Tears of the Kingdom: Dominated by a Single Mechanic

Ghost of Yotei has all eyes on it as one of the most eagerly awaited yet shrouded gaming releases right now. Fans have been buzzing ever since developer Sucker Punch teased a visually stunning and intense sneak peek into this bold sequel to Ghost of Tsushima. While they’ve given us a glimpse, much about the storyline and game mechanics is still under wraps. We know the story picks up 300 years later with a new protagonist named Atsu leading the way.

At first glance, Ghost of Yotei might seem like a mirror of Ghost of Tsushima, but because it’s set in a different era with a protagonist driven by new ambitions, it has the potential to diverge significantly in some exciting ways. Most of our insights come from the announcement trailer, which fans have scrutinized frame by frame. One particular scene hints at a possible nod to Tears of the Kingdom, suggesting the integration of horse-taming mechanics could mark a substantial departure from Tsushima’s gameplay.

If you catch the trailer around the one-minute and fifty-second mark, you’ll notice Atsu galloping through a group of wild horses. While it could simply be an artistic touch, it might also signal a fundamental gameplay shift from Ghost of Tsushima’s horse selection. In Tsushima, players had to choose among three horses—Nobu, Sora, and Kage—early on. Though that choice didn’t hugely impact the game, Ghost of Yotei might offer something far more engaging. The horse-taming experience in Tears of the Kingdom added a layer of immersion and personal attachment to the game, making it truly rewarding when you earn a horse’s trust.

Set at the dawn of the Edo period in 1603, Ghost of Yotei plants its narrative firmly in a transformative era.

Atsu’s journey might give us fresh insight into character dynamics. Unlike Jin’s honorable path in Ghost of Tsushima, Atsu seems driven by vengeance. While not much is revealed, Sucker Punch hints at a storyline fueled by Atsu’s anger and lust for revenge, charting a more rebellious course than Jin’s. As the release date nears, comparisons between Jin and Atsu are inevitable, but Atsu’s fiery demeanor promises an intriguing twist to the narrative.

You might wonder how taming horses aligns with a renegade persona. However, with glimpses of Atsu’s wandering lifestyle, this mechanic seems to fit perfectly. Sucker Punch is no stranger to crafting awe-inspiring landscapes and visuals, yet they also seek to evolve features in sequels to deliver a richer player experience. Interactive horse acquisition could be an excellent start, as Tsushima’s choice-based system left some players wanting more depth.

Atsu also distinguishes herself from Jin in other ways. She prefers a shamisen over a flute, wields distinct weapons like dual katanas and matchlock muskets, and the setting shifts to Mount Yotei in Ezo—a region not fully integrated into Japan at the time.

Though Ghost of Yotei doesn’t have a confirmed release date, it’s projected to launch in 2025.

From changing the setting to altering the protagonist’s motivations, Sucker Punch is venturing into thrilling territory with this sequel. Ghost of Tsushima’s gameplay highlighted Jin’s character beautifully, so it’s only fitting Ghost of Yotei aims to reflect its protagonist’s renegade spirit through its mechanics. Integrating horse-taming makes logical sense for a wandering warrior like Atsu.

It’s all speculation at this point, but imagining Ghost of Yotei borrowing a page from Tears of the Kingdom could inject the necessary innovation that transforms this sequel into a landmark release.