Ghost of Yoteiis diverting from its predecessor in a number of ways, but there is one thing that remains clear. The highly-anticipated sequel is set to continueGhost of Tsushima’s reverence for nature. The first footage teasingGhost of Yoteishowcases a beautiful montage of breathtaking nature scenes filled with vast landscapes and wild animals. It seems like a given thatGhost of Yoteiwill shine a spotlight on the wildlife, which gives the title the perfect chance to take inspiration from aRed Dead Redemption 2trick.
RDR2features a cleverly subtle detail that enhances the story in a huge way. When Arthur has low honor inRDR2, he will be joined by coyotes during rainstorms.A low honor playthrough ofRDR2affects the story in a variety of ways, but especially Arthur’s spirit animal. If he has high honor, Arthur is represented by a buck, but if he has low honor, his spirit animal is shown as a black coyote. These two animals depict the man Arthur has become based on a player’s actions, andGhost of Yoteiseems like the perfect game to use this as a source of inspiration.
Ghost of Yotei is Already Teasing a Big Animal Connection
Ghost of Tsushima’s Jin Sakai held a love for nature thatGhost of Yotei’s Atsu may possess as well. Throughout the game’s reveal trailer, Atsu is seen riding among wild horses and even seemingly becoming companions with a wolf.Ghost of Yoteiembracing the animal themes of its predecessoris a small, but effective, way of tying the games together. Much ofGhost of Yoteiremains a mystery, but Atsu’s journey is confirmed to be fueled by vengeance, which is a big departure from Jin’s motives. However, the story may not be as black and white as it seems. Of course, Atsu’s journey can be motivated by revenge and bloodlust, but it’s likely for good reason. Throughout the story, Atsu could choose to enact revenge in either an honorable or dishonorable way, which could inform her relationship with nature like it does with Arthur inRDR2.
In further contrast to Jin, Atsu will also dual-wield swords and even use matchlock guns.
Ghost of Yotei’s Setting Could Inform Its Approach to Animals
Set in 1603,Ghost of Yoteitakes place in Ezo, which eventually became Hokkaido. During this time, Ezo wasn’t technically part of Japan. The indigenous people of the land, the Ainu, were animists, believing that all living things had spirits. This sets the stage for animals playing an even larger role inGhost of Yotei, and Atsu’s actions could likely attract specific types of animal spirits along her journey. Because of the setting and time period chosen by developer Sucker Punch, it is quite possible that animals are far more than they seem.
The Ainu people viewed wolves with high regard. A wolf god named Horkew Kamuy, or “howling god”, played an important role in Ainu culture. This makesGhost of Yotei’s teased wolf companion possibly have a larger meaning.
Exploring Atsu’s Gray Morality
Atsu may prove to be a more complicated character than Jin, which is exciting. Jin’s story was compelling and complex in its own right, butGhost of Yoteimay be teasing a deeper dive into more moral gray areas.Atsu’s journey as a lone wolfout for revenge is a stark contrast to Jin’s mission of protecting the island of Tsushima.
With The Game Awards on the way, there will hopefully be more footage aboutGhost of Yoteirevealed, or at the very least a release date. Sucker Punch’s decision tosidestep a direct sequel toGhost of Tsushimain favor of a new setting and protagonist was a risky choice, butGhost of Yoteicould prove to be the perfect way to evolve the franchise.
