Death Stranding

The pros - the game play. I loved it and even despite it being the low point of the game to some, I really enjoyed the gameplay. I had a fun time making deliveries and traversing the world as well as the combat which is challenging but rewarding. A mini spoiler, the last few episodes of the game have boss fights - a nice inclusion. I didn't find the gameplay to ever be boring but maybe that's because I loved how original and fresh it felt. Majority of my rating goes there.

The con - the story and the length of the campaign. I'm not exactly sure what the hell I went through in a mind boggle of a story. I'm sure there is some deep meaning but I found it incredibly boring after a while. It all went on for far too long and the dialogue becomes an absolute buzz kill. There is some great performances and I really liked the main character Sam but they really stretched the story for way too long. I didn't find the story intriguing, rather I just saw it as some massive art piece that is meant for a certain crowd of people.

The game play, and the help with online structures is awesome, but the story and campaign got old for me and it's run time is a tad too long.

Death Stranding (5 out of 5 stars).

Death Stranding is a breathtaking, amazing, and is a great storytelling game from Hideo Kojima. I loved the first few Metal Gear Solid games excluding the fifth one. Death Stranding could be the start of a new franchise with its gameplay, storytelling, and incredible visuals. The game is amazing. Action fans or gamers with a short attention span may not enjoy it as much. The game does require patience cause it does have a slow moving gameplay and story for the first half of the plot. It is not a bad thing. I loved the slow building story that takes place in an apocalyptic world where civilization has collapsed. And people are living underground in a post stations. While they are cut off from the rest of everyone.

The plot follows Sam (Norman Reedus) who is a porter. A delivery guy who carries packages to other stations. Trying to reconnect the United Cities of America. Hoping they can rebuild civilization again. While he faces against BT's which are the dead from a different afterlife dimension that is trying to wreck havoc if you run into them. Or running into terrorists or bad guys known as mules. The plot is great. It does have a complex storytelling. Which may be confusing at first with a lot to take in. It is a 60 hour plus game which will eventually explain and have plenty of time to develop the story. There are surprises and twists which is emotionally satisfying. The game does have an emotional theme which you can relate to the characters.

The gameplay does require patience. The first half of the game may be repetitive with the delivery orders of going back and forth in a large open world map. Where you may have to walk and climb up mountains. Trying to avoid BTs. If you take your time. It will grow on you. I loved it. The setting and the visuals are beautifully done with the landscapes of the apocalyptic world. I also did some side orders just for fun cause I was enjoying the landscape. You have gear to help you in your travels. Weapons to help face against Bts or bad guys. While trying to maintain a heavy load cargo on your back. And there are also vehicles that can help out as well. Eventually, there will be roads built which you can contribute online to other players to build roads, bridges, or have climbing anchors set.

The cast ensemble is great. Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Lea Seydoux, Margaret Qualley, Troy Baker, and Lindsay Wagner motion voice capture and they all did great. Evan Guillermo del Toro had his likeness in it. The soundtrack and music score is amazing and great. Definitely, made one of the best post apocalyptic games.

The controls are easy to handle. Took a little while to get used too but it was easy to grasp. The game does pick up on action. And it does get you on the edge. The climax of the game was epic. And exciting.

The visuals is breathtaking and life like. It was hard to look away from this game. I would love to see more sequels. The story did have a good conclusion.

Overall, Death Stranding is one amazing game. One great epic storytelling. Awesome fun game play. And the story does leave a lasting taste after it is over.

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.