Summary
It has now been nearly five years since the release of Sucker Punch’sGhost of Tsushima— a surprise action-adventure hit set in feudal Japan that went on to become a benchmark in many ways. Now,Ghost of Yoteilooks to both capitalize and build on its predecessor’s success by introducing abrand-new protagonist, Atsu, alongside an original story set 300 years after the events ofGhost of Tsushima, in the heart of Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido) during Japan’s Edo period.
It has been known for some time that Atsu’s journey inGhost of Yoteiwould center around revenge, after Sucker Punch initially revealed that her story would be one of “underdog vengeance.” While revenge tales can certainly make for interesting stories, however,Ghost of Yoteimay be better off ensuring Atsu’s pursuit of revenge extends beyond her and emphasizes the political shifts that were taking place during the Edo period, Japan’s Tokugawa era. This would not only raise the stakes of the narrative, but also open the door for Atsu’s journey to be multi-faceted, complex, and not just a one-way road to revenge.
Ghost of Yotei’s Story Could Be More Than Just Revenge
Atsu’s Personal Tragedy Sets the Stage for a Compelling Vengeance Tale
While little more than the words “underdog vengeance” had been initially disclosed aboutAtsu’s quest inGhost of Yotei, Sucker Punch recently updated the game’s official website with a few more intricate details about what will start her on the path to vengeance. As stated on the website, “Filled with fury and determination, Atsu will hunt down those responsible for the death of her family and exact her revenge.” “From the ashes of her homestead,” it says, she will pursue those who wronged her and eliminate them.
While revenge tales can certainly make for interesting stories,Ghost of Yoteimay be better off ensuring Atsu’s pursuit of revenge extends beyond her and emphasizes the political shifts that were taking place during the Edo period, Japan’s Tokugawa era.
Presumably, Atsu’s homestead was razed to the ground, potentially after her family was killed during a raid. It’s possible this happens when she’s younger andGhost of Yoteiwill then feature a time jump, but that seems unlikely, as the game will likely want players to experience her evolution into the Ghost firsthand. Nevertheless, there is a compelling setup for arevenge tale inGhost of Yotei, though it could be even more compelling if it extended beyond Atsu’s personal craving for vengeance.
Tying Her Journey to Japan’s Political Shift Could Raise the Stakes
While tales of revenge can make for fascinating and empowering stories, Japan is transitioning into the Tokugawa era duringGhost of Yotei, and Ezo, while it might be largely autonomous, is still affected by the shifting power dynamics in the mainland. As such, rather thanGhost of Yoteimaking its story just about Atsu hunting down a list of enemies (asgames likeAssassin’s Creedtend to do), it could make things far more complex by tying her personal journey into the overarching conflict and giving her a greater purpose.
The biggest change happening as Japan shifted into its Tokugawa era was the unification of the country under a centralized shogunate, following the Sengoku (Warring States) period.
Perhaps Atsu meets others along the way who have been wronged by the same group that attacked her homestead, and from there, a story unfolds that reveals corruption in the shogunate. At that point,Ghost of Yotei’s story would be less about a personal pursuit of revenge and more about righting an overarching wrong and delivering a people — possibly by freeing or protecting the Ainu, who were indigenous to Ezo at the time. SinceGhost of Yoteihas been confirmed to emphasize player choice more, however, it could also give players a chance to choose between a personalrevenge storyand a corporate liberation path.
Ghost of Yoteiclearly has the foundation for a compelling narrative, but it can’t allow a singular revenge arc to overshadow the larger upheaval of the Edo period. By linking Atsu’s personal loss to an overarching struggle,Ghost of Yotei’s storycould be far more layered and thought-provoking than it would being a one-way road to revenge.
