Avery K. Tingle, The Gamer Author

The following article contains massive spoilers for the story of Ghost of Tsushima.

One of Sucker Punch’s greatest achievements with Sony’s Ghost Of Tsushima is the execution of its narrative. The story delivers a harrowing account of the cost of war. Protagonist Jin Sakai begins the story as a samurai, with all that implies. He is rigidly devoted not just to his code, but the uncle who raised him and instilled the code. The invading Mongols honor no such code, as evidenced in the game’s beginning when Khotun Khan responds to a samurai’s challenge by setting him on fire and decapitating him. As the game progresses, Jin’s tactics become increasingly brutal until he is a far cry from the samurai he began the game as. This leads him into conflict with his uncle, who adheres to the samurai code no matter the cost. Though Jin is successful in killing Khotun Khan, he is renounced by the Shogun and forced to draw swords against his beloved uncle, who must bring the Shogun his head.

In the end, Jin either spares his uncle or gives him an honorable death. The latter is my headcanon, though the former is more harrowing. During their final exchange, the two realize their beliefs are irreconcilable. “You have no honor.” Lord Shimura tells him. “And you,” Jin replies coldly, “Are a slave to it.”

Should Jin spare his uncle, Lord Shimura tells his nephew “The Ghost will be hunted to the end of his days.” Jin replies that he knows. He puts on the Ghost mask, signifying the death of who he was and the acceptance of who he is. He then walks off into the sun, leaving his uncle to mourn.

With the release of Iki Island imminent, Jin is poised for new adventures, new abilities and an enigmatic new enemy, Ghost of Tsushima’s first DLC has the opportunity to offer a new type of enemy, too.

New samurai were dispatched by the Shogun to replenish the forces lost during the first battle. The Ghost has a price on his head. What is samurai began hunting Jin on Iki Island?

This is an opportunity to turn the standoff mechanic on its head. The samurai can challenge Jin, and he can either accept or flee. Their tactics should be different from the Mongols. They can be far better swordsmen and coordinate group attacks. They can be a relentless force throughout Iki Island. Whatever Jin plans against the Mongols, the samurai can arrive at any time. Their objective is not the Mongols, but Jin. This would add a layer of combat that wouldn’t make Jin feel like such an overpowered character.

Iki Island is set to release August 20th. For all I know, this is already in the game. But if it’s not, adding Samurai would be an excellent expansion to an already stellar experience.

Thanks for reading.

Avery K. Tingle is a scifi/fantasy author currently residing in the Las Vegas area. Owned by two cats, he is passionate about social justice, Star Wars, and mental health. Connect to his award-winning writing and social media here.