Ghost of Yotei is better off without Jin Sakai

As a seasoned samurai with countless battles under my kimono, I must say that the announcement of Ghost of Yotei has left me both excited and contemplative. While the absence of Jin Sakai may seem like a blow to some, I firmly believe it’s a fresh start that the series needed.


Many Ghost of Tsushima fans are disappointed that Jin Sakai will not be the main protagonist of Ghost of Yotei, but here’s why this is a good thing. 

In September 2024’s State of Play event, a sneak peek was offered for the highly anticipated title, now officially named Ghost of Yotei. This sequel to Ghost of Tsushima is set in the year 1603, over three centuries after the original storyline.

According to its title, the spectral entity known as Ghost of Yotei departs from the devastated territories of Tsushima and heads towards the picturesque landscapes of Hokkaido – a region famed for its breathtaking scenery.

This prospect alone should excite even the most skeptical armchair samurai, but for many fans, the omission of Jin Sakai has proven a tough pill to swallow. However, slicing Jin from the action isn’t a bad thing – in fact, I’d argue Ghost of Yoeti is all the better for it. 

Jin’s journey is over 

Ghost of Yotei is better off without Jin Sakai

A significant aspect of why Ghost of Tsushima stands out is the intensely moving and deeply personal tale of Jin’s odyssey. Initially, Jin’s motivation in the game is driven by a fierce resentment towards the Mongol conquerors who bring misery to the inhabitants of Tsushima Island.

Besides being continually haunted by the memory of his samurai father, Kazumasa Sakai, who was brutally killed before him at a young age, this traumatic incident casts a long shadow over Jin throughout the game. Flashbacks recurrently plague him as a persistent reminder that his inaction played a role in his father’s untimely demise.

Enhancing the turmoil he’s experiencing, Jin grapples with maintaining the samurai ethos, requiring him to confront adversaries honestly and openly, rather than from the shadows. His lord uncle frequently criticizes Jin for employing ninja-like strategies, often erupting in anger at the transformation he sees in his nephew.

It’s clear in Ghost of Tsushima that Jin’s inner struggle is just as significant, if not more so, than the external threat posed by the Mongols. Sucker Punch skillfully portrayed these personal struggles during the Iki Island expansion, a time when Jin is under the influence of the Eagle’s poison.

Ghost of Yotei is better off without Jin Sakai

In this place, his genuine recollections of his father blend with the belief that he must someday be judged for his actions by his ancestors. The Eagle exploits Jin’s underlying vulnerabilities, aiming to break him down, but it isn’t until he courageously tackles his past that he gains the strength to conquer his internal struggles.

Although Jin may have triumphantly vanquished Khotun Kahn, outwitted The Eagle, and played a crucial role in freeing his homeland from Mongol rule, it’s the internal struggles he endures that make Ghost of Tsushima an unforgettable, masterful work.

Reviving an ancient spirit for a sequel appears inappropriate, particularly when they’ve found tranquility within themselves. Instead, it’s important to move forward and allow Atsu’s adventure to unfold. It’s possible that we might still learn about the legend of the ghost who once haunted the island of Tsushima.

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2024-09-26 18:18