Ghost of Yotei is currently stirring up excitement as one of the most eagerly awaited and enigmatic games. Developer Sucker Punch recently dropped a stunning and intense first look at its ambitious sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, but they’ve kept key details about the storyline and gameplay features under wraps. What we do know is that a new character, Atsu, will take the lead in a tale set 300 years after the original.
At first glance, Ghost of Yotei seems to mirror Ghost of Tsushima. However, with the shift in time and Atsu’s unique motivations, the game could diverge in meaningful ways. Much of our information comes from the announcement trailer, prompting fans to scrutinize each frame. In one intriguing moment, there might be a nod to a potential influence from Tears of the Kingdom. Specifically, a quick scene suggests the possibility of horse-taming gameplay, which would be a notable departure from what was seen in Ghost of Tsushima.
A clip around the 1:50 mark in the trailer shows Atsu galloping alongside a group of wild horses. While this could simply be a stunning visual, it might also hint at a major evolution in gameplay style from its predecessor. In Ghost of Tsushima, players chose between three horses—Nobu, Sora, and Kage—early in the game, a decision with negligible impact on the narrative. However, Ghost of Yotei could introduce a more satisfying experience. Horse-taming in Tears of the Kingdom added depth and connection to the game, making players feel a bond with the horses they successfully tamed.
The world of Ghost of Yotei unfolds as the Edo period kicks off in 1603. Sucker Punch’s depiction of this era hints at a rich setting for Atsu’s journey.
Atsu’s story could see the horse-taming feature tie directly into her character. In the previous game, Jin embodied the concept of honor, whereas Atsu seems driven by a thirst for revenge, taking a different narrative path. The anticipation for comparisons between Jin and Atsu is inevitable as we near the release of Ghost of Yotei, yet Atsu’s apparent drive and desire for vengeance promise a compelling contrast.
The idea of a horse-taming system may not immediately connect with Atsu’s persona, but it feeds into her suggested nomadic, independent lifestyle. Following the tradition of breathtaking visuals from Ghost of Tsushima, it’s natural for Sucker Punch to want to innovate and enhance elements for a sequel to provide a richer experience. Introducing an engaging method for acquiring a horse would improve upon the somewhat lackluster selection offered in Ghost of Tsushima.
Beyond horse-taming, other distinctions between Atsu and Jin emerge. Atsu plays a shamisen rather than a flute, utilizes different weapons like dual katanas and matchlock muskets, and explores Mount Yotei in Ezo—an area not fully integrated into Japan during her time.
While no release date is set for Ghost of Yotei, it’s currently penciled in for 2025, much to the anticipation of fans everywhere.
Sucker Punch seems poised to take bold steps in this sequel, evident from the setting change and Atsu’s unique motivations. Just as Ghost of Tsushima’s gameplay was integral to Jin’s story, Ghost of Yotei aims to reflect its leading character’s journey, with horse-taming fitting naturally into Atsu’s narrative arc.
This is speculation for now, and things might unfold differently. However, drawing inspiration from Tears of the Kingdom could provide the innovative twist needed to elevate Ghost of Yotei to new heights.
