Since opening this fall, Yotei's ghost has skyrocketed to the top of many gamers' most anticipated releases of 2025 lists, beaten only by the likes of GTA 6. However, Yotei's ghost makes a significant change from its predecessor, being a new setting and protagonist and thus a completely different set of narrative circumstances, uncannily reminiscent of other AAA hits like Red Dead Redemptionwho took the same risky steps.
Yotei's ghost surprised audiences upon its opening, as Sucker Punch revealed that Jin Sakai would not be the main character in the highly anticipated sequel. In fact, Jin will not 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 experiment and subversion, others are less convinced and disappointed that Jin will not be returning. Such sentiments resonate with the public Red Dead Redemption 2 which was revealed ahead of launch to feature a different playable character 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.
Relatives
Ghost of Yotei shouldn't trade repetition for linearity
Since Sucker Punch repeats the formula of Ghost of Tsushima with Ghost of Yotei, it should take care to strike a good balance with the open world.
Ghost Atsu of Yotei could be the “Arthur Morgan” of the franchise
Arthur Morgan exceeded expectations, as did Atsu
The gaming audience was more than skeptical that Jon would be replaced by Arthur, but now Red Dead Redemption the fanbase considers Arthur to be the ultimate character in many ways, with many going so far as to call him the best video game hero of all time. Obviously, that's a pretty high title to aim for, and while Atsu may not be able to reach the same heights, she may be able to replace Jin in the hearts of the fans, with Yotei cementing her as the definitive hero of the series.
To be honest, it won't be much work. Jin Sakai isn't a bad character anyway, and his struggle between honoring his samurai code and driving out the Mongols by any means necessary is compelling enough, but he's also a bit bland. His path of tradition clashing with reality was good for the final 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 compensate for Jin's shortcomings.
How could Atsu be better than Jin, Red Dead Way
There are a number of reasons why Arthur Morgan is considered a more interesting character than John Marston, but in short, he is more complex. John conducts the 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 he doesn't know any different. 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 it's never presented as multifaceted or nuanced in Ghost of Tsushima. When players have to question Jin's actions, the game doesn't do a great job of eliciting such an answer, as he can either be stealthy or watch his country get slaughtered; the choice seems easy. But Yotei's ghost could further muddy the waters by putting Atsu at the center of a much messier internal conflict, thereby allowing her to reveal her character in a more important and intriguing way than Jin ever could.
The sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch's Ghost of Yōtei is a PS5 exclusive due out sometime in 2025. Set in 1603, the story will feature a new protagonist and a new Japanese region far from the setting of Tsushima.
Action
Adventures
Open world
- Released
- 2025 year
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
