Summary
Despite the fact that fans will need to wait a bit longer than they might have anticipated,Ghost of Yoteiis still on the way, with a release date of October 2 and an aim to bring a host of new changes to the formula set in motion by its predecessor. While the new protagonist, story, and gameplay elements are all notable additions, however,Ghost of Yoteilooks poised to set itself apart from its predecessor in one rather significant way.
After her homestead was razed and her family killed by a group known as the “Yotei Six,“Atsu,Ghost of Yotei’s protagonist, embarks on a journey of underdog vengeance. Herein lies the key difference betweenGhost of Yoteiand its predecessor. WhereasGhost of Tsushimasaw Jin Sakai adopting the persona of the Ghost for noble yet dishonorable purposes,Ghost of Yotei’s story has Atsu becoming the Ghost, not for a cause much greater than herself, but simply so she can effectively carry out her revenge. While the story could very well go much further than that, based on what is known about it so far,Ghost of Yotei’s premise could change the legacy of the Ghost forever.
Ghost of Yotei Might Put a Stain on the Ghost’s Reputation
Ghost of Tsushima Romanticized Rebellion and Secrecy in the Face of War
At the heart ofGhost of Tsushima’s storywas, in fact, Jin Sakai’s heart. As a samurai who was raised to practice honor in the midst of conflict, a major part of him was bound to that code of conduct. Ultimately, this meant looking his enemies in the eyes when he battles them, and accepting his defeat if it comes. However, due to the Mongol invasion of Japan and Tsushima Island, Jin opted for a more dishonorable approach to combat — one that he felt would be more effective at eliminating the threat than approaching them as an honorable samurai.
Rather than being purely good, Jin Sakai was more like Batman inGhost of Tsushima— a vigilante taking it upon himself to protect those who deserve protection.
In adopting the persona of the Ghost, Jin Sakai would strike at his enemies from the shadows, before they even knew he was there. As dishonorable as this was — at least, according to his disapproving uncle, Lord Shimura, as well as the samurai code — it served a purpose that went beyond Jin himself. By becoming the Ghost of Tsushima, Jin would protectTsushima Islandfrom the Mongol invaders, even if he did it alone. In a sense,Ghost of Tsushimaromanticized rebellion and secrecy in the face of war, making the Ghost more a symbol of good than evil.
Ghost of Yotei Might Admit That the Ghost Isn’t Always Good
Ghost of Yotei, on the other hand, already looks prepared to say something thatGhost of Tsushimawas afraid to admit — that the dishonorable conduct of the Ghost may not always have the greater good in mind. According toGhost of Yotei’s premise, Atsu is merely adopting the persona of the Ghost to get revenge on those who killed her family and destroyed her home, whereasGhost of Tsushimasaw Jin fighting for something beyond himself. Jin Sakai might have already blurred the line betweengood and evil, but rarely, if ever, is revenge seen as something good.
In a sense,Ghost of Tsushimaromanticized rebellion and secrecy in the face of war, making the Ghost more a symbol of good than evil.
If Atsu doesn’t take a turn duringGhost of Yotei’s story, it’s likely this installment could effectively establish the persona of the Ghost as something that could be used for evil purposes rather than good. It could be thatGhost of Yotei’s narrative eventually sees Atsu changing her heart and mind about her wrongdoers and choosing to use the mantle of the Ghost for the greater good, and it’s even likely that the story will. However, if Sucker Punch has chosen to pull a fast one on players, perhaps the Ghost persona won’t seem so glorious once the curtains close onGhost of Yotei’s story.
