How the setting of Ghost of Yotei 1603 can pave the way for one theme

Disclosure Yotei's ghost was one of the biggest announcements of the year, with Sucker Punch taking his beloved Ghost of Tsushima franchise in an unexpected direction. Yotei's ghost brings to life a new story with protagonist Atsu. While much of the story is still under wraps, the first trailer for the game teases a ruthless journey filled with bloodshed for revenge.

A mystery Yotei's ghost makes it an exciting game to think about, but one of the most intriguing differences from its predecessor is the significant time jump. Yotei's ghost takes place in 1603, that is, more than 300 years after the events of c Ghost of Tsushima. This time jump is one of the biggest questions Yotei's ghost and its history. Although many were surprised by the emphasis on a different time period, 1603 marks a huge cultural shift for Japan that could set the stage for one of Yotei's ghostThe main topics of Art.

The setting of Yotei's Ghost marks the beginning of Japan's Edo period

A time defined by rigid social standards

The Edo period lasted more than 200 years, but historians say it officially began in 1603. This is one of the most significant periods in Japan's long history, as it led the country to a much more rigid hierarchy that greatly valued the emphasis on social classes. Despite the mysterious nature, there is much to analyze at first glance Yotei's ghost. Specifically, in this setting, Atsu's journey technically takes place outside of Japan, so her journey and methods may clash with the changing world around her.

Mount Yotei and Hokkaido

As the name suggests, Yotei's ghost uses Mount Yotei as a backdrop for its setting. Set on the island of Hokkaido, it's an intriguing choice for the setting, as the island didn't officially become part of Japan until 1869. This means that either Atsu could have escaped to the area, or she could have grown up on the island. If the former is true, it is possible that Atsu is seeking solace in Hokkaido as she escapes Japan's transformation into a more violent society. In the trailer, Atsu is portrayed as a renegade, which directly contradicts both the samurai bushido code and Japan as a whole.

The term “busido” was first recorded in 1616.

During the Edo period, the nomadic way of life did not correspond to the samurai way of life, especially when it was fueled by bloodlust. During this time, the samurai began to formalize bushido, giving samurai a much stricter set of rules to follow in order to set an example for those considered to be in the lower classes. Atsu's adoption of a freer lifestyle in the Yotei's ghost could be the beginning of one of the main conflicts in the game.

Atsu forges his own path in the changing social order

The virtues of bushido that helped define the Edo period

• Righteousness
• Courage
• Benevolence
• Respect
• Honesty
• Honor
• Loyalty

At first glance, these seven virtues are great rules to live by, but taking them too close to heart can create a stifling environment. During this period, the samurai way of life seemed to have a much more black and white view of the issues of the time, while Atsu could potentially see things in much more grey. If Yotei's ghost aims to take the franchise into a new era, then illuminating the focus of this moral conflict could be an exciting starting point for the game's story.

Based on the first glances, it seems Yotei's ghost will be a fascinating immersion in a certain period of Japanese history. There is an important significance behind this leap in time, and the reason for this may be the beginning of the Edo period.