Ghost of Tsushima 2 May Want to Bring in Some New Blood

Summary

Virtually nothing is known about the sequel toGhost of Tsushima, as neither Sony nor Sucker Punch have even officially announced the game. However, considering the success of the first game, it’s likely that players willget their hands onGhost of Tsushima 2at some point, and a follow-up to 2020’s samurai action-adventure has a lot of potential. To fully realize this potential, though, the game might be better off featuring a new protagonist.

Ghost of Tsushimaends with Jin Sakai either embracing his status as the Ghost, forsaking his samurai creed, or honoring his uncle’s wishes, leading to a heartbreaking and fatal farewell. Most of the Mongol forces have been defeated by the time credits roll inGhost of Tsushima, and while there are still some remaining troops, they aren’t portrayed as being enough of a threat to warrant a whole new game with them as the protagonists. Some fans have speculated that a sequel could center on another, historically accurate Mongol invasion that took place just a few years after their initial attack on Tsushima, but this could result in a game that feels rehashed and stale, as there isn’t much narrative or gameplay novelty it could bring to the table.

Ghost of Tsushima Tag Page Cover Art

Why Ghost of Tsushima 2 Should Leave Jin Behind

A New Protagonist in Ghost of Tsushima 2 Offers More Potential

While the nextGhost of Tsushimacould change combatwhile still working within Jin’s existing toolset and fighting style, it might be better to put players in the shoes of an entirely new hero. This new hero could be one of Jin’s allies from the first game, such as Yuna or Masako, and their distinct personalities could open new doors when it comes to both gameplay and story. Alternatively, the next game could simply introduce a brand-new protagonist who is completely disconnected from the broader cast of its predecessor.

Or, if Sucker Punch wanted to take a bolder approach, it could adopt more conventional RPG staples, letting players create their own character. This character could be a completely original, custom hero, or a predefined but malleable one, echoing protagonists like Geralt or Commander Shepard fromThe WitcherandMass Effect. This wouldbe a potentiallyinteresting change toGhost of Tsushima’s formula, but it may be too much of a departure, adulterating what makes the first game so special.

Ghost of Tsushima Could Turn Into an Anthology Series

Going even bolder, Sucker Punch could turnGhost of Tsushimainto an anthology series, taking players to completely new settings with each entry. The first game would be a solid jumping-off point for this type of franchise, as its action-adventure and stealth mechanics could be translated to other locations and time periods. Moreover, the ending of the first game feels conclusive and satisfying, so it may be best for thenextGhost of Tsushimato leave the titular islandbehind, lest it beat a dead horse.

Ghost of Tsushima’s title could even serve as a solid naming scheme for future games in the series, with “Tsushima” being replaced with the name of each game’s setting.

When it comes to historical action-adventure anthology games, Ubisoft’sAssassin’s Creeddoesn’t really have any competition, but that could change if Sucker Punch rose to the occasion. Plenty of comparisons have already been madebetweenGhost of TsushimaandAssassin’s Creed, and the former definitely takes at least a few cues from the latter, so perhaps it could continue following its lead by taking players to new, iconic settingsevery few years. TheseGhost of Tsushimafollow-ups could address some of the biggest criticisms players level againstAssassin’s Creedwhile being refreshing, unpredictable, and free from narrative restrictions.