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Ghost of Tsushima, released in 2020, marked a memorable year for console gaming as one of the Playstation 4’s final major releases before the next generation. Developed by Sucker Punch, it garnered numerous awards for Sony and became one of their best-selling exclusive titles. Its critical and commercial success set high expectations for any subsequent content. The Iki Island expansion, priced at $30 (or included with the Director’s Cut upgrade), sparked debate about its value proposition, especially for existing PS4 owners. This review explores whether Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island lives up to the hype and justifies its price tag.

A Journey Back in Time

The story begins in a small fishing village on Akashima, where Mongol invaders and their shamans attack, spreading fear and whispering of a mysterious cult called “The Eagle” rising on Iki Island. Jin Sakai, the protagonist, sets sail to confront this new threat. His journey unfolds alongside haunting memories of his past and the Sakai clan, adding an emotional layer to the adventure.

Alt: Jin Sakai overlooking the coastline of Iki Island. Lush vegetation and rocky terrain are visible.

Iki Island’s diverse terrain immediately captivates. Players can interact with the environment in new ways, including mini-games that connect Jin with nature and hone his swordsmanship through Bokken training. Though not vast, the map is densely packed with detail and secrets to uncover. Beyond numerous side quests, Haiku spots, and cosmetic items, players encounter random events and engaging NPC interactions. The new characters introduced are well-developed and intertwined with Jin’s past, adding depth to his already compelling story.

The Ghost Returns, Enhanced

To blend in with the islanders, Jin develops a separate reputation system with upgradeable options. One standout feature in Iki Island is the “Horse Charge” ability, allowing Jin to ride directly into enemy lines, scattering foes in his path. While the familiar four combat stances remain core to the experience, stealth gameplay receives significant enhancements. Kunai, bows, and grappling hooks are upgraded with new functionalities and Charms, expanding the tactical options for players who prefer a more covert approach.

Alt: Jin Sakai facing a Mongol warrior during a duel. The environment suggests a tense standoff.

Two new Mythic Tales add unique armor sets for Jin and his horse, along with challenging boss encounters that test players’ skills. This expanded arsenal and skillset further solidify Jin’s legendary status as “The Ghost.”

A Next-Gen Experience?

Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island boasts impressive visuals, especially for its time. The environments are breathtaking, offering moments that encourage players to pause and admire the scenery. Lighting, shadows, and textures are rendered beautifully.

Alt: Jin Sakai observing the landscape of Iki Island. The image highlights the graphical quality of the game.

Load times, particularly on the PS5, are significantly reduced, providing a seamless transition between locations, which is rare for open-world games of this scale.

Alt: Jin Sakai riding his horse through a forest in Iki Island. The focus is on the environment's detail.

The PS5 version further elevates the experience with DualSense features like Adaptive Triggers and Haptic Feedback. These enhancements add another layer of immersion, allowing players to feel the tension of drawing a bow or the subtle vibrations of riding across different terrains. Cinematic cutscenes are rendered in real-time, improving lip-sync with the Japanese voice acting compared to the original release.

Alt: Jin Sakai standing on a cliff overlooking the ocean on Iki Island. The image showcases the game's visual fidelity.

Conclusion

Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island offers a compelling narrative interwoven with Jin’s personal journey, a richly detailed new environment to explore, and enhanced gameplay mechanics. While the price might be a consideration, the expansion delivers substantial content and a refined experience, especially on the PS5. For fans of the original, Iki Island provides a meaningful continuation of Jin’s story and a worthy return to Tsushima.