Sucker Punch Productions, the developer behind the acclaimed game Ghost of Tsushima, has provided new insights into their upcoming title, Ghost of Yōtei. In recent interviews, co-directors Nate Fox and Jason Connell discussed the game's open-world design philosophy, which draws inspiration from titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Elden Ring. Ghost of Yōtei features a unique animal companion, an extinct breed known as the Ezo Wolf, which acts as a wild ally throughout the player's journey rather than a traditional pet. The developers emphasized their efforts to respect players' time by innovating gameplay mechanics, such as having vendors and upgrade shops come to the player instead of requiring the player to seek them out. The team also addressed inevitable comparisons to Assassin’s Creed Shadows, embracing these as part of the creative process. Additionally, Sucker Punch is rethinking the combat system originally seen in Ghost of Tsushima to offer a fresh experience. The game is set to release later this year, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of Ghost of Tsushima, whose protagonist Jin Sakai remains a beloved figure among fans. Ghost of Yōtei promises to balance familiar elements with new features to deliver a distinctive adventure within the same world.