Death Stranding, brought to you by the imaginative Hideo Kojima, renowned for his immersive gameplay and cinematic presentation. What exactly is this game, and is it the right fit for you?
Death Stranding was initially released on November 8, 2019, by Kojima Productions for the PS4. Over time, it gained a dedicated following and a director's cut was released for the PS5. Now, after five years, a sequel titled Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is set to be launched in 2025. The question remains: What is Death Stranding, and is it worth getting?
First Impressions: Gameplay
The game begins with Sam on a delivery, riding his bike when he nearly slips due to the rain. It quickly becomes apparent that the rain is unusual and that invisible creatures surround you. Initially, the world is unfamiliar, but it is soon revealed to be an alternate America where technology has advanced alongside a peculiar new natural phenomenon. The game's controls are quite straightforward, and a brief tutorial guides you to complete the initial delivery. After completing it, you receive a delivery request specifically for you, Sam Porter.
The objective of the game is to link as many distribution centers as possible to a infrastructure known as the Chiral Network, which resembles the internet but utilizes a phenomenon called beaches that every living being appears to possess. As part of this objective, you are tasked with delivering items ranging from survival supplies, to gear and everyday essentials to various distribution centers and doomsday preppers residing on the outskirts of the cities. Each time you choose to accept an order, you have the opportunity to prepare for the journey. The more orders you complete, the more the network can be expanded and accessed, enabling you to acquire additional gear and weapons, thus making future journeys easier.
Pros and Cons
What makes this game remarkable is its adaptability for various types of players. The approach to handling each delivery is entirely up to the players. While there is no restriction on the number of deliveries you can undertake simultaneously, the chances of failing those deliveries or losing packages significantly increase. You must also take into account the terrain, weather, package weight, and most importantly the creatures known as BTs.
Sam Porter's blood possesses a distinctive trait that appears to damage the BTs. As you advance in the game, you receive various weapons that utilize Sam's blood to combat the BTs. However, excessive use of these weapons can lead to Sam fainting from blood loss. You also have access to a range of weapons, from lethal to non-lethal options for humans, since each human death can cause a BT explosion. These options compel players to think strategically and concentrate on their priorities. Whether choosing to charge in with guns blazing or stealthily maneuvering for safety, the diverse gear and equipment allow players to discover their preferred style.
A few aspects that might frustrate players include the game's slow pace. Even with vehicles, the speed of travel feels more like running compared to other games. Additionally, during battles, there's no easy way to evade attacks from BTs, as you constantly move back and forth or make slight jumps an a attempt to get away. Another issue is that even after gaining enough experience, most routes remain difficult to traverse, and there are limitations on what you can construct in the world. Lastly, players might dislike that despite fully preparing for encounters with human enemies and BTs, they often don't encounter any during long journeys, leading to a wish that they had taken more packages to deliver.
The Final Score: 4.3 out 5
Rating Score Card and Importance Value
Overall the game is stunningly beautiful with minimal frame drops. Its story and atmosphere keep you so immersed that you'll be surprised by how many hours you've spent playing. Despite its great gameplay, this game isn't for everyone. It essentially turns you into a delivery boy, and the slow pace might leave some players feeling bored after just ten minutes of walking. However, those who enjoy leisurely strolls and taking in the scenery may find the game more relaxing, as the liberty to discover the world inspires further exploration. If you choose to play, it's recommended to keep the online mode active, as you'll encounter signs from other players, helpful advice, warnings, and equipment that can make your journey easier. If you appreciate strong world-building, complete immersion, and don't mind slowing down to enjoy the beauty of nature, then this game is perfect for you.
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