The reveal ofGhost of Yoteihas been one of the biggest announcements of the year so far, with Sucker Punch taking its belovedGhost of Tsushimafranchise in an unexpected direction.Ghost of Yoteibrings a fresh story to life with protagonist Atsu. Although much of the story still remains a secret, the first trailer for the game teases a ruthless journey filled with revenge-fueled bloodshed.
The mystery ofGhost of Yoteimakes it a compelling game to speculate on, but one of the most intriguing differences from its predecessor is its significant time jump.Ghost of Yoteitakes place in 1603, which is more than 300 years after the events ofGhost of Tsushima. This time jump is one of the biggest questions surroundingGhost of Yoteiand its story. Although many were surprised about the focus on a different time period, the year of 1603 marksa huge cultural change for Japanthat could set the stage for one ofGhost of Yotei’s main themes.
Ghost of Yotei’s Setting Marks the Beginning of Japan’s Edo Period
A Time Defined By Rigid Social Standards
The Edo period lasted over 200 years, but it officially began in 1603, according to historians. This is one of the most significant times in Japan’s long history, as it brought the country into a much stricter hierarchy that greatly valued an emphasis on social classes. Despite its mysterious nature, there is a lot to be analyzed fromearly looks atGhost of Yotei. With this setting in particular, 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 title implies,Ghost of Yoteiuses Mount Yotei as a backdrop for its setting. Located on the island of Hokkaido, this is an intriguing choice for a setting, as the island wasn’t officially made part of Japan until 1869. This means that either Atsu could be running away to the area, or she could have been raised on the island. If the former is true, then it could be possible that Atsu is seeking solace in Hokkaido, as she is fleeing Japan’s transformation into a stricter society. In the trailer,Atsu is portrayed as a renegade, and this directly clashes with both the samurai bushido code and the country of Japan as a whole.
The term “bushido” was first written down in 1616.
During the Edo period, a nomadic lifestyle was not in line with the samurai way, especially if it was fueled by bloodlust. By this time, the samurai were beginning to formalize bushido, giving samurai a far more rigid set of rules to follow in order to serve as an example to those who were considered to be in the lower classes.Atsu’s embrace of a more free lifestyle inGhost of Yoteicould be the start of one of the game’s main conflicts.
Atsu Paving Her Own Path in a Changing Social Order
Bushido Virtues That Helped Define the Edo Period
On the surface, these seven virtues are great rules to live by, but taking them too close to the heart can create a suffocating environment. During this period, the samurai lifestyle seemed to have a far more black and white perspective on issues of the time, while Atsu could potentially see everything as far more gray. IfGhost of Yoteiaims to bring the franchise into a new era, then shining a spotlight on this conflict in morality could be a fascinating starting point for the game’s story.
Based on early looks, it seems likeGhost of Yoteiwill be a fascinating dive intoa specific period of Japan’s history. There is an important meaning behind this time jump, and the start of the Edo period could easily be the reason why.
Ghost of Yotei
WHERE TO PLAY
Discover a bold, new story of a warrior in Japan who is on a mission of vengeance all her own.Set 300 years after the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei is standalone experience set in 1600s rural Japan. The story follows a haunted, lone mercenary named Atsu. Thirsty for revenge, she travels through the beautiful, rugged landscapes of northern Japan, hunting those who killed her family many years earlier.
