Ghost of Yoteicontinues developer Sucker Punch’s epic historical adventure franchise, except there are a lot of changes being made. PredecessorGhost of Tsushimawas one of the biggest hits of 2020, so many were shocked to learn that the sequelGhost of Yoteiwould be changing not only the setting, but the protagonist, too.
Sucker Punch is taking a bold and exciting risk withGhost of Yotei. This time around,the story is set in Ezo- now known as Hokkaido - and takes place 300 years after the events ofGhost 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.
If Sucker Punch Continues Its Path Forward, Atsu Will Be a One-Time Protagonist
Atsu Seems Destined to Have a Singular Story
Ghost of Tsushimafollowed Jin Sakai, and while his story included a post-launch DLC withIki 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 ofGhost of Yotei’s story details still remain a big mystery, butGhost of Tsushima’s lifespanprovides hints at what to expect when its sequel launches. The story ofGhost of Yoteibeing confined to one game feels like a given now. It’s highly possible thatGhost of Yoteicould get its own DLC inspired byIki Island, but a direct sequel that brings Atsu back into the spotlight is an unlikely path for Sucker Punch to take.
Ghost of Yoteitakes 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 forGhost of TsushimaandGhost of Yoteito 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.AGhost of Tsushimafranchiseis a thrilling prospect, but it also raises plenty of questions about how Sucker Punch plans to shake things up once more afterGhost of Yotei.
There’s also no telling just how many chapters could be on the way. If Sony truly has high hopes fora series ofGhost of Tsushimaspin-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 Yoteiintroduces matchlock guns and dual-wielding swords to its combat mechanics.
Ghost of Yotei Still Has Questions to Answer
A fresh update regardingGhost of Yoteicould arrive any day now. Many are eager to seeifGhost of TsushimaandGhost of Yoteiare connectedin some hidden way, but a lot of gamers are simply waiting for a launch date confirmation.Ghost of Yoteiseems 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 storyis 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 toGhost 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.