Ghost of Yotei promises more Ghost action but in an all-new time period, giving players access to flintlocks and more modernized technology - at least for the 1600s - in a way that Ghost of Tsushima never had. It opens up this spin-off/sequel in exciting new ways, with the protagonist Atsu having more methods with which to silently, or aggressively, take down her foes. Naturally, however, despite all the new features coming to Ghost of Yotei, there will be plenty that will be carried over from Ghost of Tsushima.

There are a lot of obvious features that fans will expect to be carried over into Ghost of Yotei, including Ghost of Tsushima's years-in-the-making combat and the revolutionary exploration mechanics that helped make Tsushima such a player-led experience. However, there is one mechanic, arguably one of the most unique aspects of Ghost of Tsushima that Ghost of Yotei seems to be borrowing. It's great news not only for those who enjoyed the mechanic in the first place but also for those who enjoyed the more immersive aspects of Ghost of Tsushima.

Ghost Of Yotei Carries Over Ghost Of Tsushima's Musical Instruments

Atsu Carries A Shamisen

In Ghost of Tsushima, Jin could play beautiful melodies on his shakuhachi - long bamboo flute - whether he was riding his horse through pampas grass or overlooking a stunning view of the war-torn island. It was an unnecessary mechanic, at least from a purely gameplay point-of-view, as it was never necessary to complete a mission or solve a puzzle. However, it was immersive and easily one of the best parts of Ghost of Tsushima, adding a dimension to Jin that would have otherwise been completely lost, and giving players an in-game way of expressing the beauty of what they were feeling.

Naturally, a sequel or spin-off would need to contain a similar mechanic, and it absolutely looks like Ghost of Yotei has its own version of Jin's shakuhachi. However, rather than being a flute, Atsu has a shamisen - a three-string plucked instrument akin to a modern-day guitar - which she carries around with her on her back. It looks like Atsu will have the shamisen with her at all times, as she's seen with it during regular gameplay and in major cutscenes, unlike Jin's shakuhachi which magically spawned from an invisible pocket whenever he wanted to play it.

While Ghost of Yotei contains controversial changes from the original game, this carry-over is an excellent choice, as it once again offers a form of in-game expression while furthering Atsu's character. The shamisen plays an important role in the soundtrack as well, with the game's initial reveal trailer being scored by a sweeping piece of music heavily featuring the instrument. However, it is also possible that the shamisen will play a significant part in the story or during gameplay, especially if it's given a more mechanically complex minigame.

Atsu's Shamisen Could Have A Minigame Attached To It

Could Be Like Ellie's Guitar In The Last Of Us Part 2

It's possible that Atsu's shamisen in Ghost of Yotei will be more mechanically complex than Jin's shakuhachi in Ghost of Tsushima. To use the flute, all players had to do was swipe on the DualSense's touchpad, which would prompt Jin to pull it out and begin playing one of a handful of melodies. It was enough for that game, as it served its purpose of scoring beautiful moments with heartfelt and somber melodies without the risk of the player mes and ruining the moment.

However, Atsu's shamisen could have a TLOU 2-style minigame in which fans can choose which notes to play, thus creating their own melodies. Alternatively, it could have a rhythm-style minigame in which players have to try and hit the right notes, much like Tchia's ukulele mini-game that players needed to complete during certain moments in the story. There are plenty of options for Ghost of Yotei to take, although it is also possible that Atsu will play a random melody like Jin did in Ghost of Tsushima, without players needing to partake in a minigame.

Regardless of how Ghost of Yotei approaches this particular facet of its gameplay, it's amazing to see it make such a prominent return. The shamisen, much like the shakuhachi, is a beautiful instrument, and one that will surely make for some truly tear-jerking moments while exploring the gorgeous new open world. Hopefully, while Ghost of Yotei has adopted many of the best elements of its predecessor, it leaves behind Ghost of Tsushima's worst parts on the cutting room floor.