For a long time now, Death Stranding has been highly anticipated. No one really knew what the plot would be. Developer Kojima Productions always has something wild in store. If you’ve followed any other games then you know what type of crazy you’re in for.
From the basics of what is known about the game going in, Death Stranding starts with the Earth being destroyed. Sam is mostly the only hope for putting everything back together. The “Death Stranding” event caused creatures called “BTs.” These creatures are invisible and they cause explosions and do a lot of other damage, aging and deteriorating everything around them. Bridges, people that willing go out to deal with the BTs and more, get supplies to the colonies. That strange baby? They allow people to sense when BTs are near. Sam will cover what remains of America and possible discover his own connection to these strange events.
From the moment the game started, it was clear that things were going to be different. Luckily the environment of the game is amazing to look at and is very seamless. The world doesn’t seem too post-apocalyptic until you begin. A quick button tutorial pops up making it easy to pick up items and get going. The rain in Death Stranding too has been nice to hear, but the rain is also deadly. The rain is called “Timefall” and ages anything it touches, so the outfits are supposed to help all of that. At first things start out pretty slow.
If you’re willing to hang in there and follow the madness that is a Kojima game, then things pick up. With every turn of the camera the scene gets pretty intense. So far, Death Stranding has my attention and has me falling into the plot. The suspense of getting caught by one of these invisible BTs is crazy. They are not the only threat. Former Bridges want to steal what you have and deliver it themselves. Once supplies are delivered, you receive virtual likes that can be used for upgrading. If you don’t get the symbolism, you will drown in explanation. Just ask Deadman.
One of the downsides that can be seen here however is the open environment and pacing. Death Stranding has been in some ways, compared to a walking simulator. So if you enjoy that type of openness then this will be a good thing. Be prepared that the first few hours are basically a tutorial. Yes, I said hours. Death does not end the game, but it will cause a major change to the environment that you have to deal with. Once something that should have taken minutes suddenly tripled in time.
Controlling Sam (Norman Reedus) is mostly simple but you can control both the left and right hand. This affects balance which gets tricky if you are trying to slow down, not fall, and not run into the BTs. Different areas mean some areas are easier to cross then others. You have to balance so you don’t lose everything. Balance is the name of the game here, no shooting. Death Stranding is strange because it is hard to nail down what genre the game fits into. Perhaps it is a new one. Kojima has created ones before.
Overall, there is still much of the game to be explored but the slow pace at first can be overcome. For anyone following the game, at least give it a shot. I think many people will end up enjoying the experience that is Death Stranding.
8/10
Available on PS4 and PC.
http://www.kojimaproductions.jp/en/death_stranding.html
