Summary
Ghost of Yoteiis making some bold leaps as the sequel to Sucker Punch’s 2020 hit,Ghost of Tsushima. With a new protagonist and an entirely different setting and time period,Ghost of Yoteiappears to be defying expectations in many ways. That being said,Ghost of Yoteiisn’t leaving all ofGhost of Tsushimabehind, as it seems to carry on a fun tradition from its predecessor.
While it has yet to be outright confirmed by Sucker Punch, the shamisen that Atsu can be seen carrying inGhost of Yotei’s reveal trailer seems to emulateGhost of Tsushima’s flute. If that turns out to be the case,Ghost of Yoteicould see players using the shamisen in the same way that they could use the flute inGhost of Tsushima.
Ghost of Yotei’s Shamisen Seems to Emulate Ghost of Tsushima’s Flute
Players Could Use Jin’s Flute to Change the Weather in Ghost of Tsushima
Aside fromJin’s horse inGhost of Tsushima, his flute (otherwise known as a shakuhachi) could be considered one of his sidekicks as well. Jin’s flute is available to play at any time, and his repertoire of songs can even grow as players collect singing crickets scattered throughout Tsushima Island. Upon playing one of these songs, the weather will change within just a few seconds, allowing players to adjust the environment as they see fit.
There are foursongs inGhost of Tsushima, each of which will change the weather according to what its name indicates. The “Lament of the Storm,” for example, causes thunder-producing storm clouds to appear, whereas “The Sun’s Warm Embrace” will bring out the sun again.
Players May Be Able to Use Atsu’s Shamisen Similarly in Ghost of Yotei
Just as they could with Jin’s flute inGhost of Tsushima, it seemsGhost of Yoteimay allow players to play Atsu’s shamisen. If the shamisen is indeed playable, it will presumably observe similar mechanics in that players can use it to adjust the weather and learn new songs by collecting a specific item. However,Ghost of Yotei’s new settingand protagonist may be enough of an excuse to see Atsu’s instrument affecting more than just the game’s environments and visuals.
One of the major downsides toJin’s flute inGhost of Tsushimais that it only affects the weather. Ultimately, this means the flute only serves the purpose of customizing the atmosphere inGhost of Tsushima, as the weather has no effect on gameplay. In light of that, perhapsGhost of Yoteicould evolve its musical instrument to impact more than just the game’s environment and visuals. For example, the opportunity to change the time of day using the shamisen inGhost of Yoteiwould be a welcome change of pace, in a way similar to how Link could with the Sun’s Song inZelda: Ocarina of Time.
Being able to change the time of day inGhost of Yoteicould enhance its stealth gameplay, assuming Atsu will play like Jin inGhost of Tsushima.
Again, it hasn’t been confirmed whether players will be able to actually play the shamisen or if it will even affect the game, as Jin’s flute did inGhost of Tsushima. However, it can nonetheless be safely assumed, simply due to the instrument’s prominence inGhost of Yotei’s announcement trailer. If the shamisen is playable in the game,Ghost of Yoteimight consider adding some unique gameplay elements to it thatGhost of Tsushimaneglected to implement. Even if it doesn’t serve any gameplay purposes, though, at least players will have something fun and relaxing to do when they’re not making headway in Atsu’s quest for revenge.
Ghost of Yotei
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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.
