Summary
There has certainly been no shortage of games lately set in feudal Japan, and it seems that trend isn’t close to ending. The recent announcement confirming the same setting forAssassin’s Creed Shadows(formerlyAssassin’s Creed Codename Red) only further proves the increasing popularity of Japan’s feudal era as a backdrop for storytelling. This all most likely started when Sucker Punch releasedGhost of Tsushimaon the PS4 in 2020, though it isn’t the first game to use feudal Japan as its setting. Whether it was the lucky timing of its release, the exceeding quality of its visuals and gameplay, or both,Ghost of Tsushima’s success created waves in the gaming industry that are still being felt today.
When considering thesuccess ofGhost of Tsushima(and even more so now because of its recent PC release), it makes sense to expect a sequel from Sucker Punch. While nothing has been confirmed yet,Ghost of Tsushima 2’s existence has been teased through rumors. Since Sucker Punch would be leaving money on the table and disappointing countless fans without developing a sequel to its critically acclaimed 2020 title,Ghost of Tsushima 2is likely going to happen. However, if the sequel does happen anytime soon, it may face an uphill battle for recognition in an oversaturated market. On the other hand, the market might actually help it.
Games Like AC Shadows and Rise of the Ronin May Either Help or Hurt Ghost of Tsushima 2
Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Rise of the Ronin Are Riding on the Coattails of Ghost of Tsushima’s Success
Whether some would like to admit it or not, bothAssassin’s Creed Shadowsand Team Ninja’sRise of the Roninare at least somewhat riding on the coattails ofGhost of Tsushima’s success. This can be further seen in the number of comparisons that have been drawn betweenGhostand its spiritual successors, withRise of the Roninlabeled a placeholder forGhost of Tsushima 2until it arrives.Assassin’s Creed Shadowshasn’t been compared toGhost of Tsushimanearly as much, but seeing another game featuring feudal Japan sparks memories of Sucker Punch’s instant classic.
It’s unclear whether even moregames set in feudal Japanwill grace the industry anytime soon, and that includesGhost of Tsushima 2. However, with the market becoming increasingly bogged down by games that serve as such natural opponents to one another in their settings, gameplay, and visuals,Ghost of Tsushima 2may find itself greeting a tired audience. On the other hand, all of this attention being drawn to games likeGhost of Tsushimamay only help its sequel succeed in the long run.
Ghost of Tsushima 2 May Be Flipping a Coin When It Launches
Currently, there has still been no official confirmation of whetherGhost of Tsushima 2is in development. In fact, Sucker Punch has played its cards so close to its chest that it has yet to say anything about a sequel, leavingGhost of Tsushima 2overdue for an update. As such, shouldGhost of Tsushima 2ever happen, it could be greeting an audience of gamers who have had their fill of feudal Japan games and garner a lackluster reception as a result. That being said, as many other games likeGhost of Tsushimaare relentlessly compared to it, there is likely a large remnant out there who would remain faithful toGhost of Tsushima 2regardless of the timing of its arrival.
WithAssassin’s Creed Shadowsreleasing this November, and Sony all but confirming thatGhost of Tsushima 2won’t be launching until at least next year, the highly anticipated sequel may still want to distance itself enough fromAC ShadowsandRise of the Roninto escape potential consumer exhaustion. That being said, perhaps releasing as close to them as possible would help shine a spotlight on it.
Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut
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In the late 13th century, the Mongol empire has laid waste to entire nations along their campaign to conquer the East. Tsushima Island is all that stands between mainland Japan and a massive Mongol invasion fleet led by the ruthless and cunning general, Khotun Khan.As the island burns in the wake of the first wave of the Mongol assault, courageous samurai warrior Jin Sakai stands resolute. As one of the last surviving members of his clan, Jin is resolved to do whatever it takes, at any cost, to protect his people and reclaim his home. He must set aside the traditions that have shaped him as a warrior to forge a new path, the path of the Ghost, and wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsushima.
