The game developers of Sucker Punch Productions have scratched the itch of the fans after a long dry spell of no new first-party content from Sony Interactive Entertainment. The gaming community erupted with joy after seeing the logo pop up during the previous PlayStation State of Play and officially revealed the highly anticipated sequel of Ghost of Tsushima. The sequel was inevitable, and the gaming community has waited half a decade for this and the teaser trailer did not disappoint.
The developers chose to move beyond the story of Jin Sakai and introduce a new protagonist named Atsu during the Edo period which is highly considered the darkest age of Japan. Coincidentally, Ubisoft decided to set its next major Assassin’s Creed installment in the same era, and this opens a door of opportunity to bridge the two franchises in the funniest way imaginable.
Sucker Punch Productions Could Namedrop or Reference Yasuke in the Upcoming Ghost Sequel
The game developers of Sucker Punch Productions did not hold back with the official announcement trailer showcasing a few exciting combat and gameplay mechanics for Atsu to use like new weapons and firearms. The new protagonist will have more tools to tinker with than Jin Sakai did during his time as the Ghost roughly 300 years ago. The Ghost of Yotei will take place in 1603, the start of the Edo period, which is an interesting choice from the developers. On the other hand, Ubisoft chose to set its next project during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, which is a few years early, and certain characters could be referenced.
Ubisoft made the tough call to announce the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to 2025. Yves Guillemot revealed that the game is practically finished and playable; however, the studio feels more work could be done to polish the game with more content and release it in the best condition across all gaming platforms. While Yasuke and Naoe’s story is set two decades earlier than Atsu, some fans suggest that the game developers could add an easter egg or reference to these characters in the upcoming sequel.
Ghost of Yotei takes places around the time Yasuke was in Japan.
Sucker Punch has the opportunity to do the absolute funniest shit.
— Mightykeef (@MightyKeef) September 27, 2024
Timelines can be confusing and it would be wise to have decent knowledge about Japanese history to keep up. The original Ghost of Tsushima takes place during the initial siege of Mongolian forces on Japan in 1274 and Sucker Punch Productions could have developed a direct sequel to the story of Jin Sakai; however, the studio saw the opportunity to expand the franchise and lore to focus on different periods. There is a slim chance that Atsu could be a direct descendant of Jin Sakai to bridge the gap and establish the connection between the two protagonists.
he was in service to nobu until 1582, all we know is that he died after that, but not when. Ghost of yotei takes place 20 years later. Yasuke would bein his 50-60’s at that point if still alive
— Mightykeef (@MightyKeef) September 27, 2024
The developers could include a quick cameo of Yasuke in the Ghost of Yotei. It would be hilarious to see other game developers utilize a certain character from another game that was also a historical figure and see how the gaming community would react. There is a high likelihood that if Yasuke is referenced in some capacity, he would either be too old and retired peacefully or has died some time ago, and the developers could honor this character through a mythic tale similar to how the developers honored Bloodborne with a secret item that can be unlocked in the Ghost of Tsushima expansion on Iki island.
There is a strong chance Sucker Punch Productions will not mention nor reference the character to avoid sharing the hype with a major competitor for the following year. Nevertheless, adding a Yasuke reference would have been a fun and innocent easter egg to see Japanese history coincide in video games.
The Game Developers of The Ghost of Yotei Could Give Yasuke the Treatment and Respect He Deserves
There is no telling where the game developers will take the story of Atsu in the upcoming sequel. The teaser trailer initially gave the fans the idea of her tracking down potential fugitives then brutally mowing them down and removing each name with their blood on her list. Yasuke could be long retired during the events of the upcoming sequel and will be another legendary folk tale the locals will tell around a campfire.
Ubisoft and Sucker Punch Productions are banking hard on the Japanese culture and the gaming community is being spoiled with great samurai games. It would be nice to see these two giant gaming studios bridge the gap for historical accuracy and support fellow game developers. Ghost of Tsushima takes place in 1274 and was based on a real event; however, the legend of Jin Sakai as the Ghost is purely fictional and Atsu could receive the same treatment in her adventure.
Atsu could be inspired by the stories of the original Ghost 300 years ago and Yasuke could do the same for her. The opportunities are endless and fans are here for it.
Are you excited to play Ghost of Yotei and Assassin’s Creed Shadows next year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
