Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut Review: Return of the Samurai

This will probably be the new fashion at Sony at the end of the year. Indeed, before Death Stranding next September 24 is Ghost of Tsushima who will afford an edition Director's Cut. More complete, it will include the basic game as well as a new extension taking place on the island of Iki. But does this new chapter justify a second checkout for samurai lovers? The answer is in our test.

See PriceRead ConclusionGhost of Tsushima Director's Cut

Graphically sumptuous on PS5
An extension with a gripping scenario and a successful cast
Still fun to explore
A perfectly used DualSense

Too few new techniques for Jin
The camera not always well placed
AI still perfectible

First of all, note that there are several ways to obtain the Director's Cut when it is released on August 20, 2021. For a player who already owns Ghost of Tsushima on PS4, this version is offered at 19,99 euros on this same console or at 29,99 euros on PS5. Additionally, an owner of Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut on PlayStation 4 will be able to upgrade to the PS5 version of that same edition for an additional $9,99. However, framerate optimization at 60 FPS on PlayStation 5 is free. Finally, the transfer of a PS4 backup is possible from the game menu. The trophies will be unlocked automatically once the manipulation has been carried out. Now, let's get to the heart of the matter!

A harrowing and cutting quest

For newcomers, remember that Ghost of Tsushima retraces the epic of Jin Sakai, a 4th century samurai who tries to repel the invasion of the Mongol Empire on the island of Tsushima. This long adventure of several tens of hours is punctuated by real moments of bravery worthy of the great samurai films. As we indicated in our test of the PSXNUMX version on Clubic last year (7/10), the exclusivity concocted by the Sucker Punch studio has strong arguments to make to delight fans of the genre. But this "Director's Cut" also gives pride of place to a brand new story, which sees our hero sailing towards a brand new place... Because the island of Iki, also invaded by the Mongolian army, was the scene of traumatic events for Jin, and that's what makes it a very personal story for our hero.

Without saying too much, the samurai with a steel mind will be manhandled by the Eagle, a guru who has driven the local population into madness by administering a kind of poison to them. Quickly, Jin is forced to drink the deadly mixture, which forces him to relive some trying moments from his past. And this script element has a real influence on the gameplay since hallucinations punctuate our walks on the island, even our fights. During these sequences, the tone of the game changes drastically and the atmosphere becomes suffocating. This novelty thus impacts the gaming experience at different points and brings a small touch of vulnerability to a Jin who is nevertheless capable of defeating armies on his own. Overall, this new story is well put together and emotionally charged, all through six good hours of play. The pace of the plot is driven drums and depicts another side of Jin. A real success!

A beautiful island

Already acclaimed when the game was released on PS4 last year, the art direction of Sucker Punch's title remains absolutely delightful on Iki. This region, although more restricted compared to Tsushima, is a real eye-catcher with its varied biomes. Whether on the coast facing the raging ocean, in the meadows as flowery as they are colorful or in the heart of a dark cave, it is artistically and graphically flawless. The exploration is always so organic thanks to the guiding wind which naturally leads us to our next objective. The countless markers so dear to open-world games are almost completely absent. An extremely appreciable bias.

Of course, the PS5 works wonders with 4K resolution and a framerate of up to 60 FPS. No slowdown comes to spoil the party and only a small aliasing effect on the foliage of the trees is to be noted among the anecdotal technical hitches. This does not prevent Ghost of Tsushima from being a real treat for the eyes on Sony's new console. So much so that we could believe that the game was specially designed for this machine as its beauty is unassailable.

In addition, the DualSense pulls out of the game and reveals its full potential here. The haptic feedback is constantly manifested, whether on the gallops of our horse and even in the menus. As for the adaptive triggers, they apply resistances when drawing Jin's bow and using the grappling hook. The speaker of the controller also reinforces the immersion by emitting noises such as the wind and certain voices. After having tasted it, it is not easy to do without the innovations of the DualSense!

JVFR

The grappling hook will prove useful on Iki Island

A samurai who stays on his bases

The only regret that this Director's Cut gives us is at the level of the fights. Indeed, few new techniques have been added by the developers. Jin's horse quickly gets an ability that allows it to knock down Mongol enemies in its path (by holding down the L1 key)... And that's about all of the new techniques. We would have appreciated a few additional attacks to vary the way of engaging in combat.

Among our enemies, shamans capable of boosting the power of their allies are appearing. Alas, it is clear that the clashes retain their rough aspect because of a capricious camera that it is necessary to replace permanently manually. Fortunately, this problem should be corrected soon via a patch. Note in passing that the difficulty level of the DLC is relatively high. It is therefore recommended to improve Jin's talents well before getting down to it.

JVFR

Fights always require reflexes in order to perform perfect parries or dodges

As for optional content, the new features take the form of archery challenges, a bokken tournament or even animal sanctuaries (deer, cats and monkeys). On these, Jin must play a flute tune in order to commune with the local wildlife. To do this, the player must follow the melody by placing the cursor in the center of a path using the DualSense motion detection technology. A pretty cool mini-game.

These extras, represented by a question mark on the map, bring a little distraction with camps invaded by the Mongols to empty (by rushing into the heap or remaining discreet), haikus to compose and bamboos to training to cut.

JVFR

A kind of rhythm mini-game to have the opportunity to pet this beautiful cat

Thus, the formula of Ghost of Tsushima has been altered only slightly in this Director's Cut. A fairly logical choice since it is not a question of a sequel but of an edition simply offering more content. Players who have enjoyed the game on PS4 should have no trouble plunging body and soul back into this dreamlike and majestic universe. As for those who will discover the title this year, they will enjoy a denser adventure and magnified by the performance of the PS5.

JVFR

The lighting is sumptuous on PS5

Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut : l'avis de JVFR

Both the qualities and the flaws of the base game released on PS4 in 2020 remain present. Graphically sumptuous and technically impeccable, Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is a visual marvel on PlayStation 5... Special mention to the clever use of the controller which brings a real plus to the general experience. As for the extension, it delivers an interesting, powerful, intimate scenario with epic moments orchestrated by a careful staging.

However, we regret the absence of improvements to the gameplay in combat and to the artificial intelligence of the enemies, which remains perfectible. Jin could also have received more new techniques in order to bring real added value during the clashes. But these shortcomings never come to spoil the pleasure of play. For a player who wishes to discover Ghost of Tsushima, the purchase of this Director's Cut is entirely justified! As for connoisseurs, they will see it as an excellent way to prolong the pleasure with an extremely convincing DLC as a bonus.

Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut

The addition of Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut makes perfect sense on PS5. The sets are sumptuous, the art direction stunning and the controller reveals its full potential. Without forgetting the extension on the island of Iki which immerses us admirably in the tormented thoughts of Jin during an exciting quest.