When Ghost of Tsushima first launched in 2020, it felt like a swan song for the PlayStation 4 — a visually stunning open-world samurai epic that pushed the hardware to its limit. With the Director’s Cut on PlayStation 5, Sucker Punch has not only enhanced the base experience but also added meaningful new content, making this the definitive version of Jin Sakai’s tale.
Presentation and Performance
The PS5 version is a visual showcase. Running in crisp 4K with silky smooth 60 FPS, the island of Tsushima looks more alive than ever. The draw distances are improved, textures are sharper, and the lighting system makes both peaceful villages and blood-soaked battlefields look breathtaking. Perhaps the most impressive upgrade is the use of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Every arrow release, clash of steel, and gallop across grassy plains feels tactile and immersive thanks to the DualSense controller.
Load times are virtually nonexistent. Fast travel now truly lives up to its name, dropping you across the map in mere seconds. This makes exploration even more seamless, encouraging players to engage with Tsushima’s vast landscape without hesitation.
Iki Island Expansion
The most significant addition in the Director’s Cut is the Iki Island expansion. More than just a side adventure, it expands Jin’s character with personal stakes tied to his family’s history. The new enemies on Iki are ruthless, featuring shamans who empower Mongol soldiers with unsettling chants, forcing you to adapt your combat strategies.
The island itself feels distinct, with rugged coastlines, lush forests, and new wildlife encounters that stand apart from the main Tsushima map. Iki Island also leans heavier into psychological storytelling, confronting Jin with visions and memories that test his resolve. It’s not as lengthy as the main campaign, but it’s a tightly crafted chapter that adds depth to Jin’s journey.
Gameplay and Combat
The core gameplay remains one of the most satisfying melee systems in any open-world game. Switching between stances to counter specific enemy types is intuitive and rewarding. Parrying a flurry of strikes before cutting down a foe in one fluid motion never gets old. Stealth, while simple, blends seamlessly into the experience, offering flexibility in how you approach encounters.
New techniques and charms on Iki Island expand combat options, while additional armor sets and cosmetic items give you more room for personalization. The PS5’s improved audio design also shines here — the twang of a bowstring, the clash of katana steel, and the howl of the wind all sound richer through 3D audio.
Extra Features
The Director’s Cut includes Japanese lip-syncing, which was a common fan request. Combined with Kurosawa Mode, which overlays the game with black-and-white film grain, this elevates the cinematic authenticity. There’s also full Legends co-op mode integration, adding more longevity with multiplayer content for those who enjoy cooperative challenges.
Final Verdict
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut on PlayStation 5 is more than a simple upgrade — it’s the ultimate realization of Sucker Punch’s vision. The Iki Island expansion adds meaningful story content, the technical enhancements push immersion to new heights, and the core experience remains one of the finest samurai epics in gaming history.
If you missed it on PS4, this is an absolute must-play. Even if you already walked Jin Sakai’s path once, the Director’s Cut is worth revisiting for its enhancements and Iki Island’s compelling side story.
Score: 10/ 10
A stunning blend of artistry, action, and atmosphere — one of the best open-world experiences on PlayStation.
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