Gaming On A Projector: Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut

Ghost of Tsushima is arguably one of the best PS5 games out there, a sentiment echoed by its numerous awards and accolades. The Director's Cut, now available on PS5 and PC (Windows) via Steam and Epic Games Store, makes it even better with enhanced visuals and additional content that further immerses players in the world of feudal Japan. Jin Sakai's quest for vengeance is an unforgettable experience, even more so when played on a large projector screen.

The PS5 Director's Cut enhances the game's breathtaking visuals, making Tsushima Island and Iki Island feel larger than life. The vibrant colors and stunning details truly pop when projected onto a massive canvas, from the swaying pampas grass to the intricate details of Jin's armor. Every scene feels like a living painting, begging to be explored and admired, just as I explored and admired the real-life landscapes and historical sites during my recent vacation to Japan.

Visiting sites around Japan, including Tokyo and Kyoto, reignited my fascination with Japanese culture and history, prompting me to seek out this highly sought-after samurai epic. Having experienced the bustling streets of Tokyo and the serene temples of Kyoto firsthand, I was eager to dive into a virtual world that captured the beauty and spirit of feudal Japan. Ghost of Tsushima did not disappoint, garnering numerous awards, including:

• The Game Awards 2020: Best Art Direction, Player's Voice Award
• BAFTA Games Awards: Audio Achievement
• NAVGTR Awards: Game of the Year, Outstanding Art Direction, Period Influence, Outstanding Costume Design
• Golden Joystick Awards 2020: PlayStation Game of the Year
• 2021 GANG Awards: Best Cinematic Cutscene Audio
• 2021 Webby Awards: Best Music/Sound Design

Playing Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut on my 110-inch projector screen was a revelation. Jin Sakai, the game's protagonist, stood well over 43 inches tall in some scenes, his imposing presence dominating the virtual landscape. This larger-than-life scale significantly impacted my gameplay experience.

The addition of Japanese lip sync in the Director's Cut is a significant enhancement for Japanese players, providing a deeper sense of authenticity and connection to the characters and their stories. For those who prefer the original English voice acting, the lip sync remains excellent, as the game was initially developed with English performances in mind. This ensures that regardless of your language preference, the immersive experience is not compromised.

Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is more than just an upgrade; it's a testament to the power of visual storytelling and immersive gameplay. On a projector with a large screen, it becomes a truly unforgettable experience that transports you to a beautifully realized world.

Jin Sakai's quest for vengeance transcends platforms, thanks to the Director’s Cut now available on both PS5 and PC. This expanded availability allows samurai enthusiasts to embark on this epic journey regardless of their preferred gaming platform. The addition of cross-platform saves ensures seamless transitions between devices, making it easy to pick up where you left off whether you're at home or on the go.

Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, was released on August 19, 2021. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, it has captivated players with its immersive single-player campaign and the cooperative Legends mode, supporting up to four online players. The game's breathtaking visuals, captivating story, and exhilarating combat have garnered critical acclaim, offering a refreshing alternative for those seeking a break from sprawling open-world RPGs like "Baldur's Gate 3"—another amazing game you should check out.

Whether you're a seasoned Ghost of Tsushima player or a newcomer to Jin's journey, the Director's Cut invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty and brutality of feudal Japan.  The game's availability on multiple platforms, combined with its engaging gameplay and captivating narrative, ensures that Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut remains a must-play title for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure.

Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut for the PS5 is priced at $69.99. This premium edition comes packed with additional content to enhance Jin Sakai's journey, including:

• The base game: The complete Ghost of Tsushima experience, including the Iki Island expansion.
• Hero of Tsushima Skin Set: Cosmetic skins for Jin's armor, horse, and sword, inspired by his heroic deeds.
• Digital Mini Art Book: A collection of concept art and illustrations showcasing the beauty and detail of Tsushima.
• Director's Commentary: Behind-the-scenes insights from the developers, shedding light on the creative process.
• One Technique Point: An extra skill point to upgrade Jin's abilities early in the game.

Projector Utilized – BenQ X3100i

At Projector Reviews, I’ve had the opportunity to test BenQ's gaming projectors, the X3000i and TK700, which were provided for our "Best Games to Play on a Projector" feature. After extensively using the BenQ X3000i for over 755 hours and the BenQ TK700 for over 265 hours, primarily with my PS5, we have returned these projectors to BenQ. This thorough experience has provided valuable insights into gaming with projectors. Moving forward, I am now exploring gaming with BenQ’s new X3100i and look forward to continuing to share my gaming experiences with projectors. As of this review, I have clocked over 360 hours on the BenQ X3100i, I feel quite comfortable writing about my experiences using it for gaming.

BenQ's latest flagship console gaming projector, the BenQ X3100i, doesn't just outshine (pun intended) its predecessor, the X3000i; it practically blinds it with 3300 ANSI lumens compared to the X3000i's 3000. Priced at $2,399 as of the writing of this article, it delivers an impressive 4K resolution experience through its XPR  (eXpanded Pixel Resolution) technology, a concept well-explained on Projector Reviews' Projection Terms page.

The BenQ X3100i isn't just an incremental upgrade; it's a leap forward for gaming projectors. Building upon the solid foundation of its predecessor, the X3000i, this flagship model from BenQ's Immersive Gaming Series introduces significant advancements that redefine the large-screen gaming experience.

SettingXchange is a standout feature, enabling gamers to effortlessly download and share optimized projector settings created by professional gamers and enthusiasts alike. This unique feature eliminates the guesswork involved in calibrating your projector, allowing you to instantly experience Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, or any other game, through the eyes of seasoned pros.

The X3100i shines even brighter than its predecessor, boasting 3300 ANSI lumens, a 10% increase from the X3000i. This enhanced brightness ensures that Jin Sakai's journey across Tsushima Island remains vivid and captivating, even in rooms with moderate ambient light.

The addition of 1440p resolution at 120Hz is a game-changer for fast-paced action games like Ghost of Tsushima. The smooth frame rates and high-definition visuals create an incredibly immersive experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the intricate details of every environment and character.

Furthermore, the X3100i's expanded vertical lens shift and new fourth gaming mode, Racing Game / HDR Racing Game (RCG/HDR-RCG) demonstrate BenQ's commitment to providing gamers with unparalleled flexibility and customization options. The vertical lens shift ensures that you can achieve the perfect image alignment without sacrificing image quality, while the RCG/HDR-RCG mode optimizes the visuals for racing games, enhancing clarity, smoothness, and vibrancy with highlighted engine and road sounds.

As noted earlier, the X3100i offers four specialized gaming modes, each tailored to optimize visuals and performance according to different game genres. Whether it's a high-speed shooter or a visually detailed RPG, these modes adjust the projector’s settings to suit the specific demands of each game type.

1. FPS (First-Person Shooter): Optimized for fast-paced action and enhanced visibility in dark areas.
2. RPG (Role-Playing Game): Enhances color vibrancy and detail for immersive world exploration.
3. SPG (Sports Game): Tuned for smooth motion handling and realistic skin tones for sports enthusiasts.
4. RCG/HDR-RCG (Racing Game / HDR Racing Game): Prioritizes clarity, smoothness, and vibrant colors to capture the speed and excitement of racing games with highlighted engine and road sounds.

The world of "Ghost of Tsushima" is renowned for its stunning visuals, and experiencing it with HDR technology on a projector screen elevates its beauty to a new level. HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances detail and the color spectrum, offering a more nuanced depiction of light and dark areas. This technology, championed by BenQ's proprietary HDR-PRO in their projectors, ensures the vibrant colors of Tsushima's landscapes and the intricate details of Jin's armor are faithfully reproduced. For gamers, this means experiencing "Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut" in its full cinematic glory, staying true to the creators' artistic vision.

HDR technology in video enhances detail and the color spectrum, offering a more nuanced depiction of light and dark areas in images. This feature has become increasingly vital for both media professionals and home entertainment enthusiasts. In this realm, BenQ has made significant strides with their proprietary HDR-PRO technology, designed to deliver projectors with accurate color and dynamic contrast. This technology is particularly relevant for gaming enthusiasts using projectors, as it allows them to experience games with cinematic quality, staying true to the creators' vision.

Playing Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut in 4K on my sprawling 110-inch projector screen was a visual feast for the eyes. The enhanced detail and clarity offered by 4K, especially noticeable at typical viewing distances, truly brought the game world to life, enriching the immersive experience with a level of realism and depth that was simply breathtaking.

While 4K provides a visually stunning experience, it's important to recognize that both 4K and 1440p have their place in gaming, each offering unique advantages depending on individual preferences and priorities. For some gamers, the trade-off for 4K's graphical fidelity is the potential for slightly lower frame rates, especially in fast-paced games like Ghost of Tsushima. That's why my family often opts for 1440p at 120Hz when we play ultra-fast games like Fortnite – the smoother gameplay and responsiveness outweigh the slight decrease in resolution.

However, the X3100i's impressive 16ms input lag in 4K at 60Hz, even for demanding games like Ghost of Tsushima, is noteworthy. This low lag rivals many standard flat-panel TVs, ensuring a responsive experience that satisfies even the most discerning gamer. It allowed me to effortlessly navigate the intense battles and swift action of Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut without any frustrating delays.

Ultimately, the choice between 4K and 1440p comes down to personal preference and the specific game being played. However, on a massive projector screen, the benefits of 4K's enhanced detail and image clarity become undeniable, elevating the visual experience to new heights.

The world of Tsushima isn't just a visual feast; it's an auditory masterpiece as well. From the clash of steel to the rustling of leaves, every sound plays a crucial role in immersing you in Jin Sakai's journey. BenQ's CinematicSound technology, with its Bongiovi DPS audio enhancement, takes this auditory experience to new heights, creating a 3D audio realm filled with depth and nuance. While not a replacement for a dedicated surround sound system, the X3100i's two 5-watt chamber speakers deliver surprisingly immersive spatial audio, allowing you to pinpoint the direction of approaching enemies or the subtle chirping of birds in the distance.

In Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, where the soundscape is as crucial as the visuals, a projector with excellent audio capabilities is essential. The game's dynamic range is vast, from the quiet whispers of the wind to the thunderous roars of Mongol warlords like Khotun Khan. The X3100i handles this range admirably, ensuring that every subtle detail and powerful crescendo is faithfully reproduced. The game's four audio modes further enhance the experience, allowing you to tailor the sound to your specific setup and preferences.

Whether you're sneaking through a bamboo forest, listening for the telltale creak of a floorboard, or charging into battle against a horde of Mongol warriors, the X3100i's audio capabilities ensure that you're fully immersed in the action. The subtle sounds of nature, the clash of swords, and the cries of your enemies all come together to create a symphony of sound that perfectly complements the stunning visuals on the big screen.

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut – Projector Gameplay

To fully immerse myself in the world of Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, I created a dedicated gaming setup that would truly showcase the game's cinematic qualities. My PlayStation 5 console was positioned alongside the BenQ X3100i projector, ready to transport me to feudal Japan. The expansive 110-inch (16:9) Screen Innovations Solo Pro 2 screen, with its Unity AT Pure White 1.3 gain material, provided the perfect canvas for Jin Sakai's epic journey.

This deliberate setup allowed me to focus solely on the gameplay and the projector's performance, minimizing any distractions. While I primarily embarked on this samurai adventure alone, the occasional presence of friends and family, drawn in by the captivating visuals and intense action, only served to amplify the experience, their shared gasps and cheers echoing the excitement of each pivotal moment.

Embarking on Jin Sakai's journey in Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is akin to discovering a hidden armory of skills and techniques.  Starting with the basics, you gradually unlock a vast array of combat stances, special abilities, and ghost weapons, each enhancing your prowess in unique ways. From the graceful Water Stance, effective against shielded foes, to the relentless Wind Stance, ideal for overwhelming swordsmen, the variety allows you to tailor your approach to each encounter, much like selecting the perfect loadout in other games.

The game's strategic depth unfolds as you face the Mongol invaders.  Whether you choose the path of the honorable samurai or embrace the shadows as the Ghost, every decision carries weight. The sprawling open world of Tsushima, rather than a series of timed missions, presents a myriad of opportunities and challenges, urging you to explore and adapt to the ever-changing landscape. Balancing stealth, direct confrontation, and the strategic use of your arsenal is key to survival and success, just as managing resources and prioritizing objectives are crucial in other strategic games.

In this sprawling samurai epic, the in-game map and the Guiding Wind emerge as indispensable tools, especially when projected onto a larger screen. The Guiding Wind, a mystical gust that directs you towards your objective, becomes your constant companion, whispering secrets and guiding your path, replacing the traditional mini-map.

The expansive map itself, filled with intricate details and hidden secrets, unfolds before you like a scroll, inviting you to chart your own course across Tsushima Island and Iki Island. On a 110-inch projector screen like I used (or bigger), the map transforms into a sprawling tapestry, allowing you to effortlessly pinpoint key locations and plan your next move.  Utilizing the map to its fullest not only enhances your combat effectiveness but also enriches your exploration of the world, uncovering its hidden secrets and treasures.  The world of Tsushima becomes your playground, and the map, your guide.

On my 110-inch projector screen, Jin Sakai commanded an imposing presence, standing well over 43 inches tall in some scenes. This larger-than-life scale significantly impacted my gameplay experience. The ability to clearly discern incoming attacks and enemy movements allowed for quicker reactions and more strategic decision-making. In a game where split-second timing can mean the difference between life and death, the advantages of a larger screen are undeniable.

The question for gamers is simple: Would you prefer your character to be mere inches tall, or would you rather they dominate the screen, measuring in feet instead of inches? While personal preferences vary, it's undeniable that a larger screen enhances immersion, making you feel more connected to the action and the world around you. If space allows, opting for a larger display can significantly elevate your gaming experience, particularly in immersive, action-packed titles like Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut.

The expansive visuals brought the breathtaking landscapes of Tsushima to life, immersing me further into the world and the story, much like how the bustling streets of Tokyo and the tranquil temples of Kyoto captivated my senses during my travels. It also provided a practical advantage, allowing for better observation of enemy movements and more effective strategic planning, skills that would have undoubtedly been useful in feudal Japan, but thankfully less so in modern times.

Gaming On A Projector: Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut Conclusion

Reliving my journey as Jin Sakai in Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut on a large projector screen mirrored the beauty and wonder I recently experienced while traveling through Tokyo and Kyoto. Much like those vibrant cities, this award-winning game masterfully blends a captivating narrative, stunning visuals, and a nuanced combat system that allows players to embody the way of the samurai or the stealth of the ghost. The diverse regions of Tsushima, each with its unique beauty and challenges, kept the gameplay engaging and immersive, reminiscent of the diverse experiences found across Japan.

While exploring Japan with my family, I was, of course, not battling Mongols or defending the island, but rather a wide-eyed tourist soaking in the rich history and culture. Though I did visit numerous temples and historical sites, witnessing firsthand where samurai would have been stationed and marveling at authentic armor and swords, my only battles were with jet lag and the occasional vending machine.

The experience of playing Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut on a large projector screen was nothing short of transformative.  The expansive canvas brought the world of Tsushima to life in a way a computer monitor, or television simply couldn't match.  The breathtaking landscapes, detailed character models, and visceral combat were all enhanced by the sheer scale of the projection.

Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is an exceptional title and experiencing it on a gaming projector like the BenQ X3100i takes it to another level, mirroring the heightened experience of exploring Japan firsthand. It serves as a testament to how a high-quality projector can elevate gameplay, transforming it into a truly immersive adventure. Whether you're drawn to action-adventure games with a rich narrative or simply seeking an experience that is both beautiful and engaging, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut on a projector with a large screen. It's a journey that will transport you, much like my own travels through Japan, and leave a lasting impression, though hopefully without the need for any real-life swordsmanship.