Ghost of Yotei Boss is Based on a Real
Ghost of Yotei is filled with memorable characters, but one of its toughest optional bosses is more than just a fictional creation. The duel against “Takezo The Unrivaled” is a direct and lovingly crafted tribute to one of Japan’s most famous historical figures: the undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi.
For players who have faced him, the name “Takezo” might have rung a bell. This was the birth name of Miyamoto Musashi, a 17th-century swordsman, philosopher, and artist who is a legendary figure in Japanese history. Renowned for his unique two-sword fighting style and his incredible record of winning over 60 duels without a single loss, Musashi was the perfect inspiration for a supremely difficult video game encounter.
The developers at Sucker Punch Productions went beyond simply using his name. They embedded clever details from Musashi’s life throughout the fight. The battle takes place at “Sasaki Cove,” a clear reference to his most famous duel against Sasaki Kojirō. His use of an oar as a weapon and his philosophical “five teachings” are also direct nods to the real Musashi’s tactics and his later work, The Book of Five Rings, a classic text on strategy.
I knew I recognized the name
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For history enthusiasts who recognized the references, the discovery was a thrilling moment. As one fan on Reddit shared, “When he showed up with that ‘vagabond’ name in the captions I had suspicions. But then he started using the oar and had his ‘five teachings’ and I was grinning like an idiot.”
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This thoughtful inclusion showcases the developers’ commitment to blending rich historical inspiration with their fictional world, rewarding observant players with a deeper and more meaningful connection to the game’s world.