The term "Director's Cut" is often associated with films where directors want to show the original vision that couldn't make it into the cinema/ theatre release. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Video game companies use this concept by releasing Game of the Year versions, Season Passes, and other special editions. These often look like cash grabs (in some sense), but is this the case for Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut?
Many of you reading this may already know this, but I'll say this for the sake of newcomers. Those who already own Ghost of Tsushima but want a taste of the expansion can pay an additional cost to download the Director's Cut. You can also go ahead and buy the new Director's Cut edition, which can be yours if you are willing to cough up RM299. Is the price justified, though? We will talk more about the justification later, so let's start the review!
Game design - Welcome to the island
In this review, we will be focusing on Iki Island, which is the latest addition to Jin Sakai's story. Without giving too much away, it's a new story about Jin revisiting his past. It shows how he lost his father and helped the locals fight back a new Mongol faction led by "The Eagle". To get to this island, you will either have to finish playing the single-player campaign or get past Act 1. If you have managed to fulfil one of these requirements, a new "Journey into the Past" title will pop up on your screen.
Calling for passengers to Iki Island
You can return to Tsushima after you complete the main story on Iki Island
You can use the guiding wind to mark your next location (hint: it's Deadman Shore). After you're done beating the Mongols and set sail for Iki Island, you're in for a whole new adventure. Like Tsushima, the new island feels refreshing with its new environment. It has plenty of places to take tons of breathtaking photos, especially the beaches and mountaintops. So if you happen to be an avid photographer, you will definitely be taking a lot of cool poses with the sunset (I know I did).
Overall, the island's beauty and well done since it runs on 60FPS on the PS5. May I also add that the background music is still as wonderful? Iki Island is absolutely gorgeous and is indeed a fantasy getaway from this dreadful lockdown.
A new adventure beckons
Many haiku spots on Iki Island have amazing scenery
My favourite photo from the game <3
Here's another one
And another!
Game features - Some new faces and things to do
Iki Island feels familiar if you have gone around all three regions in Tsushima, but it also has some new add-ons. Before your arrival on the island, you should have met a new Mongol Shaman that can support the barbarians with enhanced attacks and defences. If you're a newcomer who just got the Director's Cut edition, here's a protip - take that unit out first. There's also a special Mongol warrior that can interchange weapons. For example, they could switch from a spear to dual swords (or other weapons).
Besides that, you won't find fox dens anymore. But you can find new animal sanctuaries around the island that belongs to the deers, monkeys, and wild cats. However, you have to find them yourself or rely on the yellow bird to guide you. Upon arriving at any sanctuary, you have to play the flute to lure the animal near you to upgrade your charm items. I have to say, it's quite fun to use the PS5 DualSense controller to move the sensor to each musical note.
By the way, you should totally go do the Black Hand Riku Mythic mission as soon as possible because there's a new Sarugami armour with amazing perks. If you prefer to parry or dodge during a fight, that armour is a perfect fit for you. It even makes the Gosaku and Hero of Tsushima Armour (which was given as a new skin in this edition) feel less impressive. In addition, there are three new shrines with a mysterious poem that gives your Kensei, Sakai Clan, and Ghost armour a brand new badass look. Also, you get to find new dyes and gears in your collection around the island.
You may also participate in some tournaments held by the locals on Iki Island. First, there's a mini non-lethal gladiator arena in a village that lets you fight with some swordsmen via kendo-style (but in a dirty way). Each opponent is quite challenging, especially the final opponent, so it's best to remain calm and analyse his movements. You can also test your archery skills in a few areas and be rewarded with focus charms.
Gameplay - The campaign is pretty short
In terms of gameplay, the Director's Cut doesn't differ that much from the original game. However, your speech choices can actually shape the perception of the locals there. If you happen to visit Iki Island before finishing Tsushima, know that none of the choices you make there will affect the main island quest.
Oh, now that we mentioned speeches, this edition also allows you to switch the voiceover. You can now enable Japanese dubbing, which is really cool because it makes you feel like you're watching a cinematic Japanese movie. However, do note this is only available on the PS5. According to Sucker Punch, the PS4's hardware has some limitations for the Japanese dub. To be honest, that reasoning sounds baffling.
Believe it or not, the main story on Iki Island is not long at all. There are only a few main missions available, and you can pretty much finish all of them in one night. The island may look like it has tons of things to do there, but if you're playing a few hours every day, you can even finish all the side-quests in less than a week. Of course, I'd suggest taking one thing at a time to fully enjoy Iki Island.
On the technical side, you get some nice 60FPS buff on the PS5 (upgrade from 30FPS). In addition, the DualSense controller features like the sensor touch, triggers, and haptic feedback are nice touches to the gameplay that don't feel gimmicky. But if you compare this game with other PS5 titles like Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart (our review here) and Returnal (another review), you may feel a bit letdown.
Conclusion - Worth buying if you have the PS5
Judging Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut is not as easy as giving it a pass or fail, as the game definitely has its pros and cons. But to be honest, I think this edition is worth buying if you really want more out of the original game (you only need to top up a few Ringgit). And if you just got a PS5, we consider this a must-play game for newcomers. It's definitely worth adding to any avid game collector's library.
Hardcore RPG players may be disappointed at the "short" adventure length on Iki Island. But the thing is that it can't really be counted as a DLC. And if it was released as a DLC, I'm sure that it would get criticised even more. Nonetheless, I think it's a nice expansion for Ghost of Tsushima fans. The island is beautiful, has many fun things you can do, and adds depth to Jin's character.
Anyway, that's my review of Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut. Have you tried out the game yet? Do you agree with it? Let us know in the comments below, and do stay tuned for more PS5 video game reviews at TechNave.com.
Yes, your horse gets a nice badass mythical armour too
Pros: A nice add-on to the original game; plenty of new places to explore; cool Japanese; and best played on the PS5 with the 60FPS upgrade
Cons: Relatively short campaign; PS4 players won't get the complete experience, which may not be worth it; and RM299 is quite steep
Conclusion: Best experienced on the PS5 and a fairly good expansion for Ghost of Tsushima fans
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