Death Stranding (PS4)

This is a hard thin plastic case that folds on its end to protects the DVD encased within it. The DVD disc contains organized information stored in a specific order that allows it to only be interpreted by a Sony Playstation series 4 gaming system. The information on the disc has been compiled by a physically and mentally stressed team of humans who compile information in the form of data read by computers. These human workers follow the direction of an artistic leader who orders them to write the data in a specific order. These humans are paid very little in comparison to the owners of the intellectual property. This is the way the world works.

Beautiful Graphics. Pretty good voice acting. But lord, is it just dull at times. The story can be interesting and at least it's unique, but the gameplay is just a chore. This might not be a fair rating, as I never ending up beating the game. This being because of other games coming out that took priority. That being said, if a game doesn't take priority over others, doesn't that assess the quality of it? If the game was really THAT good, I shouldn't have been able to put it down! I think I played about 65% of the story. Eventually, I'll go back and replay the entire thing, I'm sure. If you can get it cheap, it's worth it. Full price? Hard pass.

Death Stranding is one the most bizarre and unconventional games I've ever played. The meat of the gameplay for Death Stranding is getting from point A to point B. Delivering a variety of packages that vary in weight and size. The list of tools you start of with is pretty basic but slowly expands as you get more and more useful equipment and expanding to new locations unlocks buildings that other players or yourself had built. Most of the enemies in the game are ones you need to avoid at all costs, combat in Death Stranding is greatly discouraged. Overall I really enjoyed my time with Death Stranding but some people might not like it.

I got this game 9 months after it was released. It was on sale and I wasn't sure if it was my type of game when it came out so I waited. After playing for a few hours I discovered its unique approach and its certainly an interesting experience which I definitely will be be playing more and exploring this world created by Kojima. I will say in my opinion this type of game is perhaps more enjoyable in small sessions as it can probably get tedious in long game sessions depending what your gaming style is. I'm glad I waited on it though. If its on sale definitely get it and try, you may discover its just your type of game after all.

As to be expected, Kojima made a very interesting game that has been polarizing the gaming community. Glorified delivery boy simulation or deep narrative on modern social and political constructs....or both....or neither. Open to interpretation to every person. However, in terms of game mechanics has a lot of detail put into it and a fair bit of strategy regarding how to organize packages for optimum balance and efficiency, prevent degradation of your packages, etc. Graphics are phenomenal. Huge world side. I'd recommend to someone looking for a beautiful game with a story that no-one (even Kojima) probably really understands but that is fun nonetheless.