Ghost of Yotei is not a direct sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, taking place much later in Japanese history. In fact, your protagonist Atsu battles the likes of shinobi and guns. While there are loosely connected themes between Tsushima and Yotei about being a ghost, the reason and manner behind the ghost identity (or onryo) differ. However, Sucker Punch didn’t forget Jin Sakai and honored him in a non-mandatory Mythic Tale mission, The Storm Blade. This nod to Jin and his legacy was a powerful and key highlight to the game.
The Storm Blade manifests as an optional Mythic Tale when you enter Oshima Coast. After tackling the Oni and the Kitsune of the Yotei Six, I pursued the Saito brothers, the Dragon and the Spider, where I explored these devastated lands. I had already completed one Mythic Tale of the Bloody Kimono and loved the armor set I obtained, so I was willing to work for the reward from The Storm Blade. Ugetsu was initially unable to tell me much about the wielder until he saw this sword, so I set up the hills and ran into a grey fox.
After lots of platforming, I noticed a rock with a very familiar symbol. That’s when my alarm bells went off. I had to triple check that it was the crest from Ghost of Tsushima. Perhaps it paid homage to the long-forgotten hero; however, Sucker Punch had more surprises in store.
I stumbled unto what was known as the first ever Shinobi training camp. Until then, the Nine Tails in Teshio Ridge were the only shinobi I was aware of in Ghost of Yotei. So, I thought it made sense to tie in some Shinobi lore. Further still, the secrets in a lone home in a gorgeous field said, without actually spelling it out, that this is where Jin Sakai lived out his remaining days. Items you stumble upon include a burnt-up adoption paper and Yuna’s blade. If that wasn’t already a gut punch, then the final area, the Graveyard of the Warrior of the Storm Blade, sealed the deal.
After battling a member of the Nine Tails, you secure not only the Storm Blade, but also, Jin’s mask. Ugetsu then tells the tale of a samurai who single-handedly saved Japan from the Mongol invasion by using tactics that broke samurai code. It appears after the events of Ghost of Tsushima, Jin fled to Ezo and became the first shinobi.
This Mythic Tale was the story-telling vehicle for Sucker Punch to indirectly “tie” two characters that essentially have nothing to do with each other than sharing the same Ghost franchise. They didn’t paint a neon sign and go, “hey, lookie here at this cool reference for reference’s sake”. It was a lovely sequence of show-not-tell moments, and it was neat to see where the birth of shinobi began, and how the Nine Tails sought his legendary blade.
Atsu expresses respect for the brave warrior who was doomed to be forgotten by order of the Shogun, and from this side mission, an indirect relationship is made. Between Ugetsu and Atsu, they carry on his story. As for me, I also carried on Jin’s name by wearing his helmet and mask for the rest of my playthrough.
I find references like these in games to be effective. The side quest was not mandatory, but it rewarded you for your time. Sucker Punch fed you breadcrumbs until you stumbled upon the entire bakery. Remembering Jin Sakai as a legend made me wonder how long ago I played Ghost of Tsushima, and I got goosebumps thinking about how history is passed down and how legacies last.
What did you think of how Jin Sakai was honored in Ghost of Yotei? Did Sucker Punch do a good job? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.
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