The Ghost of Yotei was the focus of the latest State of Play, and the developers shared a handful of new information about the world-building and gameplay. As a sequel to the original game, fans had high hopes that the combat and feel would be the same, but better in every way. The few clips shown during the deep dive exhibited that this title took plenty of inspiration from the first game and other related projects.
However, the developers stated one key difference between the two main protagonists of the Ghost franchise that seems to be overlooked. While Jin is a samurai warrior who bent the code to save his home, Atsu has different motivations that better fit the story’s tone and vibe.
Honor Means Little to The Onryo in the Ghost of Yotei
The story of the Ghost of Yotei is another glorified revenge quest where players fill the shoes of a new character to hunt down the Yotei Six. Atsu made a name for herself as a mercenary for hire who couldn’t care less about honor. As capable as she is, her movements are fairly similar to Jin Sakai from the first game, with a few differences in weaponry and gear.
In this entry, it appears that Sucker Punch Productions traded the stance system from the first game with new weapons. Each weapon is meant to counter a specific enemy type, and Atsu can switch on the fly and even lose her weapons if enemies get the upper hand. Her playstyle and motives are much more mature, dark, and personal compared to Jin’s from the first game.
Ghost of Tsushima was a breath of fresh air, as fans were introduced to Jin, a samurai who went against everything he stood for to save his home. This story beat resonated with fans, especially by the end, where they are presented with a dilemma. There is no telling what other differences the protagonists have, considering both had different upbringings and their stories are set 300 years apart.
Sucker Punch Productions Wanted Both Protagonists To Have Different Motivations
Jin Sakai resorted to bloodier methods to save his home, while Atsu was shaped by her traumatic childhood. Both protagonists are fueled by hate, but Jin had a much nobler cause to save the greater good at the expense of his honor, while Atsu never had any to begin with and will stop at nothing to hunt her prey. These different motivations are what separates these characters from one another, and a clever way to avoid repeating the same themes.
Returning directors Nate Fox and Jason Connell even debated about which ending was canon in the original game. Nevertheless, fans should expect the story of the Ghost of Yotei to be in the same caliber as the first game, and the recent State of Play has proven that gameplay is something Sucker Punch Productions knocked out of the park.
Ghost of Yotei releases on October 2nd, 2025, exclusively on PS5.
For more Thumb Wars coverage, check out the new update Naughty Dog rolled out for The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered on PlayStation 5 and PC, and how one hilarious, yet useful defense mechanism is back in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Otherwise, follow Thumb Wars on X, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram to keep up with the latest news, reviews, and interviews.
Rouvin Josef Quirimit is a Content Writer, an avid gamer (on his PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch), and film enthusiast. He was fortunate to grow up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and was enamored by the storytelling of a shared universe full of heart and spectacle. His love for movies led him to great single-player games and he intends to cover major franchises for years to come!
