The usual outrage has already hit Ghost of Yotei and it’s beyond tiring

As a seasoned gamer and history enthusiast, I must say that I find the backlash against Ghost of Yotei downright preposterous! Having spent countless hours immersing myself in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture and gaming, I can confidently assert that this game is not only a feast for the eyes but also a testament to the evolution of storytelling in video games.

People are already complaining about the movie “Ghost of Yotei,” and here are three possibilities as to why:

2024’s State of Play came to a thrilling close, leaving me pumped about the tantalizing glimpse into Ghost of Yotei – a sequel to Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima. Four centuries on from the original series, we’re introduced to a fresh setting, advanced technology, and a brand-new hero named Atsu.

Therein lies the problem. For the crime of having a woman in it, Ghost of Yotei looks to have become the official new target of whatever the hell is happening with Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

Normally, such discussions can be disregarded, yet given how swiftly people have dismissed Ghost of Yotei, it’s challenging not to take notice in this specific case.

The ‘problem’ with Ghost of Yotei

Within just three minutes of gameplay and an hour after a brief glimpse, people are already labeling Ghost of Yotei using common phrases. Some say it’s “progressive,” while others call it “DEI-centric” or “culturally aware” – you know the kind.

The accusations stem from the fact that new protagonist Atsu has lady parts and according to some, that’s enough to make the whole game untouchable. Obviously, the concept of not touching a woman is very familiar to most people leveling these sorts of criticisms but there’s more to it so let’s unpack.

As an enthusiast, I find myself questioning the authenticity of the historical backdrop in this upcoming game, given certain unverified presumptions. I can’t help but wonder, “Why create a game set in feudal Japan if you’re not going to uphold its truth?” Upon hearing Sucker Punch’s announcement about X, one armchair historian voiced their concerns, stating, “In actual fact, there were no female Samurai warriors during that era. It seems contradictory to construct your game around such a character, more so when you have shown great respect in the previous Game of Thrones.

“No Jin. Female lead. Clearly gay-oriented,” which is a statement that openly expresses their viewpoint.

Other, somewhat unreasonable views have nicknamed Ghost of Yotai as “DEI mush” or a “Ghost of Concord.” This kind of rhetoric is reminiscent of the brainless criticism that has tainted games such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Dragon Age: The Veilguard during their pre-release phases.

It’s worth noting that while there are legitimate worries regarding these games, or Ghost of Yotei specifically, it’s understandable if some players feel let down because they were hoping for a continuation of Jin Sakai’s storyline.

Fortunately, I believe I can alleviate the concerns of both the players and those criticizing this new game, as it features a female character.

The usual outrage has already hit Ghost of Yotei and it’s beyond tiring

Mad about nothing

If you couldn’t tell with the limited footage of the game and the extreme speed of these knee-jerk reactions, we know very little about Ghost of Yotai. Fortunately, there is a handy little tidbit that should quiet the crowd screeching about “female Samurai”.

In the film Sucker Punch, it’s never explicitly confirmed that the character Atsu is a Samurai. Instead, the movie refers to him as a vagabond warrior roaming Feudal Japan. It’s worth noting that being a Samurai isn’t merely about wielding a katana; it’s a title, and simply carrying two swords doesn’t automatically qualify someone as one.

It’s interesting to note that with practice, virtually anyone can master this tool and emerge as a powerful combatant. To avoid any misconceptions, there are authentic historical records showcasing capable female warriors in Japan, even including entire cavalry regiments. In the early versions of the game itself, several characters were designed with martial skills, and it didn’t raise any eyebrows at the time…

For individuals who were hoping for more of Jin’s story in a sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, the title above may appear a bit confrontational. While Ghost of Yotei won’t provide an opportunity to follow Jin’s journey further, previous leaks about the State of Play line-up suggesting ‘Ghost of Tsushima 2’ might have created certain expectations around this.

While it’s disappointing when expectations aren’t met, the reassuring fact is that Sucker Punch Productions has never definitively ruled out a follow-up to Ghost of Tsushima. Just as Spider-Man Miles Morales was a spin-off leading up to Spider-Man 2, there’s a possibility that Jin may reappear in another main game, though it hasn’t been confirmed yet. However, there’s no hint suggesting he won’t.

Indeed, it’s confirmed that we’ll be re-encountering the character Jin shortly, but through a new format rather than the original game. In development is a Ghost of Tsushima film helmed by John Wick director Chad Stahelski, which will center around Jin’s storyline from the initial game.

At a minimum, the Ghost of Yotei suggests a strong commitment from Sony and Sucker Punch to the universe they’ve created in Ghost of Tsushima.

Should any issues with subpar gameplay or questionable business practices emerge in the future, it’s perfectly reasonable to feel apprehensive. However, criticizing a game solely because its main character is female seems rather outdated and unproductive.

2024-09-25 05:48

The usual outrage has already hit Ghost of Yotei and it’s beyond tiring

The ‘problem’ with Ghost of Yotei

Mad about nothing

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