Sucker Punch blew away expectations last year when it launched Ghost of Tsushima exclusively for PS4. The game was massive and featured arguably the best graphics on the console, serving as something of a swan song for the generation before Sony shifted focus to the next generation on PS5. Fans have been interested in a sequel ever since, and after recent leaks for new Ghost of Tsushima content began making rounds online, excitement began to rise.
A few days ago, PlayStation and Sucker Punch confirmed a new expansion to the original title in Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut, which features a bevy of new modes and enhancements. The original game was already jam packed with content as it is, so players who already picked up that version may be puzzled as to what exactly this new update can really bring to the table. The many additions include both quality of life improvements and new gameplay modes to make for a more robust package than ever available to both PS4 and PS5 owners previously.
RELATED: Ghost of Tsushima Fans Divided Over PS5 Upgrade Price
Firstly and most notable, is the addition of a brand new chapter to Jin's journey, completely absent from the original release. Now available to players sometime after entering the game's second act, the Iki Island expansion will chronicle Jin as he travels to Tsushima's neighboring island Ikishima to pursue rumors of a Mongol presence. Once there, Jin comes face to face with new challenges and must relive some traumatic events from his past in order to push forward.
The bulk of the story details largely remain under wraps by Sucker Punch, but the notion of more to discover in the dazzling re-creation of Tsushima is a compelling offer. The game featured a ton of nooks and crannies to pillage and explore as it is, which could keep players busy. Now that an entirely new location is being tossed into the mix, it should boost the overall playtime even further. This expansion has also been confirmed to introduce new characters, new armor sets and new techniques for Jin to master. For fans who couldn't get enough of the original or players diving in for the first time, this aims to be the most complete version of the game to experience.
While Ghost of Tsushima will have PS5 exclusive features in the upcoming Director's Cut, that doesn't mean PS4 owners are being left out of additional improvements as well. Alongside the launch of Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, there will be a substantial patch for players to download that features an assortment of fixes and updates not available in the base release. One of the key aspects of the update is the option for players to have more freedom with the button mapping, with a set of new controller layouts. Following in the footsteps of the accessibility options in The Last of Us 2, this expands the reach for gamers to play through the adventure however they choose.
Furthermore, Sucker Punch has chosen to include the ability of an optional lock-on feature, giving players more freedom in how they approach combat encounters. If that isn't enough, the Ghost of Tsushima: Legends multiplayer mode will be included in this edition right off the bat, allowing gamers to dive right into multiplayer. For added fun, Sucker Punch has also included the option to hide Jin's arrow quiver during gameplay, largely because a player kept asking them on Twitter to add the feature.
As mentioned above, Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut on PS5 will have its own set of exclusive features not available on PS4. Many of these new additions mostly focus on the capabilities within the DualSense controller and its unique functionality. Gamers who have already experienced the riveting new enhancements the controller can bring to gameplay in titles like Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart should have a good idea of what to expect.
Haptic feedback will assist in making the gallop of a horse or slash from a sword feel that much more impactful in terms of response. The adaptive triggers in the DualSense will be especially handy in further simulating the pull and tug sensation of what its like to fire a bow and arrow. Beyond this, there are the obvious technical improvements found in the PS5 such as 3D audio and fast load times, allowing players to jump into the action faster than ever before.
The most fun inclusion in the PS5 release is Sucker Punch's implementation of cinematic lip sync animation specifically for the Japanese voice settings. For enthusiasts of old samurai and Japanese films, this small inclusion will make the game that much more immersive overall. Sucker Punch clearly has a strong passion for this style and culture and has gone to great lengths to improve an already outstanding game.
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut launches on August 20 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.