Death Stranding

Say what you want about Death Stranding, it's easily one of the most adventurous and daring games of the decade.

It's not perfect, it's not straight to the point, it's a tad frustrating at times, but it's 100% Hideo Kojima.

Norman Reedus/10

I'm playing video games since the 80s, grew up with sonic, played super mario 64 like crazy and was hooked with my first PlayStation and the first Tomb Raider, Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Video games, like music and movies, have always been an important part in my life. But with almost everything in life nothing lasts forever, and years ago I reached a point where nothing felt worth it anymore to play. It's not that I didn't feel the urge to play, but there was nothing satisfying out there. And then came Dark Souls and Bloodborne. It was all I've ever wanted but never could have imagined such a concept and gameplay. Well, with death stranding I'm feeling very much like when I discovered the soulsborne games. It's just one step ahead in every matter. Of course the graphics are pretty awesome, but what really flashed me was the gameplay. In all those years I've never got anything even close to that experience. It's only my opinion, but this game has next level mechanics, incredibly precise, you just feel every step and move. That's why it's so entertaining to just get with your cargo through an area and you piss yourself when the BTs or Mules are coming. Because it's not just running away like in every other game. It's like running away irl, where you have to consider every obstacle. It's goosebumps when the enemy is literally flying above you and you have to press R1 to hold your breath, move slowly forwards but consider the balance of your cargo, take care of your BB and think where is a good point to inhale again. And please quick, because the TimeFall is ruining your equipment. There is no other game like this.

Like many I was on the fence about this game, i always liked the medal gear games even though I was never a die hard fan. Nevertheless I've always respected Kojima and I wanted to try the game but I heard people calling it a "walking simulator" and seeing more gameplay I was starting to get put off by the game. I'm the type of person who likes to go out of their comfort zone so I picked it up I'm about 30 hrs In and I'm loving it so far. I understand why some people think it's boring but for me it was like a breath fresh air it's like something you've never played before. If you're the type of player who likes long thought provoking games this is for you.

Death Stranding excels in more ways than one, while also being too obnoxious and repetitive at times. Particularly the gameplay. The loop at a certain point will become extremely annoying, you'll be praying for a perhaps future patched in fast travel system. But then again, walking through a scenic landscape while planning out your route and cargo, with Low Roar playing in the background is something else. There is so much fun to be had here. The first 20 or so hours for me were addicting. I was hooked to the cinematics and the wonderful gameplay dynamic. Always at awe looking at the world from atop a mountain. The visuals never got old. Add to that the walking mechanics themselves are so very well done. Balancing system to most might seem useless, but it adds a whole new dimension of tension into the game. You'll be constantly scanning areas and judging if you can make that leap or climb that slope. If you can cross that stream or just walk a few more meters to your nearest propped ladder or opening. While your bike climb that? Can your truck vroom over that rock. So many things to do with this simple gameplay loop, that it becomes engrossing aswell as addicting.

It's a shame to see 0-1/10 reviews by other people. A 0 or 1, heck anything below a 5 signifies an incomplete, absolutely broken and unplayable product, which Death Stranding is not. That title belongs to road of redemption or big rigs.

This might be the most polished game on the planet. There is so much fun to have here.

The narrative is intriguing and compelling. Be it a little convoluted, but its coherent nonetheless. If you keep up with the emails, the story unfolds pretty well without any hiccups. I have seen people ask questions about the story thatve already been answered via the main story and most through the emails. They explain terminologies for most words. So be sure to check your archives when you have the time.

Overall. GOTY 2019. Even after finishing the game, I want to go back to that beautiful world. Those fantastic characters, BB (special attachment I can never forget).

In a weeks time, the empty world will be populated with player built structures. So you can expect the tedious gameplay loop to become far less tedious.

Death stranding is a creative game with great actors and a great story. I love the gameplay it's different from other games these days. It's beautiful to look at the landscape of the world. It's unlike anything you played before.