Kojima pulled out a masterpiece but with missing elements. Death Stranding is unique in its universe, and though sometimes I feel the game pushes you a lot as a gamer, it does not fall of interest. Sam Porter Bridges, inheritor to a renowned organization, politically authoritative, and a legendary delivery guy, becomes a part of a mission to reconnect the world. It is little hard to digest in broken America infested by supernatural phenomena, you mostly try to deliver parcels.
The intriguing storyline and germane music maintain the balance well, with characters that pretend to be imperative. The game is about making safe deliveries, grabbing lost packages, and delivering them to their necessary points. It is a unique genre where patience is required until the game absorbs you. However, it is not like a standard game mechanism: you level up, fight stronger enemies, face the boss, win rewards, and enter the next chapter. It is all about delivery.
To an extent, Death Stranding stretches itself, and the focus shifts from the core fresh gameplay mechanism that every gamer wishes to see in a new title. Does it fall short, or is it the best game of the year? It relies entirely on audience feedback now.
Death Stranding is worth trying in terms of freshness, and if you are an action game lover, then there is a spot reserved for you. I found Sam Porter limited in terms of his existence in the game. He hardly has an ally who can help him to fly out of the danger zone to the delivery location. There is no concrete model to guide him where, as a gamer, I wish to overpower supernatural beings for a while. Death Stranding looks like a game stuck between a message and a video game.
Do I Love It?
I need time, after playing hours of games like the Division, Control, Breakpoint, Borderlands, Rage 2, Days Gone, MK11, etc Death Stranding was a refreshing summer break for me. It somehow tries to force you to stay in; Sam Porter is still a delivery person with DOOMs (some unique ability). Settling into the environment takes time. Later, after a few hours of carrying weight, falling on the ground, cutscenes, dreaming of a red lady, and eating bugs, Death Stranding goes more logically.
Death Stranding Likes system does not do any magic, I thought at first this could be a socially motivating but getting likes from other players for doing things does not affect me much. Kojima tried adding a simulation of social media inside a video game.
It is all about saving the world by reconnecting it, or there will be a crater. Don’t these sound like a metaphor? Death Stranding also has a robust multiplayer presence, where players can help each other complete everyday tasks like making bridges, roads, structures, etc. In short, we all build the world around us, but we cannot see them doing it. It’s like the hidden contribution done by players to make things right.
Will I play Death Stranding?
Why not, the game is worth to give a chance. It is challenging and wrong to expect a lot from Kojima; it is an attempt to do something different. Games, as we see, are the best, as they are filled with action and challenges. Let’s take an example of Control, a game where supernatural beings infest a building; there are puzzles, lots of shooting and boss fights, and magical powers you can use against enemies.
Death Stranding, on the other side, limits Sam to his physical abilities, which I see as an underpowered protagonist. This adds more to the extensive gameplay, stretching the activities to hours. I believe there has to be more than just making deliveries.
Per my two days of Death Stranding gameplay, I recommend this game if you are ready to transfer packages safely in a world of ghosts and robbers. Hours are consumed by traveling; there are vehicles, but they can break. You cannot outrun BTs; they can grab and pull you by the bike. Some more enormous bosses appear later.
I have a mixed review for Death Stranding, my expectation were high and to a point I found myself walking on the vast wilderness wondering what I am doing with my life. Because Death Stranding does not have a conclusion, this game is either too bright to figure out or too extensive to complete.
In terms of graphics, it is outstanding; in terms of excellent music and terms playing experience, it requires patience. I found Death Stranding a game ideal for spending a few hours every day. It is a game you can play for months without getting bored, not something you want to finish in a day or two.
Gamer’s Insight:
We pulled out a few friends to try out Death Stranding, and here is what they think about the game.
Pav6: A causal gamer who plays every weekend & emotionally attached to games.
It was tricky for me to figure out everything in Death Stranding; the Delivery Menu is cluttered with many things. At the end of delivery, likes are rewarded; as a player, I can like other players’ structures or signs. Death Stranding is an exciting plot. When I saw its preview long back, I had a lot of expectations for the game. But still, I will add this game to my library; a slow-paced game with an exciting plot is what I think will fit my decision.
Captaincouch: Captain of the couch, born to play games and an ardent writer.
The music is lit, the beginning is fantastic, and I enjoy this game. Death Stranding is different; it’s a game for people who want to relax and get immersed in a live movie. Anyone can play Death Stranding; it is practically not built for pros. A game with hidden secrets of life, I think Kojima wants us to teach how to work together—thumbs up for Death Stranding.
Verdict
Overall, Death Stranding is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of game, so it is worth giving a try. If you remember Detroit Become Human a game that focuses on narrative-based gameplay were only making choices matters. It was like being a part of a live movie, a tiff between humans and machines. It is a once-in-a-lifetime unique game that you will remember for years.
Death Stranding is something like that; you will not love it, nor can you hate it, but it is interesting enough to pull you to the ending. It tries to pour more in terms of unique gameplay. However, it would be excellent if there were certainties of more combat and smoother constructions, if extensive traveling could be compressed, and if players could pick standard objectives to unlock boss fights and rewards.
