Ghost of Tsushima is just as cinematic on PC as you remember

Despite releasing almost 3 years ago, Ghost of Tsushima has stood the test of time, becoming an immense hit among fans of action-adventure games. The title is known for its rich, cinematic landscapes and immersive story woven into the 1274 invasion of the Japanese island of Tsushima. Jin Sakai, an honourable samurai is forced to adapt in order to push back against the Mongol invaders. Since its initial release, Ghost of Tsushima has also received a multiplayer mode, Ghost of Tsushima Legends, and a Directors Cut edition. It’s also been confirmed that we’ll be seeing a sequel to the game sometime in the future. Now the game is finally making its way to PC, following in the line of other PlayStation exclusives doing the same, making this potentially the perfect time to return to this instant classic.

When I first played Ghost of Tsushima, I was instantly taken by the game’s cinematic qualities. Riding into battle on horseback as arrows rain down in the opening really sets the bar high for the rest of the game and boy does it deliver. Not only does the game lean into the mythos of the samurai and their honour but it also explores Jin’s own connection to the island of Tsushima now that it’s under threat. Having to adapt, he’s forced to rebuild his own understanding of what it is to be a samurai. Exploring the island lets players immerse themselves in the island’s rich culture and heritage as a period game set in Japan. Everything about the game continues this cinematic ambience that enhances the game’s world and storytelling. There are also included settings to play the game in black and white as well as hearing the characters talk in Japanese instead. Every part of this game is so deliberate.

We last reviewed the Directors Cut edition of the game back when it launched on PS5. Unsurprisingly, even now the game remains classic as a fresh IP in the PlayStation ecosystem, holding its mantel from the original release. Few games can master the cinematic quality of Ghost of Tsushima which is evident in how it builds around the game world and story. Everything from the way the fields of grass dance, the cherry blossoms caught in the wind move, or even the fauna on the island begs for the player’s attention. Such a world so thought out and lively could be overwhelming but here it feels like an experience that allows the player to notice the little details as they are. One of my favourite features in the game is its use of wind to direct the player to the objectives along with smoke on the horizon. It’s such a simple detail, and yet players aren’t left following a glowing pathway out of the game style, but a swirl of the wind. It’s such a playful moment, and yet such a thoughtful detail increases the player’s immersion.

When I first got my hands on the game, it was just after the original release so this was my first time exploring the additional content included in the Director’s Cut. Iki Island is its own beast. There are clever new additions to the gameplay such as the sharman buffs as well as customisations such as weapons, armour, and skills to fight back the island’s new enemies. Playing on Iki Island feels like a further capstone for the original game, even including more backstory for Jin and his family.

Returning to Ghost Of Tsushima on the PC feels like a worthy pilgrimage given the prestige of the game as a modern classic in gaming. I fully believe that the game deserves its own acclaim, moving away from obvious critiques for how it rewrites the stealth action encounters, leaning into Jin’s obvious disconnect from his past as a samurai. While testing the game’s graphics settings, I found the higher modes on par with the PS5 edition. On lower settings, however, there were some expected fidelity issues. The game can still be enjoyed in this state but given Ghost of Tsushima’s dedication to its cinematic qualities, it’s worth considering if you are willing to sacrifice that.

If you’re looking for a definitive way to enjoy Ghost of Tsushima then this port is a great opportunity to do just that. If you are someone who has already played the game, including its DLC, then I’d be asking why you’re returning to it on a new platform given it features the exact same content. The game is a great inclusion in any game library though, and I feel as though new players who have yet to get their hands on the game are the biggest winner here.

Given that developer Sucker Punch has already confirmed a sequel to the game, it feels like the perfect appetiser for all Ghost of Tsushima fans to be primed for announcement news. Japan is a setting in high demand right now given the recent reveal of Assassin’s Creed Shadows and other notable recent action-adventure releases such as Rise of the Ronin, Like A Dragon: Ishin!, and futuristic Ghostwire: Tokyo. As a player, seeing how various game studios breathe life into this world given its impressive culture and heritage. I doubt it will be long before we see what’s next for this series.

Returning to Ghost of Tsushima now that it’s been ported to PC feels more timely than ever. The action-adventure game still more than holds its own as a single-player game. With such a rich setting and cinematic aesthetic, it’s such a treat for the senses that debuts on PC effortlessly. Sony continues to allow their first-party games to find new audiences on the PC which is honestly a win for all players!