Death Stranding: Director's Cut

 PC
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 147 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 112 out of 147
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 147
  3. Negative: 23 out of 147

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  1. Young_Fawn
    Jun 21, 2023
    9
    A True Masterpiece

    Death Stranding is, in my opinion, one of the greatest games ever made and I wish I'd given it the respect it deserves sooner. When Death Stranding was announced, I think I was in the same boat as a lot of people who had been following Hideo Kojima since more or less childhood. I was probably expecting something closer to MGS than anything else. When the game came    A True Masterpiece

    Death Stranding is, in my opinion, one of the greatest games ever made and I wish I'd given it the respect it deserves sooner.

    When Death Stranding was announced, I think I was in the same boat as a lot of people who had been following Hideo Kojima since more or less childhood. I was probably expecting something closer to MGS than anything else.
    When the game came out I was bitterly disappointed and did in fact jump on the bandwagon and very much used the idiotic "Walking Simulator" argument to speak badly about the game, this was when it came out in late 2019.

    I decided to give the game another go when the Director's Cut came out and decided to push the "MGS" mentality to the side and play the game for what it is and I was not disappointed.
    The world Kojima has made, despite being apocalyptic, does feel very lived in, going from place to place, delivering cargo that people -need- is rather rewarding. Old man needs strong painkillers, I've got you. Cosplayer needs a new sewing kit? I'm on my way, Chief, just hang on.

    The mechanics in the game are very interesting, with the multiplayer aspect also seamlessly transitioning into your every day gameplay is phenomenal. The community really comes together to build highways, shelters, private rooms and zip-lines all the way through; if everyone contributes, everyone has an easier time.

    I believe a lot of people had an issue with the amount of Cargo sometimes you need to carry from A to B and whilst, yes, this is an issue early on the game, before you get vehicles in abundance and floating carriers; once you're past that stage cargo becomes significantly easier to manage. Although I do think there is an argument to be had that it shouldn't take 6-8 hours to get to the point where it's no longer as harsh of an issue.

    The set pieces and the world itself is beautiful, from flats, to rocky mountains to snowy mountains, to swamps to grasslands, the world feels very real in terms of biomes and each one comes with its own set challenges to overcome and the pace of the game means that you're never really stuck in one biome for -too- long to the point where it begins to get tedious.

    The story isn't exactly the easiest to follow but it's not the hardest to follow either. For example, for those who have played Kojima games before, it's easier to follow than MGS2 Sons of Liberty but harder to follow than the likes of MGS3 Snake Eater. As long as you're paying attention and read through a few logs and emails, you should be fine. And what a story it is, very well crafted, very philosophical and overall just an enjoyable experience.

    Now the game is not without it's flaws. Despite me personally enjoying the gameplay loop of taking packages from A to B, I can understand why some people might find this tedious and unrewarding. There is also a point in the game, which I won't declare where, but one character starts banging on about lore to do with the Death Stranding from millions of years ago and in my opinion, the scene went on for -far- too long. I'm sure we're all familiar with the tedious cut-scenes which could have ended around 1/2 of the way through and the same goal would be accomplished. Sometimes I feel some of the lore that's spoken to you through dialogue would be quicker to read in a Log due to how it's delivered.

    There are also certain parts of the game where the game just tells you. "Figure out how to achieve goal." Type missions. Although this isn't necessarily a bad thing, you do find yourself doubting if the course of action you're taking, or about to take, is the right one and you don't want to waste your time. Especially if it involves potentially trekking back miles and miles only to find out that you were wrong and need to double back -again-.

    The upgrades and items you get for combat and travelling are in abundance, although I feel like it's fair to say you'll only use a handful of them and you'll tend to not want to try out certain ones because all it's going to do is take up more cargo space, I think they could've cut the fabricated items in half and still it would've been fine.

    The OST is one of the best soundtracks you'll find in any game, it really adds to the atmosphere of the game when you're just travelling from A to B and makes you feel a little less lonely and makes the journey a tad less tedious and more enjoyable, sometimes I even found myself not delivering until the song finished.

    Overall, Death Stranding is a masterpiece of a game, I can gladly hold my head high and say I was wrong about this game when it came out and after taking around 35 hours or so to complete it, I wish I could forget it and do it all again. The game is a 9/10 for me and everyone who appreciates games as an art form should definitely play this at some point to completion.

    As for you, Sam Porter, I hope to see you again in future games; and if not, thanks, it's been one hell of a journey.    … Expand
  2. iPauld
    Apr 1, 2022
    10
    One of my favourite games of all time now with extra content on PC,loving it!
    running it on an RTX 3050 at all max settings with DLSS On and it looks truly beautiful!
    highly recommend this
    sidenote:if you have a PS5 DualSense controller the game now has haptic feedback and adaptive triggers which enhance the gaming experience greatly!
  3. Ajenjo33
    Sep 4, 2022
    5
    A misunderstood masterpiece ahead of its time, it would take at least 30 years for an individual to be born who can appreciate the biggest waste of money in video game history.
  4. rezo_21
    Apr 28, 2022
    7
    ====================IIIIIIIIII GAME SCORE : 72 IIIIIIIIII====================
  5. Sierra_1804
    Apr 25, 2022
    10
    Notwithstanding the incredibly divisive reviews I've seen so far, I've now completed the game of my own volition and, in my personal experience and opinion, I love the game. I found the story line to be especially engaging. I will admit, I did feel more like a fly on the wall in an interactive film, but I didn't mind it.

    Sure, some of the traversal stuff can be a bit tedious but I found    Notwithstanding the incredibly divisive reviews I've seen so far, I've now completed the game of my own volition and, in my personal experience and opinion, I love the game. I found the story line to be especially engaging. I will admit, I did feel more like a fly on the wall in an interactive film, but I didn't mind it.

    Sure, some of the traversal stuff can be a bit tedious but I found the general atmosphere and scenery to be very pleasing and soothing. The tension and stress levels were appropriate when encountering BTs.

    The biggest thing for me was the genuine emotional investment and attachment to the characters. Without going into spoilers, I've only ever shed a tear twice in my life for a game and both times were playing Death Stranding. Some of the plot lines are legitimately gut-wrenchingly emotionally charged, and I didn't expect that from this game. It's my first Kojima game as well; thoroughly impressed by the vivid and engaging story telling. The only negatives for me was one character in particular (I won't mention here to avoid spoilers) annoying the living hell out of me at every conceivable point to make extremely dull or unhelpful comments regarding the plotline or jobs. This may come down to the game difficulty (mine was set to easy - full disclosure), and in-game tips being set to maximum. Either way, you'll know who I'm talking about when you get going.

    In terms of mechanics, I love the whole traversal methodology. The challenge in finding the quickest/safest/most-efficient path to an objective was a fun experience. I also found use for many game mechanics I thought I wouldn't use (that's usually the case in games with a lot of features/mechanics). It's worth mentioning that the game has its fair share of bugs (i.e., truck handling was either way nerfed to be unusable at times, even at low speed and over mild terrain, or overlooked in terms of development/programming). Nothing deal-breaking - but it was frustrating at times. Overall, I found the mechanics to be fun.

    Finally, I found the asynchronous multiplayer system to be oddly satisfying. The fact that any input I have into the world has a direct impact on other player's experiences (for the better or for the worse) was really empowering. I actually felt compelled to complete highways despite the fact I would never use them; place ladders and climbing anchors even though I can get by fine without them. Everything felt like it was for a bigger purpose and I enjoyed every step.

    All-in-all, this is my personal favourite game of late. My 10/10 is from the heart - I truly enjoyed this game. Whether you will is completely different; I can appreciate that it's not for everyone. I definitely recommend giving it a go and putting the time in. Again, solid 10/10 from me. :)    … Expand
  6. DanielDec
    Oct 19, 2022
    0
    Что за бред я играл? Прошёл первую главу и вторую уже осилить не смог из-за бреда в сюжете.
  7. PanteraHouse
    Jun 25, 2022
    10
    SO much more than a walking simulator. There's more going on in this game than most AAA titles out there. Once you really understand what you're doing in the world it becomes addictive, truly one of the most unique games I've ever played
  8. Kunray
    Jun 16, 2022
    10
    Overall, I really liked the look, the atmosphere, and the story behind.
    This is beautiful!
    I recommend giving it a try.
  9. buzzyman
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Just a unique game. A very unusual gaming experience. I want to return to this world again and again. It is important to understand that if you play on a PC, be sure to use a gamepad, some of the sensations are lost with the keyboard!
  10. derdrm
    Jun 16, 2022
    9
    The game definitely deserves its place among the top games of recent years. we really need more unconventional gameplay designs in AAA games.
    DS shows that an open-world game can be about exploration and the journey, not to only about lootnshooting.
    Give DS a try if you are fed up with cliche gameplay.
  11. S3XU4LH34L1NG
    Nov 5, 2022
    10
    Kojima is a fkin genious. This game has everything: story, tension, deep deep gameplay, a connected online community, next gen insane graphics. I kinda cant believe what this man achieved on his own. Its an experience i can recommend to anyone who's looking for a deep and relaxing experience.
  12. FirstSpawn
    Jul 23, 2022
    8
    Игра со своеобразным, но интересным и атмосферным сюжетом. Очень подойдёт для тех, кто любит неспешный-плавный геймплей, поразмыслить и любоваться природным ландшафтом.
  13. Richard_dias
    Aug 14, 2023
    9
    More like Easy Mode's Cut. Travelling the mountains with no roads made me a stronger man, and I feel like some of the resources is this versions can make people softer than they should be - anyway, all jokes aside, I really like Death Stranding and I think this version can be a better option for those who may want an easier experience, if just by a little bit. The races are really fun too!More like Easy Mode's Cut. Travelling the mountains with no roads made me a stronger man, and I feel like some of the resources is this versions can make people softer than they should be - anyway, all jokes aside, I really like Death Stranding and I think this version can be a better option for those who may want an easier experience, if just by a little bit. The races are really fun too! As the original game, I think it is a solid 9/10.… Expand
  14. Vlad223e
    Jan 10, 2023
    10
    Топ игра за свои деньги! Настоящие искусство!!!
  15. NyanFish
    Nov 22, 2022
    10
    Ну чё даже курьеры бывают избранными А так то была бы идеальная игра если бы вырезать все скучные "медитативные" доставки, дрочку на младенцевзародышевэмбрионов и пуповины
    А ещё в Мёртвом космосе женщина просила сделать их едиными и чё из этого вышло? Совпадение?????????
    upd. Когда написал это во время титров, а в итоге ещё час смотрел кинцо по объяснению сюжета, как мило, спасибо, сам    Ну чё даже курьеры бывают избранными А так то была бы идеальная игра если бы вырезать все скучные "медитативные" доставки, дрочку на младенцевзародышевэмбрионов и пуповины
    А ещё в Мёртвом космосе женщина просила сделать их едиными и чё из этого вышло? Совпадение?????????
    upd. Когда написал это во время титров, а в итоге ещё час смотрел кинцо по объяснению сюжета, как мило, спасибо, сам бы НИКОГДА не догадался    … Expand
  16. Pembroke_Watts
    Feb 10, 2023
    10
    Before playing Death Stranding, most of the opinions I had heard about the game were negative, but it quickly became one of my favorite games of all time. The gameplay is like no other game. Overall, I would say the closest thing I can compare it to are open-world survival games, but it is still quite different. Your goal is to deliver packages, and at first, your only option is walkingBefore playing Death Stranding, most of the opinions I had heard about the game were negative, but it quickly became one of my favorite games of all time. The gameplay is like no other game. Overall, I would say the closest thing I can compare it to are open-world survival games, but it is still quite different. Your goal is to deliver packages, and at first, your only option is walking over extremely rough terrain, where a misstep can send you rolling down a hill, destroying your packages. However, as you progress, you unlock more options, like structures, vehicles, or tools that make traversing easier. At the same time, you also have to make more and larger deliveries, over bigger areas. Furthermore, as you progress through games, structures from other players will start to appear, which adds a great social aspect to the game. The game also has an incredible soundtrack and story.… Expand
  17. Asspull
    Dec 13, 2022
    7
    the story wasn't too much attractive , I just deliver things place to place again and again . I can say I didn't enjoy this game ,maybe I am playing solo . but partly the story is logically reasonable . when the BT boss show out , the atmosphere is good . personally I don't like the "songs" . I supposed there should be no vocal . song and BGM are both music but different . oh yes ,watchthe story wasn't too much attractive , I just deliver things place to place again and again . I can say I didn't enjoy this game ,maybe I am playing solo . but partly the story is logically reasonable . when the BT boss show out , the atmosphere is good . personally I don't like the "songs" . I supposed there should be no vocal . song and BGM are both music but different . oh yes ,watch him shower ,uncle sam is hot .… Expand
  18. Oskad
    Apr 6, 2023
    2
    this IS a FedEx simulator

    Game has convinced me you're out to deliver a fragile package 1 day shipping.

    Yeah dude you can pretend all you want but this is a mailing simulator.
  19. Pielie
    Jan 31, 2023
    2
    Would rather watch paint dry. Good graphics and that's the 2 score. Game is extremely boring.
    In essence you are like a drunk postman carrying parcels around tripping and falling all over the show, Whoopee!
  20. TURBO0-0
    Aug 20, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Хорошая игра но не шедевр.
    Графика.
    Приятная но не выделяется на фоне других игр. 8/10
    Отдельно хочу отметить, что у меня были иногда беда с цветами иногда. Всё уходило в красно-оранжевые тона.
    Физика ходьбы.
    Физика ходьбы хорошая, чувствуется тяжесть чемоданов. Но когда упираешься в преграды, то Сэм пытается идти или упасть в стену. Ещё на канатах иногда Сэм тупит в какую сторону лезть. 8,5/10
    Физика транспорта.
    Очень плохо. Особенно мотоцикл. Транспорт всегда упирается в кочке и застревает в них (машина реже застревает). И с этим ничего не сделать. Если прыгать то ничего не происходит. Остаётся только ждать несколько секунд пока транспорт пройдёт через преграду. 3/10
    Сюжет.
    Я его наверное не понял. Либо Кодзима не гений. В конце типо выбор, что стрелять или не стрелять, а стрелять не дают. Пули насквозь проходят. И это так должно быть. Потому что потому. Также я не понял восторжения от Клиффа. Что в нём такого я не понял. А так сюжет хороший, интересно следить, но как по мне перед финалом чуть даёт слабину. 7,5/10
    Интерфейс.
    Очень интересный и красивый. Первые 3 часа он был сложен для меня но потом я втянулся. 8,5/10
    Общее.
    Без онлайн построек проходить это было бы страшной затеей. Ибо иногда можно ахуть от ландшафтов и возможного количества скалолазных принадлежностей. Да и в принципе без онлайн построек, знаков, голограмм мир казался бы излишне мёртвым.    … Expand
  21. samuraj
    Aug 24, 2022
    9
    Потрясающе красивый мир и детализация даже самых незначительных фрагментов текстур. Эта музыка в совокупности с пейзажами так завораживает. Первое впечатление могу описать так-"это прекрасно, почему я раньше не знал об этой игре?" и намотав 34 часа доставки я остаюсь того же мнения. Багов не видел от слова совсем. Сюжет..ну такое, возможно я просто не вдумывался в него полностью потому чтоПотрясающе красивый мир и детализация даже самых незначительных фрагментов текстур. Эта музыка в совокупности с пейзажами так завораживает. Первое впечатление могу описать так-"это прекрасно, почему я раньше не знал об этой игре?" и намотав 34 часа доставки я остаюсь того же мнения. Багов не видел от слова совсем. Сюжет..ну такое, возможно я просто не вдумывался в него полностью потому что полностью ушел в доставку, а возможно он меня сразу не зацепил поэтому за это не + и не - не могу судить. Атмосфера игры ее физика и механика до сих пор не отпускают меня.
    Единственный минус это использование предметов(на Pc) возможно я плохо разобрался или все же недоработка но во время сражения работает не правильно, не могу сказать что и как именно просто своего рода видение механики боевки (глупо звучит знаю)
    в остальном большое спасибо разработчикам за то что деньги которые я потратил на игру ушли не в черную дыру, которая забагала, а в прекрасный шедевр!    … Expand
  22. draider23
    Aug 29, 2022
    10
    Dentro de todo, una aventura filosófica. Es excelente si bien hubo cosas que me sacaron de onda, por ejemplo la pelea contra Higgs que parecía la batalla entre solid snake y liquid ocelot en el MGSIV. Luego de esa pelea, algún que otro diálogo que lo sentí fuera de lugar, como la referencia a Mario. Pero más allá de eso, es excelente y merece más amor del que le dieron.
  23. Flyk3
    Aug 27, 2023
    10
    For me, an absolute masterpiece. 3 years after I played through the main game, the Directors Cut takes me back and it feels like coming home.
  24. martinezdm92
    Sep 26, 2022
    10
    This game is an absolute masterpiece. The environment, the characters and the second to none soundtrack will all astonish its audience.
  25. jmkoukkari
    Oct 2, 2022
    10
    Simply amazing, perfect game! I don't understand hatred at all. In this category game i just a jewel. Don't miss it!!!
  26. Amitamit
    Dec 5, 2022
    10
    An easy , the game is so charming , the universe as a whole , I really love the in your face names of characters like heartman ect, the game can be somtimes boring , but not for so long , A MUST PLAY IF YOU LIKE SI FI MOVIES (it has such a good universe)
  27. R3TROR
    Feb 1, 2023
    10
    One of the, if not, the best game I’ve played. Hideo Kojima’s genius shines bright with this game, and for those who say “walking simulator”, please go back to playing TDM on the same old re-release of some shooter game which has had no innovation in the past 15 years or something.

    This is one of the few games I own that I give a 10 on, this is why; -Great casting -Excellent Acting    One of the, if not, the best game I’ve played. Hideo Kojima’s genius shines bright with this game, and for those who say “walking simulator”, please go back to playing TDM on the same old re-release of some shooter game which has had no innovation in the past 15 years or something.

    This is one of the few games I own that I give a 10 on, this is why;
    -Great casting
    -Excellent Acting
    -Beautiful textures/landscapes based off Iceland (Cool right?)
    -Freedom to deliver however the hell you want
    -Great horror aspects
    -Plenty of Easter eggs to find -Also has Asynchronous online play, like Dark Souls.
    -FANTASTIC story

    I wont say much else because I don’t want to spoil the game, but I warn you. When you boot this game up for the story you need to be LOCKED IN. Pay attention, you wouldn’t just skip thru a really good book, right? Best played on controller, I recommend Sony’s Dualsense controller. Trigger haptics go brrrrr 10/10 I’ll be playing it until DS2 buy it bye    … Expand
  28. realWhiteMan
    Feb 3, 2023
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My rating is based on my impressions of the game. This is not an objective review. I play quite a big number of titles per year and decided to review them as a peace of art and not as a product.… Expand
  29. Reviewer13
    Feb 5, 2023
    0
    A truly remarkable game in terms of its presentation and originality. The gameplay was very tedious at times and the story was very Kojima. Weird and wonderful in equal amounts and certainly an experience worth taking on.
  30. Shahin_em
    Mar 25, 2023
    10
    If you really know this director and are familiar with his game-making style, you will realize that this game is a masterpiec
  31. Luifilth
    Jul 11, 2023
    10
    Jogo excelente, bom enredo, mas um pouco cansativo quanto ao seu tamanho, digo isso para quem quer platinar, principalmente no segundo mapa onde é preciso construir aquela maldita estrada, não acabava nunca, parecia uma eternidade, poderiam ter facilitado essa parte. Dizem que o jogo é online e que as "construções" são divididas entre os jogadores, ou seja, cada um deve ajudar com umJogo excelente, bom enredo, mas um pouco cansativo quanto ao seu tamanho, digo isso para quem quer platinar, principalmente no segundo mapa onde é preciso construir aquela maldita estrada, não acabava nunca, parecia uma eternidade, poderiam ter facilitado essa parte. Dizem que o jogo é online e que as "construções" são divididas entre os jogadores, ou seja, cada um deve ajudar com um pouco. Não sei se quando joguei não havia muitas pessoas jogando ou se era para ser assim mesmo, mas quanto a construção da estrada, tive que fazer no mínimo 95% dela, se isso era para ser um jogo online compartilhado nesse ponto eu não senti isso, apenas com as outras construções, com os veículos e algumas outras coisas. Continuando, adorei as varias bugigangas que podem ser construidas, a ideia é bem bacana, as armas, os veículos.... as trilhas sonoras quando aparecem, são em sua maioria boas, mas tem algumas ruins. O combate não é desafiador, mas também não é péssimo. Uma ideia estranha e ao mesmo tempo corajosa. Gostei muito, mas acredito que não vá jogar novamente puramente pelo seu tamanho, coisas extensas demais começam a me cansar e quase desisti do jogo por causa disso. Mas continuei e não me arrependi, se jogo novamente, afirmo que não, prefiro ficar com a lembrança de ter jogado pelo menos uma vez.… Expand
  32. yoloozoo
    Jul 28, 2023
    9
    意料之外得到的遊戲。
    有時間靜下心玩的話沉浸感很好。
    從一開始的舉步維艱到後面工具與設施到手的方便。 從一開始的不被信任到後面的身負重任。 建的設施幫助到人，或是被其他人幫助。 幫助使我開心，被幫助我感到感激。 玩遊戲不就是為了參與故事、體驗故事，滿足一些成就感嗎? BGM的切入更是讓氛圍加分。 扣1分是因為這遊戲實在太看個性，不適合所有人。 對了，寶寶很可愛。    意料之外得到的遊戲。
    有時間靜下心玩的話沉浸感很好。
    從一開始的舉步維艱到後面工具與設施到手的方便。
    從一開始的不被信任到後面的身負重任。
    建的設施幫助到人，或是被其他人幫助。
    幫助使我開心，被幫助我感到感激。
    玩遊戲不就是為了參與故事、體驗故事，滿足一些成就感嗎?
    BGM的切入更是讓氛圍加分。
    扣1分是因為這遊戲實在太看個性，不適合所有人。

    對了，寶寶很可愛。

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best PC Game of 2022
75
#75 Most Discussed PC Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Hey Poor Player
    Apr 24, 2022
    80
    In a world full of pandering pablum and endlessly milked franchises, it’s extraordinary for a big-budget game to be so daringly different. Death Stranding: Director’s Cut doesn’t just re-invent the wheel, it re-invents the whole cart, and that’s why the definitive edition of Hideo Kojima’s opus is well worth playing.
    Read full review
  2. GameStar
    Apr 21, 2022
    83
    A less onerous version of the courier epic with some useful innovations for novices, not quite as sweet to experts.
    Read full review
  3. GamingTrend
    Apr 19, 2022
    80
    Death Stranding: Director's Cut provides the best Strand experience without changing too much. This version offers new content and features making an overall good experience even better.
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