Summary
Ghost of Yoteihas proven to be quite a surprise among fans of its predecessor,Ghost of Tsushima, for its unabashed willingness to leave Jin Sakai behind and replace him with a brand-new protagonist, Atsu. This might be disappointing to those who were looking forward to continuing Jin’s story, but it also means Sucker Punch’sGhostfranchise can further expand on the Ghost persona in a way it might not have been able to with only Jin behind the mask. This is especially true of Atsu, given what has been revealed so far about her story inGhost of Yotei.
While specifics about its story have yet to be divulged, Sucker Punch has confirmed thatAtsu’s quest inGhost of Yoteiwill be one of “underdog vengeance.” These two simple words carry weighty implications for her character arc and the game’s overarching story, but, perhaps even more than that, it suggests a significant departure from the purpose and utility of the Ghost persona established by Jin inGhost of Tsushima, whose own story ultimately defined the mask. In the end, this may turn out to be a great thing for theGhostfranchise, as it shows its willingness to challenge expectations and take future games to bold new heights.
Ghost of Yotei Evolves the Ghost Persona Established by Jin in Tsushima
Jin’s Story Was About Questioning Tradition and Forging a New Path in Ghost of Tsushima
As the first protagonist in the franchise, the Ghost persona was originally created byJin Sakai inGhost of Tsushima, with its purpose ultimately tied to his personal story and the responsibility he felt to be Tsushima’s protector. It began with Jin recognizing a need to subdue his enemies quietly, as he and many others were significantly outnumbered by the Mongol invaders on the island. Upon rescuing his uncle, Lord Shimura, from the Mongols, Jin continued to walk in the identity of the Ghost to see the invaders brought to their knees, their leader defeated.
The cause was a noble one, of course, but Jin’s adoption of the Ghost persona ultimately created an internal conflict within himself. To strike at his enemies from the shadows meant forsaking the samurai code of honor and ideals he had been raised to observe. Yes, thestory ofGhost of Tsushimarevolved around Jin driving off the Mongol threat on Tsushima Island, but his personal journey took place internally, as his rejection of samurai teachings caused him personal and emotional turmoil, especially when he saw how it affected Lord Shimura’s perception of him.
Atsu’s Story in Ghost of Yotei May Be the Antithesis to Jin’s
Atsu’s story inGhost of Yotei, on the other hand, is already poised to be the antithesis to Jin’s, if it does indeed lean heavily into the “underdog vengeance” side of her journey. Jin’s adoption of the Ghost persona ultimately challenged the traditions he once committed himself to, igniting a conflict within him that was just as present as the Mongol threat. This means that, even as he advanced forward into the heat of battle, his focus was still somewhat directed inwardly, even to the very end, when he facedLord Shimurain battle.
The story ofGhost of Tsushimarevolved around Jin driving off the Mongol threat on Tsushima Island, but his personal journey took place internally, as his rejection of samurai teachings caused him personal and emotional turmoil, especially when he saw how it affected Lord Shimura’s perception of him.
With Atsu’s personal journey potentially being all about her exacting revenge on an individual or group of people who wronged her, this means that the majority of her conflict may be more external thanJin’s internal struggle inGhost of Tsushima. Rather than her focus being on herself as Jin’s was, Atsu’s eyes are primed to gaze intently upon her offenders. It could be that Atsu is entirely unencumbered by the same moral dilemmas that Jin faced inGhost of Tsushima, with her pursuit of vengeance suggesting a character who fully embraces the Ghost identity without the hesitation or guilt that defined Jin.
If this is the route thatGhost of Yoteichooses to go, it should, in theory, offer players a unique experience incomparison toGhost of Tsushima. For theGhostfranchise to take full advantage of its new status, it would need to be willing to evolve its storytelling approach and gameplay with each subsequent installment, lest it fall prey to the same criticism that other, more static franchises have received.Ghost of Yotei’s vengeance story may be the key to doing just that.
Ghost of Yotei
WHERE TO PLAY
Discover a bold, new story of a warrior in Japan who is on a mission of vengeance all her own.Set 300 years after the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei is standalone experience set in 1600s rural Japan. The story follows a haunted, lone mercenary named Atsu. Thirsty for revenge, she travels through the beautiful, rugged landscapes of northern Japan, hunting those who killed her family many years earlier.
