After four years as a PlayStation exclusive, the critically acclaimed action-adventure game, Ghost of Tsushima, has finally made its way to PC. This release is part of Sony’s ongoing strategy to bring its exclusive titles to the PC platform, a move that has seen significant success with players.
The PC version includes the Director’s Cut content, featuring the base game, Iki Island expansion, and Legends multiplayer mode. As part of this release, we’ve seen enhancements such as DLSS3, AMD FSR3, and Intel XeSS, alongside support for ultra-wide monitors and controller support, including the DualSense controller. For more insights, you can check out our initial impressions on Shacknews.
In this review, we’ll examine the technical aspects, visual enhancements, and overall value proposition of the PC port to determine if it’s worth the wait for players seeking an immersive adventure experience.
Sony’s evolving strategy regarding PC ports is evident with the release of Ghost of Tsushima on PC, a game that has journeyed through multiple iterations since its initial release.
Four Years in the Making
The original Ghost of Tsushima was released on PS4 in 2020 to rave reviews. Since then, it has undergone significant enhancements, first with the PS5 version and later with the Director’s Cut, which included substantial new content. The PC version, released four years after the original, represents the culmination of these efforts, offering a refined and comprehensive gaming experience.
What’s Included in the Director’s Cut
The Director’s Cut of Ghost of Tsushima on PC includes the base game along with several significant additions: the Iki Island expansion, which adds substantial new story content; the Legends co-op mode, offering a different multiplayer experience; and numerous cosmetic items. The PC version also boasts numerous graphical updates, making it the most complete and visually stunning version of the game available.
The Iki Island expansion is particularly noteworthy, as it significantly expands the game’s narrative and gameplay hours. Meanwhile, the Legends co-op mode provides a fresh multiplayer experience that diverges from the main campaign, allowing players to team up for various mission types.
Technical Performance and Optimisation
The technical performance of the Ghost of Tsushima PC port is a significant factor in its overall quality. This aspect is crucial for gamers, as it directly impacts their experience.
System Requirements and Scalability
The game demonstrates impressive scalability, running smoothly on a range of hardware configurations. It achieved 60 fps on an RTX 3070 at 1080p on very high settings at native resolution.
To max out the game at native 4K@60 fps, an RTX 4090 with a capable CPU is required, while an RTX 3080 can push upwards of 70 fps at 1440p, showcasing the game’s ability to utilise modern PC capabilities effectively.
Frame Rates and Resolution Options
The game offers various frame rate options and resolution support, including ultrawide monitor compatibility, enhancing the visual experience. Using Nvidia Frame Generation allowed an RTX 4060 to run the game at 90-100 fps maxed out at native 1080p.
PSN Account Requirement and Other Considerations
The PSN account requirement for accessing certain features, particularly the Legends multiplayer mode, may be an annoyance for some PC players. Technical issues, such as a VRAM issue with the RTX 3070 where the game would drop frames when using alt-tab, were also encountered.
The optimisation quality of this port compares favourably to other recent PlayStation-to-PC conversions, highlighting improvements in Sony’s porting strategy. The inclusion of upscaling technologies like DLSS, FSR, and XeSS positively impacts performance across different hardware configurations.
In conclusion, the Ghost of Tsushima PC port’s technical performance is commendable, offering a smooth gaming experience across various hardware setups. While some technical issues were identified, the overall optimisation is a step forward for Sony’s PC ports.
The Ghost of Tsushima PC Port Review: Visual and Gameplay Experience
The PC version of Ghost of Tsushima is a significant upgrade, offering a more immersive experience through its improved graphics and gameplay mechanics. The game’s already stunning art design is further enhanced on PC, with dynamic lighting and weather systems that create a truly captivating environment.
Enhanced Visuals and Art Direction
The visual enhancements in the PC version of Ghost of Tsushima are noteworthy. The game’s texture quality and character models have been improved, making the world of Tsushima look more realistic than ever. The unlocking of the framerate and support for ultrawide monitors further enhance the visual experience, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the game’s beautiful landscapes.
The art direction in Ghost of Tsushima is magical, with a rich color palette that brings the game’s world to life. The PC port’s graphical updates ensure that the game’s visuals are more detailed and vibrant, making the experience even more engaging for players.
Control Options: Keyboard/Mouse vs Controller
One of the key considerations for players is the control scheme. The game was originally designed for controllers, but the PC version offers both keyboard and mouse and controller options. While the keyboard and mouse setup can be more cumbersome at times, it also offers a different way to experience the game. Players can choose the control method that best suits their preferences, enhancing their overall gameplay experience.
The implementation of different control schemes allows players to enjoy the game’s stance switching and ghost weapons in various ways. The guiding wind feature is also more intuitive with certain control methods, adding to the game’s overall accessibility.
Iki Island Expansion and Legends Mode
The Iki Island expansion adds a new layer to the game’s story, introducing players to a fresh narrative that explores Jin’s character development. The expansion offers new gameplay challenges and a richer storyline, enhancing the overall experience.
The Legends mode is another exciting addition, offering co-op gameplay with four different warrior roles. Players can engage in either a mythological story or survival mode, providing a different multiplayer experience that complements the main campaign.
The PC version’s technical improvements significantly enhance the gameplay experience, from the fluidity of combat to the exploration of the open world. With its enhanced visuals, varied control options, and additional content like the Iki Island expansion and Legends mode, the Ghost of Tsushima PC port is a compelling experience for both new and veteran players.
Conclusion: A Port Worth the Wait?
Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut has landed on PC, bringing with it an enhanced open-world adventure that’s well worth the wait. The game was already an amazing experience on PlayStation, but the PC version has taken it to new heights.
The technical performance and optimisation of the Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut are noteworthy. While there may be some minor issues with controls, the overall quality of the port is exceptional. The enhanced visuals and art direction make for a visually stunning experience, and the addition of new content, such as the Iki Island expansion, adds significant replay value.
For new players, the Director’s Cut on PC is an excellent package, offering a rich and immersive story and engaging gameplay. For those who have already experienced the game on PlayStation, the PC version may not offer enough new content to justify a second purchase. However, for fans of open-world action games, the PC version is still a great way to experience Jin Sakai’s journey.
In terms of value proposition, the Director’s Cut on PC is a great option for those who missed it the first time around. The game is a must-play for fans of the genre, and the PC version is one of the best ways to play it.
Ultimately, the Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on PC is a fantastic port that justifies the four-year wait. It’s a testament to Sony’s commitment to bringing high-quality PlayStation experiences to PC. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, this successful port bodes well for future Sucker Punch productions coming to PC.
FAQ
What is the main difference between the original Ghost of Tsushima and the Director’s Cut?
The Director’s Cut includes the original game, the Iki Island expansion, and Legends mode, offering a more comprehensive experience.
Is a PSN account required to play Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on PC?
Yes, a PSN account is required to access certain features, including the multiplayer Legends mode.
What are the system requirements for running Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on PC?
The system requirements include a compatible operating system, processor, memory, and graphics card; check the official specifications for the most up-to-date information.
Can I play Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut with a controller or keyboard and mouse?
Yes, the game supports both controller and keyboard/mouse configurations, allowing players to choose their preferred control method.
Are there any known issues with the frame rate or resolution in the PC version?
Some players have reported frame rate issues, but the game’s scalability options and patch updates have addressed many of these concerns.
How does the gameplay and storyline compare to the original PS4 and PS5 releases?
The gameplay and storyline remain largely the same, with the Director’s Cut offering additional content and features.
Is the Iki Island expansion included in the PC version of Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut?
Yes, the Iki Island expansion is part of the Director’s Cut, providing a new storyline and gameplay mechanics.
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