Last year PlayStation 4 owners were treated to what can only be described as Assassin’s Creed in Japan. I am of course talking about Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima. Our own Niall Glynn had the opportunity to review the title, check it out here, and though he found Jin’s journey ultimately wanting he still had fun. Now a year on, a new generation of consoles has arrived and with it an updated version of Jin Sakai’s journey. This is Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut.
The first cut is the deepest
First off I’d like to say that I played the original version of Ghost of Tsushima and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Was it perfect? No, but it was so enjoyable and Jin’s story was so emotional that I found myself softly crying at its culmination. It didn’t hurt that the Japanese actor of Jin was none other than Kazuya Nakai aka Roronoa Zoro from One Piece.
Now with Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut players can further explore Jin’s character as we head to Iki Island the land where his father was killed right in front of him when he was a boy. It’s a great story for as it gives an excellent expansion to the established lore of this world. It also introduces a new enemy type, new mini-games with new furry friends and a fascinating new villain in the shape of the enigmatic Eagle.
When Jin arrives on Iki Island the Eagle quickly finds him, subdues him and poisons our favourite ronin. This is where a brilliant new story mechanic comes in. With Jin poisoned by the Eagle, he sees visions of the past and hears poisonous thoughts about the inhabitants of Iki Island. She hopes to use her poison to turn him into one of her shamans who she utilises to bring the denizens of Iki Island to their knees.
Same blade, new hilt
The version of Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut I played was on the PlayStation 5 and it’s a stunner. Photo mode has never been more enjoyable than when you’re striding across Iki Island atop your horse. Not only that Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut comes with the complete game with access to Iki Island. I recommend heading over to Iki Island once you finish the main game, I found it allowed for Jin to have closure on his story. That however is just my personal opinion.
I will say there is no reason to get this title if you already have the original. The Iki Island expansion adds an additional 10 hours, more if you’re a completionist. However, at €80.00 it’s not worth it regardless of what I consider an exceptional emotional pay-off. The new enemy type, the Shaman buffs enemies. This means you have to kill them before they get a chance to enhance their friends.
Also, the game hasn’t changed mechanically. Even if you love it like me there is nothing new here save for one element. This new gameplay mechanic comes in the form of a new ability for your horse. You’re able to trample enemies while mounted and it’s quite satisfying.
There are also people who will think it’s surprisingly early to release a Director’s Cut. After all the game is barely a year old. If you have that mindset then there is no reason to pick this up. However, if you’re like me and looking to continue the journey Jin Sakai and you’ve not got the original title you definitely need this.
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