Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut
#Games #Reviews~3 min read
by Tomas Dvorak, [6/15/2024]
Since its initial release on consoles, Ghost of Tsushima has captivated gamers with its stunning open-world design, compelling narrative steeped in samurai history, and fluid combat mechanics. Now, in 2024, the much-anticipated Director's Cut arrives on PC, introducing a host of enhancements and new content to further enrich the player experience.
Steeped in the rich tapestry of feudal Japan, players will once again immerse themselves in the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai warrior torn between honor and survival as he navigates through breathtaking landscapes and confronts formidable adversaries. With the Director's Cut, players can expect not only enhanced visuals and performance tailored for PC but also additional content that expands upon the original story, promising both new insights and thrilling challenges.
The story is intricately crafted and maintained at a very high level; the main storyline is well-developed, and while the side missions are shorter, some of them are even better than the main ones. These side missions also contribute to new storylines that enrich the main plot and introduce players to all the main characters. The setting of the story in Japan, which is currently under attack by the Mongols, makes the narrative even more intriguing, immersing the player deeper into it and instilling a desire to help the island's inhabitants and liberate them from the invaders.
As for the DLC, it matches the main storyline's quality, intertwining with the main plotline and developing it perfectly. We see the significance this DLC brings to our main character, witnessing the mental journey they undergo, and it's simply beautiful. Fortunately, the open world of this game isn't empty; even when you're not on a mission, there are plenty of things to discover and explore that are worth visiting.
The visual aspect of the game is truly phenomenal. The color palette, handling of light and shadows, atmospheric environment, and much more are exceptionally well executed. Speaking of visuals, I must also mention the photo mode, which elevates the game to a whole new level. Every photograph looks as if it were taken in real life, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and artistic direction of the developers.
In addition to the stunning visuals, the game's stealth passages, and overall combat are indispensable aspects that define its gameplay experience. The variation in mission execution adds personality to the game - whether you prefer stealth or engaging in intense katana combat with Mongols, the game accommodates both styles seamlessly. The katana is beautifully and realistically crafted, enhancing the immersion in feudal Japan.
Furthermore, the game is rich in small details that contribute to its overall gorgeous environment. For instance, the travel system deviates from traditional waypoint navigation, opting instead for a unique approach using the wind as a guide.
In terms of technical execution, the game performs incredibly well. It loads instantly, even on my old HDD. I really don't understand how PlayStation Studios always manages this, but it's simply an amazing feeling; you never have to wait for anything, which is just wonderful. As for glitches and freezes, I haven't noticed any at all - the game runs smoothly without any hiccups, which for such a graphically demanding game is almost unbelievable (and I'm not even using the latest hardware; the game ran on an RTX 2060).
The sound design meets every expectation, delivering serene Japanese music that feels essential in such a setting. It seamlessly transitions between action-packed stealth sequences with darker tones and tranquil moments while traveling through expansive landscapes. Moreover, the game's dialogue and character voice acting are executed very professionally, with great emphasis placed on character accents. Additionally, the option to play the game in Japanese with a black-and-white mode has proven to be a beloved feature among players.
Overall, Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut stands out as an exceptional game, with its breathtaking visuals, engaging stealth and combat mechanics, and innovative travel system. With no noticeable shortcomings, the game offers a rich and immersive experience that both long-time fans and newcomers will thoroughly enjoy. The seamless blend of stunning artistry, compelling narrative, and refined gameplay makes it a must-play title that truly elevates the standard for action-adventure games.
