Epic Slate of Upcoming Top-Tier Games Leaning into Japanese Myth and Fabled Warriors

Back at the turn of the decade, games exploring historical Japan, the legends of the samurai, and Japanese folklore and myths were running wild, ending in the grand crescendo of Ghost of Tsushima. The PlayStation exclusive worked as a victory lap both for the craze for the setting and Sony over Microsoft in the so-called console war. Now, we’re amping up to another wave of games in this iconic setting.

Kicking off 2025 was the highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The latest entry into the long-running and oft-troubled series landed rather well after several delays. Its subsequent success has even encouraged Ubisoft to ease off on grinding out games to a tight schedule. Its historical Japanese setting and infusion of Yōkai were very well received, especially as interest in other historical settings and myths have become more prominent.

The Rise of Norse, Greek, and Egyptian Myths

Historical and mythological themes remain incredibly popular across gaming genres. In recent years, however, Norse and Greek mythology have taken centre stage. God of War has spanned both mythologies, with the 2018 soft reboot and Ragnarök ranking among the best games of their generation. Meanwhile, indie successes like Valheim and Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel have found strong followings. On the Greek side, Hades and Hades II continue to dazzle.

Ancient Egypt has been brought up much more as a coveted next destination for Kratos in the God of War series, but also hit the headlines for Creative Assembly’s efforts to save their initially meagre Total War: Pharaoh. The setting and myths are at their strongest, however, in online gaming. Boasting the hit mechanic of over 100,000 paylines, the Megaways casino is home to smash hits Eye of Horus Megaways and Book of Tut Megaways. These favourites join a growing library of myth-inspired Megaways titles such as Revenge of Loki, Gods of Asgard, Centurion, and Poseidon Ancient Fortunes. 

Huge Games to Bring Japan Back to the Forefront

Looking to 2026 and beyond, Japan is firmly back in the spotlight. Among the most mythologically entrenched of the upcoming releases is the return of Capcom's Onimusha series. Onimusha: Way of the Sword is set in Edo-era Kyoto, placing players in the role of an Oni Warrior. With intense swordplay mechanics and a dark fantasy world full of Genma and malevolent forces, it's poised to overflow with mythological richness and folklore-inspired foes.

Coming this year, Ninja Gaiden 4 brings back the definitive ninja series with even more out-there combat and high-octane battle sequences. In this game, there’s a very futuristic and cyberpunk-style aesthetic with access to stylish, sci-fi weapons. Still, an ancient enemy will be the main foe. In a similar bracket of focus, and arriving in August, is Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. The hand-drawn 2D ninja action game might just be the most beautiful of the bunch!

Finally, it’s a game that PlayStation players voted as being more highly anticipated than GTA VI this year – back when Rockstar was going to launch GTA VI in 2025. Ghost of Yōtei is set 300 years after Ghost of Tsushima with a new protagonist and the promise of a compelling but unconventional story and journey of vengeance, per Sucker Punch. Its predecessor was praised for its post-launch mythical expansion Legends, so Yōtei may follow suit.

Releasing on 2 October 2025, Ghost of Yōtei headlines what could be a landmark year for the return of Japanese historical and mythical settings to the forefront of gaming.