Summary
Ghost of Yoteiis certainly a massive surprise, as it commits to leavingGhost of Tsushima’s Jin Sakai behind to introduce a new protagonist, Atsu, as well as a brand-new story set 300 years after the first game, in the heart of Ezo during Japan’s Edo period. WithGhost of Yoteibeing set so far in the future fromGhost of Tsushima, players can expect some considerable changes in the first game’s systems, with history suggesting its samurai stance-based combat mechanics will be abandoned in the sequel.
In light of the history and evolution of the samurai betweenGhost of Tsushima’s time periodandGhost of Yotei’s, the stances players used in the first game’s combat may not have a place in the sequel. Furthermore, the new character of Atsu may be more than enough reason for that style of fighting to be left in the past as well, although that would see an entirely new combat system taking the stage.
Tsushima’s Stances May Face the Reaper in Ghost of Yotei
Ghost of Yotei’s Edo Period Saw a Major Shift in Samurai Tradition
Perhaps the most prominent indicator that suggestsGhost of Tsushima’s stance-based combatapproach will be out the window inGhost of Yoteiis the evolution of samurai tradition betweenTsushima’s time period and that ofYotei. Whereas samurai were immensely traditional inGhost of Tsushima, primarily filling roles in which they actively engage in battle and serve in the military, their traditions changed significantly with the arrival ofGhost of Yotei’s Edo period. Specifically, the Edo period saw large-scale warfare cease, thereby no longer requiring the samurai to fight as much as they once did, forcing them to take on new roles.
DuringGhost of Yotei’s Edo period, many samurai transitioned to bureaucratic or administrative positions, serving as officials in the daimyo’s domains or the shogunate’s government. Additionally, many of them left behind their battle-hardened lifestyle to become scholars, teachers, or managers of land and resources. This wasn’t all, however, as many samurai were only paid stipends by their lords, which led to them struggling financially and adopting side professions or, in extreme cases, becoming ronin. At first glance, it appears Atsu may be ronin herself, and while that would mean her roots are samurai, it doesn’t necessarily mean her traditions are, or that she was ever traditional to begin with.
Ghost of Yotei’s Atsu May Not Carry On Jin’s Stances From Tsushima
In addition to the changes that took place in samurai tradition over the three centuries betweenGhost of TsushimaandGhost of Yotei, Atsulikely has a different backstory, training, motive, and combat philosophy. More than likely, Atsu hasn’t had access to the fighting style that Jin was basically born into, and therefore, the techniques that he used regularly could be very unfamiliar to her. Instead, Atsu could rely on unique combat styles or skills that align more closely with her personal journey and the challenges she faces inGhost of Yotei. At the very least, Atsu’s combat style is likely to change as the game progresses, with her character development playing a significant role there, just as Jin’s did with his own combat approach.
With Atsu’s personal journey apparently being one of revenge, she, like Jin, may adopt a very unethical approach to combat, though the morals of her time will treat her much differently than they did Jin inGhost of Tsushima.
With the Edo period largely leaving traditions of the samurai in the past, and the potential of Atsu’s personal journey impacting her approach to combat, it’s likelyGhost of Yoteiwill be leavingGhost of Tsushima’s stances in the past,along with Jin’s legacy. This isn’t necessarily a negative, however, as it would potentially mean a brand-new fighting style forGhost of Yoteithat would discourage it from feeling too repetitive in the long run. Developers often revise gameplay mechanics in sequels to innovate and keep the experience fresh, so that is expected withGhost of Yotei. What, specifically, that will look like, remains to be seen, but Sucker Punch has confirmed that more details are on the way.
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.
