Since it was unveiled this fall, Yotei's ghost has skyrocketed to the top of many gamers' lists of most anticipated releases of 2025, surpassed only by the likes of GTA 6. Having said that, Yotei's ghost makes some significant changes from its predecessor, featuring a new setting and protagonist, and therefore a completely different set of narrative circumstances, it's eerily reminiscent of other AAA hits like Red Dead Redemptionwho made equally risky moves.
Yotei's ghost surprised the audience at the reveal as Sucker Punch revealed that Jin Sakai will not be the protagonist of this highly anticipated sequel. In fact, Jin won't be in the game at all, as it takes place hundreds of years after the events of the first game and in a completely different region of Japan. While some see this radical change as a welcome bit of experimentation and subversion, others are less convinced and disappointed that Jin won't be coming back. This sentiment reflects public reception Red Dead Redemption 2 which, prior to release, was revealed to feature a playable character other than the iconic John Marston from the first game. As most would now agree, this was a great decision on Rockstar's part; maybe Sucker Punch made as good a call here.
Related
Ghost of Yotei shouldn't trade repetition for linearity
As Sucker Punch repeats the Ghost of Tsushima formula with Ghost of Yotei, it should take care to strike a good balance with its open world.
Ghost of Yotei's Atsu could be the “Arthur Morgan” of the franchise
Arthur Morgan exceeded expectations and so did Atsu
The gaming public was more than skeptical about John being replaced by Arthur, but now Red Dead Redemption The fanbase considers Arthur the superior character, with many going so far as to crown him the best video game protagonist of all time. That's obviously a pretty high title to aspire to, and while Atsu may not be able to reach the same heights, she could replace Jin in the hearts of the fans, with Yota solidifying her as the definitive hero of the series.
To be honest, this wouldn't be particularly difficult. Jin Sakai isn't a bad character by any means, and his struggle between honoring his samurai code and driving out the Mongols by any means is compelling enough, but it's also a bit bland. His journey of tradition colliding with reality was good for the last game, and perhaps his legacy will somehow live on in Yotei's ghostbut there isn't enough substance to his character to warrant his appearance in a full sequel. Atsu, on the other hand, can make up for Jin's shortcomings.
How Atsu could become better than Jin, Red Dead Way
There are a number of reasons why Arthur Morgan is generally considered a more interesting character than John Marston, but in short: he is more complex. John spends first Red Dead Redemption running away from his complicated past, trying to build a new life for himself, while Arthur is knee-deep in a life that doesn't serve him, but doesn't know anything else. RDR2 takes the same broad themes of the first game and expands them through Arthur's story and Yotei's ghost could do the same.
The battle between honor and survival has narrative potential, but is never presented in a multifaceted or nuanced way. Ghost of Tsushima. If players are meant to question Jin's actions, the game doesn't do a great job of eliciting such a response, as he can either go into hiding or watch his country get slaughtered; the choice seems to be an easy one. But Yotei's ghost it could muddy the waters further by putting Atsu at the center of a much messier internal conflict, thus allowing her to reveal her character in more crucial and interesting ways than Jin ever had to.
The sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch's Ghost of Yōtei is a PS5 exclusive scheduled for release sometime in 2025. Taking place in 1603, the story will feature a new protagonist and a new Japanese region that is far removed from the setting of Tsushima.
Action
Venture
Open world
- ISSUED
- 2025
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment