When Does Death Stranding Get Good?
A very divisive game, Death Stranding scratches the itch for fan’s of Kojima’s games, with the unique premise and beautiful world. While some detractors call the game a walking simulator with an insane plot, new players will know within the first 5-10 hours if this is going to be a game you want to keep playing.
What Fans Say
Fans of Death Stranding often describe it as a revolutionary and artful experience that challenges the boundaries of traditional video games. They praise its world-building, breathtaking visuals, and the existential themes of loneliness, isolation, and interdependence. For many, the slow-paced, meditative gameplay is a refreshing departure from the usual action-heavy titles.
Kojima’s approach to community-building, where players indirectly help each other, is celebrated as a meaningful twist on multiplayer gaming, evoking a sense of camaraderie without direct interaction. The game’s star-studded cast, led by Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, and Léa Seydoux, also draws acclaim, particularly for their performances and the cinematic quality they bring to the narrative. Fans appreciate the depth and symbolism in Kojima’s storytelling, which provides a rich foundation for analysis and interpretation.
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What Haters Say
Conversely, Death Stranding has been divisive, with detractors arguing that the gameplay is tedious and lacking in excitement. The game’s primary mechanic, delivering packages across difficult terrain, has been labeled as a “walking simulator” by critics who find it repetitive and overly slow. For those seeking more action and conventional gameplay, the focus on logistics, terrain management, and survival elements comes across as mundane rather than engaging.
Additionally, Kojima’s intricate storytelling and philosophical musings, while appealing to fans, are criticized by some as pretentious or overly convoluted. Certain players also note that the lengthy cutscenes and detailed narrative slow down the pacing, making it harder to stay invested in the game. The lack of direct player interaction in the multiplayer system, while unique, can also leave some feeling disconnected from other players and the game world itself.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
Critics are as split on Death Stranding as its player base, with some praising its innovation and others questioning its appeal. Many reviews commend Kojima’s ambitious and unapologetically unique vision, with IGN describing it as “a bold journey” into new gaming territory. Critics highlight the impressive technical execution, particularly the graphics, atmospheric sound design, and use of the Decima Engine, which brings the eerie landscapes to life with stunning realism.
However, critics who lean more toward traditional game mechanics found the lack of action and the gameplay’s introspective pace difficult to appreciate. Polygon noted that while the game is impressive, it risks alienating players who expect more action-oriented or accessible gameplay. For those willing to embrace Kojima’s experimental approach, Death Stranding offers a meaningful and memorable experience. On Metacritic, Death Stranding maintains a positive rating but includes polarizing reviews, reflecting the wide range of perspectives on its unconventional design.
Death Stranding: In-Depth Overview
Death Stranding (2019) is an action-adventure game from Hideo Kojima, well-known for his Metal Gear series, marking his first independent project after leaving Konami. Set in a haunting, post-apocalyptic United States, the player controls Sam Porter Bridges, a courier tasked with reconnecting isolated colonies following an otherworldly event called the Death Stranding. The game combines eerie sci-fi elements with an intricate lore that includes invisible creatures known as “BTs,” unpredictable “Timefall” rain, and a catastrophic link between the world of the living and the dead.
Death Stranding is built on the concept of “strand gameplay” — a genre Kojima describes as collaborative rather than combative. Players manage deliveries, plan routes, and utilize tools like ladders and ropes while cooperating with other players in a non-direct way by leaving behind supplies, signs, or structures in the game world. The mechanics include carrying large quantities of cargo, dealing with rugged terrains, and fending off supernatural threats, making it more meditative than action-heavy. Kojima’s blend of cinema, game mechanics, and philosophical musings on connectivity provides a unique experience, but it’s one that challenges conventional expectations of gameplay.
Game Highlights
- Norman Reedus as Sam Porter Bridges: Reedus’s portrayal adds a gritty, grounded performance, resonating with players and contributing to the emotional depth of the journey.
- Innovative Multiplayer “Strand” System: The asynchronous multiplayer allows players to leave items and structures for others, encouraging a subtle form of teamwork.
- Environment and Music: The landscapes are hauntingly beautiful, and the soundtrack, featuring bands like Low Roar, enhances the sense of isolation and connection.
Similar Games
If you enjoy Death Stranding, these games offer similar themes or gameplay elements:
- The Last of Us Part II – Another story-driven game with strong narrative and emotional themes of survival, loss, and connection.
- Shadow of the Colossus – This classic features expansive landscapes and a minimalistic approach, encouraging reflection and exploration.
- Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain – Also created by Hideo Kojima, this game incorporates open-world exploration with stealth and complex storytelling.
- Journey – An abstract, meditative game with a minimalist multiplayer system that lets players assist each other in a more spiritual context.
- Control – A surreal action-adventure with supernatural elements, focused on unraveling a complex, immersive story.
If You Like These, You’ll Like Death Stranding
- Horizon Zero Dawn – The game’s open-world exploration and combat set in a visually stunning world make it a great choice for those who enjoy immersive atmospheres.
- Red Dead Redemption 2 – Offers a slower-paced experience with a focus on exploration and realism, set in a meticulously crafted open world.
- No Man’s Sky – With a focus on exploration and survival in various landscapes, this game appeals to those who enjoy meditative, open-world journeys.
- Outer Wilds – Known for its introspective storytelling and exploration-based gameplay, Outer Wilds offers a unique take on uncovering mysteries in a quiet universe.
Death Stranding stands as one of the most debated games of recent years, and whether players love or dislike it, the game undeniably challenges conventional expectations, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming landscape.