Sony's State of Play event on September 24 brought a slew of major announcements, but the most impactful reveal came at the end with the unveiling of Sucker Punch's Ghost of Tsushima sequel. Contrary to expectations, the sequel is not titled Ghost of Tsushima 2 or Ghost of Twoshima. Instead, Sucker Punch has opted for Ghost of Yotei, featuring a new protagonist and a different historical era.
In this article, we compile all the known details about Ghost of Yotei, including its release window, narrative, characters, and setting. The game is in development for PlayStation 5 and is slated for release in 2025, though an exact date has not been disclosed. The original Ghost of Tsushima was released in July 2020.
Ghost of Yotei was just announced on September 24 and is not yet available for pre-order. The initial trailer, released during the PlayStation State of Play event, opened with a foreboding voiceover: "We are beyond the edge of Japan. People come north to disappear," setting the stage for the game's exploration of Mount Yotei in 1603. The trailer introduced the main character, Atsu, and showcased various environments and weapons from Feudal Japan.
Ghost of Yotei marks Sucker Punch's first game developed exclusively for the PS5, promising enhanced visuals and immersive gameplay. The developer highlighted the game's expansive landscapes, dynamic skies, and realistic wind effects on vegetation. The new setting also allows for the introduction of new gameplay mechanics and weapons.
Set in 1603, Ghost of Yotei takes place over 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima, meaning the original hero, Jin, does not appear. Sucker Punch aimed to create a fresh yet familiar experience, focusing on a new hero and a different region of Japan. The game is set around Mount Yotei in Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido), an area outside Japanese rule filled with grasslands, tundras, and hidden perils.
Sucker Punch's Nate Fox shared insights from his visit to Shiretoko National Park, where he recorded nature sounds for the game, emphasizing the beauty and danger of the environment. Atsu is voiced by Erika Ishii, known for her roles in Apex Legends and Mortal Kombat 1. The game's open-world design presents unique challenges, including maintaining player engagement through varied experiences.
Sucker Punch aims to preserve the core elements of Ghost of Tsushima while introducing new features. The team's goal is to transport players to the enchanting world of feudal Japan. Ghost of Tsushima's success, with over 13 million copies sold, made a sequel inevitable. Additionally, Sony is developing a Ghost of Tsushima movie through PlayStation Productions, directed by John Wick's Chad Stahelski.
Stahelski expressed enthusiasm for the project, comparing it to the Highlander film, both of which he considers top properties. He is focused on bringing the game's world to life in a realistic and grounded manner. The success of HBO's The Last of Us series demonstrates the potential for high-quality video game adaptations.
