Ghost of Yotei, the eagerly awaited sequel to the acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, showcases an exciting new setting, protagonist, and a host of fresh features.
During PlayStation’s State of Play Showcase on September 24, 2024, fans were treated to their first glimpse of Ghost of Yotei, the much-anticipated follow-up to the award-winning Ghost of Tsushima, which first released in 2020.
With minimal prior information about the game circulating before this reveal, we can now confirm a wealth of details regarding the sequel, including its new location, its historical context within Japan, and its female lead character, among other aspects.
Release Window: When is Ghost of Yotei Coming Out?
As confirmed in a PlayStation blog shortly after the State of Play reveal, Ghost of Yotei is scheduled for release in 2025. However, the specific date within that year remains unknown.
Given its recent announcement and the fact that the Iki Island expansion continued development until 2021, it’s likely that Ghost of Yotei will launch toward the latter part of 2025.
This upcoming title marks the first project crafted from the ground up by developer Sucker Punch, the creators behind Sly Cooper and inFAMOUS, specifically for the PlayStation 5.
Ghost of Yotei Setting: When Does the Game Take Place?
Ghost of Yotei is set in 1603, over 300 years following the events of the original game. The narrative unfolds around Mount Yotei, which is located in present-day Hokkaido, Japan.
Ghost of Yotei is set over 300 years after the events of the first game.
In a blog post accompanying the announcement, PlayStation elaborated on the context surrounding Ghost of Yotei’s setting, noting that “In 1603, this area was outside the jurisdiction of Japan and was characterized by vast grasslands, snowy tundras, and unforeseen dangers.”
The post further emphasized that this environment stands in stark contrast to the organized samurai clans that dwelled in Tsushima, likely adding an intriguing new layer to the franchise and enriching the player experience.
Who is Atsu? New Protagonist Explained
Ghost of Yotei introduces a completely new time period and location, featuring a fresh protagonist named Atsu.
Ghost of Yotei features a female protagonist named Atsu.
With Jin Sakai’s journey and the island of Tsushima behind us, the developers sought to explore the meaning of having a new hero donning the Ghost mask and uncovering a new legend.
While the developers have yet to fully dive into Atsu’s character traits and motivations, the announcement trailer showcased her wielding both a shamisen and a traditional samurai sword.
A shamisen is a traditional Japanese lute that originated in the 1500s. In addition to her shamisen and sword, Atsu will be accompanied by a wolf as she embarks on her “underdog vengeance” quest.
Erika Cast as Atsu
Sucker Punch has officially announced that Erika Ishii will voice Atsu. Ishii is a highly regarded voice actress known for her roles as Valkyrie in Apex Legends and Ana Bray in Destiny 2. She has also contributed her voice to other prominent video game franchises such as Halo, Call of Duty, and Crash Bandicoot.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Working with the whole team was a joy and an honor. 💛
— Erika Ishii (@erikaishii) September 24, 2024
Upon the announcement of her casting, Ishii expressed her gratitude in a X post, stating, “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Working with the whole team was a joy and an honor.”
Gameplay Details
While Atsu’s skill with her sword is likely to be a significant aspect of combat, the trailer’s final moments hinted at the inclusion of firearms.
We will have access to some of the world’s earliest firearms in Ghost of Yotei.
The introduction of guns and firearms in Japan is a pivotal part of the nation’s history. The Arquebus, the first firearm introduced to Japan, came from the Portuguese in the 1500s.
PlayStation confirmed that Ghost of Yotei will “introduce new mechanics, gameplay enhancements, and even new weaponry.” Accordingly, firearms will likely be one of the distinct gameplay features added in the sequel.
Rest assured, while the game intends to “innovate” upon the systems established in Ghost of Tsushima, the development team has also committed to “creating something fresh yet familiar” for Yotei.
Ghost of Yotei to Kickstart a New Extended Universe for Sony
In recent years, Sony has made significant strides in expanding its major IPs into broader universes. This is evident with HBO’s award-winning The Last of Us TV series and Tom Holland’s Uncharted film. Now, Sony aims to transform the Ghost series, with Yotei being the “beginning of an official franchise that will encompass at least one film and various spinoffs.”
We also know that a film adaptation of Ghost of Tsushima is in the works, directed by Chad Stahelski, known for his work on the John Wick films.
Thus, expect to see the Ghost franchise expand dramatically in the coming years, as Sony seeks to elevate it across multiple mediums.
Ghost of Yotei Trailers
The first official trailer for Ghost of Yotei debuted on September 24, 2024. This cinematic footage primarily introduced fans to the new setting, landscapes, and protagonist.
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