchise is, players may want to avoid getting too emotionally attached to Atsu as a protagonist.
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Ghost of Tsushima put heavy implications on one of its biggest moments that never paid off, and now Ghost of Yotei arguably needs to make up for that.
If Sucker Punch Continues Its Path Forward, Atsu Will Be a One-Time Protagonist
Atsu Seems Destined to Have a Singular Story
Ghost of Tsushima followed Jin Sakai, and while his story included a post-launch DLC with Iki Island, many expected the protagonist to be a long-running lead for a bigger franchise. Introducing a brand-new character and story was a huge curveball. Much of Ghost of Yotei‘s story details still remain a big mystery, but Ghost of Tsushima‘s lifespan provides hints at what to expect when its sequel launches. The story of Ghost of Yotei being confined to one game feels like a given now. It’s highly possible that Ghost of Yotei could get its own DLC inspired by Iki Island, but a direct sequel that brings Atsu back into the spotlight is an unlikely path for Sucker Punch to take.
Ghost of Yotei takes place in the year 1603, at the beginning of the Edo period, which was defined by strict social order.
Sucker Punch is Planning a Larger Franchise
In an interview with the New York Times, Sucker Punch creative directors Nate Fox and Jason Connell revealed that Sony is planning for Ghost of Tsushima and Ghost of Yotei to be part of a larger franchise. Spin-offs and movie adaptations are part of these ambitions, which implies that a third game could happen if the upcoming sequel performs well. A Ghost of Tsushima franchise is a thrilling prospect, but it also raises plenty of questions about how Sucker Punch plans to shake things up once more after Ghost of Yotei.
There’s also no telling just how many chapters could be on the way. If Sony truly has high hopes for a series of Ghost of Tsushima spin-offs, there could be a handful of games down the pipeline. It’s a compelling thought, but it will also be bittersweet if Atsu proves to be a strong protagonist.
Ghost of Yotei introduces matchlock guns and dual-wielding swords to its combat mechanics.
Ghost of Yotei Still Has Questions to Answer
- Ghost of Yotei is scheduled to launch in 2025.
- So far, Sucker Punch has yet to reveal a release date.
- Only one trailer has been released.
A fresh update regarding Ghost of Yotei could arrive any day now. Many are eager to see if Ghost of Tsushima and Ghost of Yotei are connected in some hidden way, but a lot of gamers are simply waiting for a launch date confirmation. Ghost of Yotei seems like a perfect game to release in the summer or fall, but right now, the wait continues.
Once the game finally arrives, learning Atsu’s story is bound to be one of the most fascinating points of the game. Jin was a compelling lead character, and Atsu’s teased taste for vengeance promises to serve as a thrilling contrast to Ghost of Tsushima‘s hero. There’s no way to know what Sucker Punch has in store for Atsu, but whatever it is, players would be wise to remind themselves that her story could be fleeting.
Action
Adventure
Open-World
- Released
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2025
- Publisher(s)
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Sony Interactive Entertainment