Ghost of Tsushima captured the attention of the gaming world with its engaging combat and beautiful rendition of Tsushima Island. The game also features a stunning story centered on Jin Sakai, a samurai who learns new methods of combat to defend the island against the Mongol Invasion. Sucker Punch has continued to expand the franchise with the Iki Island DLC and PC port, but fans are itching for a fully-fledged sequel.

There are a few directions the studio can go with Ghost of Tsushima 2. The most obvious choice would be to set the next game directly after the events of the first title. Alternatively, the next Ghost of Tsushima game could take place in a completely different time period. Either option has its positives and negatives, leaving Sucker Punch with a dilemma to resolve.

Fans Want More of Jin Sakai in Ghost of Tsushima 2

Jin is an intriguing character who faces both physical and mental conflicts. Khotun Khan and his men had been studying Tsushima Island for a long time before the invasion. Hence, he knows about the samurai code of honor, and he has learned the combat techniques necessary to defeat samurai. He is also aware of which villages he needs to destroy and which he can spare.

Facing such a crafty villain, Jin is forced to abandon the samurai code of honor to become the "ghost" of Tsushima Island. He utilizes ninja skills to sneak around the Mongols, and he makes use of ghost weapons, which include smoke bombs and kunai. However, this is not easily done, as his uncle, Lord Shimura, disapproves of such methods of combat. Consequently, Jin finds himself at a crossroads, and he has to choose between embracing innovation or staying true to tradition. By setting the next Ghost of Tsushima game directly after the first, players will get to see the evolution of Jin, and how he continues to navigate life as the mythical ghost.

Jin Sakai Isn't the Only Character That Deserves More Character Development

Jin doesn't take on the Mongol invasion on his own. He is joined by characters such as Yuna, Lady Masako Adachi, and Kenji who offer their unique skills to help Jin hold off the invasion. These characters are also interesting and unique, and it would be a treat for fans to see how they develop. This would include seeing how Kenji matures from a swindler into a hero, and how Lady Masako moves on from the grief of losing her family.

Ghost of Tsushima 2 Could Take Place in a Different Time Period

The biggest downside to setting the next Ghost of Tsushima game directly after the first is that things could get stale. With the same characters, combat system, and setting, players could feel like the game is just more of the same, which could get repetitive. Furthermore, the game would have to navigate how to deal with the alternate endings the first game features, as Jin has to choose between killing or sparing his uncle after an epic duel.

These problems could be avoided by setting the next game in a different time period, perhaps exploring a different event in Tsushima Island's history. This would pave the way for new characters, a new combat system, and a fresh story. It wouldn't be a problem fitting this into the franchise, as any hero could serve as the mythical ghost, provided they also learn how to strike from the shadows. Such an approach would ensure returning players aren't bored by the franchise, though it comes at the cost of abandoning past characters that players may have grown attached to.

Ghost of Tsushima remains one of the best titles to come from Sony's first-party studios, and it is exciting to imagine what Sucker Punch is preparing next. The studio must decide whether it'll continue Jin Sakai's story or choose a new cast in a new period in Tsushima's history. Like Jin, Sucker Punch is left to choose between remaining faithful to the past or embracing something new.