Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut PC review

Reviewing a game port of a title that was a perfect 10 for me at launch is always a delicate task. It becomes even more challenging when the game was also my personal Game of the Year when it was initially released. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut The PC version offers the same amazing experience with the challenging Iki Island DLC. While there are some drawbacks, the positives outweigh them by far, making it a worthwhile choice.

In the role of samurai Jin Sakai, your path across Tsushima is filled with danger. The land is under attack by the Hun, and the samurai are facing defeat. In these challenging times, Jin must adapt, embracing unconventional tactics. With the help of the outlaw Yuna, Jin masters the art of stealth and ambush, setting aside traditional principles to secure victory by any means necessary.

An excellent illustration of an Ubisoft-style open-world game, Ghost of Tsushima on PS5 made a remarkable debut in 2020. Despite subsequent advancements in visuals, its cohesive and dynamic game world remains an outstanding model that evolves as players explore it on horseback.

If you are trying out the PC version of the game for the first time after not playing it on PS5, get ready for an enhanced experience with the definitive edition. Along with the Iki Island DLC, the PC version includes several quality of life enhancements that significantly elevate the game's overall atmosphere. One notable addition is the lock-on feature during combat. While I had adapted to playing without this option on PS5, the ability to focus on a particular enemy and seamlessly switch between targets elevates the already outstanding combat mechanics to a new level.

With a focus on parrying, the combat system incorporates various stances to effectively counter diverse foes, evolving into a dynamic, skill-oriented experience as you gain access to new techniques and combos. The unlocked frame rate on PC significantly enhances the gameplay, providing a seamless experience. Despite my PC showing signs of aging, I managed to uphold a stable 60fps without compromising on resolution.

With compatibility for advanced graphics technologies such as Nvidia DLSS3 and Intel XeSS, Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut maximizes its potential, despite not being cutting edge itself anymore. One aspect that stood out was the absence of ray tracing, a feature that could have significantly improved the visual experience. Although the lack of this feature may not be a deal-breaker for all players, those with high-performance systems may feel let down by the absence of certain enhancements commonly found in other PC games (even though Horizon Forbidden West also transitioned to PC without it). However, it is important to highlight that the game runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck, almost magically retaining its stunning visuals under all circumstances.

While impressive graphics are essential, Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut prioritizes gameplay and storytelling. Sucker Punch skillfully crafts a captivating narrative of vengeance and integrity, exploring the conflict between tradition and progress. The focus is on Jin's relatable struggles, torn between his rigid code of honor and the need to save his mentor, even if it strains his connections with others.

The gaming environment is like a comprehensive guide, filled with collectibles, hidden quests, NPCs, secret vendors, and engaging tasks, all of which offer rewards, be it a unique cosmetic item. The combat mechanics are both exciting and visually stunning, making the virtual world a delightful place to explore. For an extra layer of realism, players have the option to immerse themselves in "Kurasawa Mode," featuring a grainy black-and-white filter and the ability to enable Japanese lip-syncing during cutscenes. This feature elevates the storytelling experience, although it may not be to everyone's taste.

Having been initially developed as a PS5 exclusive, this game offers haptic feedback functionality for compatible controllers. Despite haptic feedback often being perceived as a mere novelty post PS5 release, its integration in Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut is noteworthy. It significantly enhances player immersion, especially during combat sequences and moments where the protagonist interacts with the environment, like running his hand through tall grass while riding towards a mission goal.

The PC version of Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut is an exceptional adaptation of one of the top exclusives from PS5. With its emotionally engaging narrative, diverse and finely designed gameplay, and breathtaking open world, this rendition offers enhanced performance, speed, and vitality on PC. If you missed the chance to experience it on PS5, this port is definitely a valuable addition to your collection.