Death Stranding

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 18537 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13,013 out of 18537
  2. Mixed: 1,182 out of 18537
  3. Negative: 4,342 out of 18537
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  1. Malchy
    Nov 9, 2019
    9
    While certainly being revolutionary in the way the game connects other players, it certainly isn't for everyone. I personaly find great satisfaction in going from point A to B, while carefuly planning the most effective route and trying to avoid dangers, the systems are rather shallow and first 10-12 hours of the game have pacing issues, because you don't have access to better equipmentWhile certainly being revolutionary in the way the game connects other players, it certainly isn't for everyone. I personaly find great satisfaction in going from point A to B, while carefuly planning the most effective route and trying to avoid dangers, the systems are rather shallow and first 10-12 hours of the game have pacing issues, because you don't have access to better equipment that makes delivering goods easier.
    The world is bleak and depressingly empty which can detract many people as well, since the exploration isn't as rewarding as for example Legend of Zelda: BotW.
    If you're looking for deep gameplay and adrenaline driven experience, avoid by miles. The story and social features are worth it though.    … Expand
  2. UKVampire
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    Personally I am really enjoying Death Stranding. I do understand that it is not to everybody's style, however the ability to help other people out who you do not even meet appeals to me. The story is well told and has a fantastic cast of actors in it.
  3. phoenix0207
    Dec 2, 2019
    9
    Death Stranding is one of the most beautiful experiences you'll find in any entertainment medium. Yes, there is a lot of walking, but there's a purpose for the walking. If you want a game where you shoot someone every five seconds - this isn't for you. Death has a profound affect on the world of Death Stranding and its to be avoided at all costs. If you want a serene, haunting experienceDeath Stranding is one of the most beautiful experiences you'll find in any entertainment medium. Yes, there is a lot of walking, but there's a purpose for the walking. If you want a game where you shoot someone every five seconds - this isn't for you. Death has a profound affect on the world of Death Stranding and its to be avoided at all costs. If you want a serene, haunting experience about humanity and the value of life, this is precisely for you. The world is gorgeous and the characters are, for the most part, engaging. The third act is phenomenal along with the acting of Troy Baker and Tommie Earl Jenkins. Death Stranding currently sits alongside God of War as the game of the generation.… Expand
  4. CptAhnungslos
    Nov 20, 2019
    9
    I give this game 9 "Likes".
    Why not 10? The menus are the opposite of intuitive.
  5. bansheemaster
    Nov 9, 2019
    9
    It's fresh, it's engaging, and it's atmospheric. This isn't your usual fast paced shooter or adventure game you can knock out in a few hours and get a quick dopamine rush. This is a more slower paced and gradually rewarding game that hooks you with its incredible story, brilliant score, and mysterious lore. At first, I was bewildered that so many people called it "art" but after playingIt's fresh, it's engaging, and it's atmospheric. This isn't your usual fast paced shooter or adventure game you can knock out in a few hours and get a quick dopamine rush. This is a more slower paced and gradually rewarding game that hooks you with its incredible story, brilliant score, and mysterious lore. At first, I was bewildered that so many people called it "art" but after playing through 15 minutes, I could see why they think that. Is it? It really depends on you.

    Did you like Red Dead Redemption 2? Detroit Become Human? Alien Isolation? Alan Wake? If so, then you'll love Death Stranding. The only downside is the gameplay. It's a lot more simplistic but it's not entirely the Amazon Prime delivery game most people make it out to be. There's plenty of stealth, exploration, navigation, combat, and character customization to keep you entertained. It's not just a walking simulator, it's much more then that. Yes there are guns and bikes you can use to speed the process up but the game has an equal amounts of up's and down's to set a smoother pace. Most importantly, it's entertaining from start to finish.

    I should also note that there are a LOT of cutscenes so if you have ADHD, this might not be the game for you. This is a game for the patient gamers that I also believe the average gamer will enjoy just as long as they give it an honest chance. So sit down, enjoy the ride and try not to worry so much about the lack of RPG mechanics the game could have. Worry about the story and atmosphere that will quite possibly never be forgotten.    … Expand
  6. dpaudiophile
    Nov 10, 2019
    9
    As you should expect, people with short attention-spans aren't liking the game. screw them.

    If you like enduring travels on beautifully crafted and often dangerous terrain, an amazing story that gets better and better as you progress, but you don't mind a slower pace; which I believe makes everything much better, then get this game. I'm not giving it a 10/10 because the combat is    As you should expect, people with short attention-spans aren't liking the game. screw them.

    If you like enduring travels on beautifully crafted and often dangerous terrain, an amazing story that gets better and better as you progress, but you don't mind a slower pace; which I believe makes everything much better, then get this game.

    I'm not giving it a 10/10 because the combat is kinda meh, and a couple other things too, but they're so minor that it really doesn't matter or take away much from the entirety of this Death Stranding's greatness.    … Expand
  7. questerra
    Nov 8, 2019
    9
    Great game. In this yame i can finally relax and just deliver stuff. Just what i need. Thank you Hideo Kojima.
  8. Lunaheal
    Nov 8, 2019
    9
    One of the most intresting game i ever played. Setting and atmosphere feels really good, this is a masterpiece for years.
  9. deckhart
    Nov 9, 2019
    9
    This game is fine and the gameplay loop is interesting enough to keep me going back to it.
  10. qazibhai
    Nov 20, 2019
    9
    A masterpiece we don't deserve. Immersive, relaxing, easy going gameplay wise. The story is interesting enough to keep you hooked till the end to find out what happend. Great acting and soundtrack. Overall an amazing game well worth the hype around it. Only catch is that you have to take the game for what it is, don't expect a metal gear game with a different skin, this is something wayA masterpiece we don't deserve. Immersive, relaxing, easy going gameplay wise. The story is interesting enough to keep you hooked till the end to find out what happend. Great acting and soundtrack. Overall an amazing game well worth the hype around it. Only catch is that you have to take the game for what it is, don't expect a metal gear game with a different skin, this is something way more special and unique.… Expand
  11. natetheartist
    Nov 23, 2019
    9
    Death stranding is a unique story set in an intriguing world.
    You play as a deliveryman named Sam in a world plagued by the Death Stranding. The mixing of a world of death and our future. Travel and delivery are the main components of the game, which is really refreshing and interesting in a market full of shooters and brawlers. Lots of interesting vehicles, obstacles, and balancing    Death stranding is a unique story set in an intriguing world.
    You play as a deliveryman named Sam in a world plagued by the Death Stranding. The mixing of a world of death and our future. Travel and delivery are the main components of the game, which is really refreshing and interesting in a market full of shooters and brawlers. Lots of interesting vehicles, obstacles, and balancing mechanics keep things interesting while you trek across a harsh environment over underground bunkers. This game has a great storyline, beautiful visuals, clever gameplay, and a killer soundtrack.    … Expand
  12. db1MACHINE
    Nov 12, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. :: GAMING... STRANDED... ::

    I’m almost 40. First video game I ever played was Lander. I sucked at it. I’ve owned Segas, Nintendos, PlayStations, Xbox, Ataris, Acorn Electrons, Amigas, PCs, Handhelds etc. I’ve played Arvade exclusives and seen the birth of emulation. I got my backside digitally kicked in Unreal Tournament and was a part of the Halo revolution. I played Rainbow Six, the original, and am privileged to have seen the evolution of gaming in its entirety. I’m talking the evolution in games from Ridge Racer to Forza Horizon 4, Dark Seed to Dragon Age. Metal Gear to the Phantom Pain. Tomb Raider (Original) to the Last of us. As a combat veteran, and a first-responder, gaming is existential to my escapism. A therapy for everything that I have seen and done. And as of today, in 2019... I **** hate the vast majority gaming industry. The only renewed faith I have in this modern age are independent releases. Let’s fast forward to a more recent event in the purchase of HIDEO KOJIMA’S Death Stranding. Mixed reviews all round, I’ve seen. The IGN controversy, the meta critic used score. Whatever you’re looking for in a video game, the tiresome state of the industry is vacant in this game in EVERY SINGLE WAY. I was looking for a game that might change gaming culture the way Minecraft made me look at LEGO (and my own creativity). Death Stranding achieved that in about twenty hours. An epiphany... one that stopped me dead in my tracks. This is supposed to be a review and while I’ll skip over the technical, graphical and mechanical-“als”, the main thing I wanted to talk about was why Death Stranding made me fall in love with my PlayStation again. And fall in love with gaming; like playing through Mass Effect or KOTOR. THE GAME... wtf is up with it? I’m going to simplify it before complicating it. I’ve seen a ton of people try to explain this game simply and the best way to describe it is this. You’re basically a Special Forces Postman, with Robocop like tech. Seriously. I can hear Norman Reedus in my head saying; “Somewhere, a delivery is happening.” Set in a Dystopian United States of America, an event known as the Death Stranding tore apart the fabric separating life and death. Now the dead show up in the living world and the rain (Timefall) accelerates time. You play as Sam Porter Bridges, a loner who separated himself from the last bastion cities of this broken world and spends his time moving across the broken wasteland delivering packages and avoiding the ghouls known as BTs “Beached Things”. To avoid ALL spoilers, let’s just say that he’s compelled to make a journey from East-to-West, to connect all of the remaining cities in the US via a strange phenomena called the Chiral Network. In the way are package thieves (MULES), Terrorists and the Ghosts (BTs). But they’re only distractions, because the real challenge is the JOURNEY. Environmental issues like water, rocky areas, mountains, canyons, crevices, snow, rain (including the deadly timefall which turns metal to rust in minutes). People need you to get to them. Other players will place tech, ropes, ladders, bridges and structures to help you. Sharing resources is a must, and you’ll get help anonymously at every step. Because we’re all in this together. Everything you do, can help others playing the game. You can even take on tasks meant for them. THE TECHNICAL... it’s... complicated. Which is AWESOME. This game is all sorts of philosophical. It’s the FIGHT CLUB of the gaming platform. Compelling, utterly, during the telling of its story and filled with symbolism and subtleties that drive your compassion to save the game world. The physical control of Sam is realistic and uses every PS4 trick in the book to create interactivity. You can soothe the Bridge Baby (An ethereal fetus that you “link” with to detect the BTs), you can adjust balance by the triggers, and of course, what is a Kojima game without a TON of cool gadgets to play with; from weapons (lethal and non-lethal), vehicles, structural creations like zip lines, grenades and more... There’s a LOT of inventory shuffling since nothing is kept in a hidden bag you can’t see. The mechanics of placing everything onto (and into pouches) on Sam is impressive. With battery powered exo-suits and tactically deployed resting/charging spots, you can cover the VAST and challenging landscapes using tools and items left behind by other players. THE FUTURE... of gaming? Maybe. Maybe not. Death Stranding is the first game in a long time where I’ve been eager to isolate myself. The infrastructure of highways, bridges and buildings stopped me in my tracks when I realized that after walking back and forth from a delivery CHANGED the ground I’d walked on. Others walked that path too... I know... players “liked” the path I’d laid. In a world where every AAA game wants ALL of your money... Hideo wants you to explore. EVERYTHING.    … Expand
  13. UnoDtantos
    Nov 21, 2019
    9
    That's the way to create new types of games, and i appreciate that very much. How kwons Kogima's games kwon that Game. You need relax situation and Big time to enjoy it. No olvidéis tomar descanso frecuentes mientras jugáis y diSfrutad.
  14. lionars
    Nov 13, 2019
    9
    Hideo Kojima Hideo Kojima Hideo Kojima Hideo Kojima Hideo Kojima Hideo Kojima Hideo Kojima Hideo Kojima Hideo Kojima Hideo Kojima Hideo Kojima Hideo Kojima Hideo Kojima Hideo Kojima Hideo Kojima
  15. Ordy
    Apr 25, 2021
    9
    This isn't a game for everyone. if you want to run around and shoot stuff, have little time, no attention span etc. You won't enjoy this at all.

    It's a generally relaxing game, where you can take your time and look around / enjoy the world, but still requires concentration. There's world building (a type of transport & support network), complex interesting story & characters. Combat    This isn't a game for everyone. if you want to run around and shoot stuff, have little time, no attention span etc. You won't enjoy this at all.

    It's a generally relaxing game, where you can take your time and look around / enjoy the world, but still requires concentration. There's world building (a type of transport & support network), complex interesting story & characters.
    Combat is generally pretty basic, and i generally enjoyed it as it's not the focus of the game (not a fan of controller shooting games).
    There are some times where the game does drag a little, and i had a short point where I just wanted to finish it. Though I also did spend a lot of time fleshing out the 'network' rather than relying so much on the 'shared' constructions. But after learning of the world, reading all the 'interviews' then carrying on with the story, i didn't want it to end.    … Expand
  16. MaximumD
    Nov 11, 2019
    9
    I've barely scratched the surface here, maybe like 10 hours in. The only thing I can say is that if liked these games:

    Ico Shadow of the Colossus Journey Alien isolation RDR2 then you will most likely enjoy this game. The reason I've mentioned those games is that they have 1 major element in common. It's takes hours to get through a lengthy intro and then the games really take    I've barely scratched the surface here, maybe like 10 hours in. The only thing I can say is that if liked these games:

    Ico
    Shadow of the Colossus
    Journey
    Alien isolation
    RDR2

    then you will most likely enjoy this game. The reason I've mentioned those games is that they have 1 major element in common. It's takes hours to get through a lengthy intro and then the games really take off. You have to have some patience and also you will not shoot a hundred enemies in the first level like COD. This game is very slow paced but also very thoughtful and you will not begin to see this until many hours in. At least like halfway through episode 2. Give at least that much time, like 10 hours.

    If you like a game you need to sink your time into in order the get the most out of it, then Death Stranding will not disappoint. The graphics and immersiveness of the environments will suck you in. The draw distance on consoles is incredible, even beating out RDR2 in fidelity. If you have a pro and an HDR TV your in for a real treat.

    The gameplay is slow paced except for times where enemies show up and you need to improvise. So far that has been my favorite moment in the game as I had to run and scramble up some precarious cliffs, deviating harshly from very well though out route. After I lost the baddies I luckily had made two ropes previously and was able to rappel down to safety. Like Alien Isolation, improvisation and quick thinking payed off.

    That's not to say the game is without problems. The inventory system and delivery terminals are a hot mess of confusing menus and information. I'm sure it's all useful in some way, but i'm not there yet. Also, the story is typical Kojima with a lot of exposition. It can get annoying sometimes when you keep getting calls on the radio from the supporting characters non-stop while your just trying to take in the game and play. So for me, these things detract from the game, hence a 9 score.

    So just want to touch on one more thing. I read through the negative reviews and see that most people probably did not even play the game or maybe played a few hours after release on Friday. Metacritic should really get a handle on this crap. If the game is not for everybody that's fine, but these ridiculous zero scores with no substance need to go. If you give the game a low score and provide some reasons for this, that's fine. But reading many of those reviews just made me realize that I should get the game, because just like the games I mentioned above, this game is not part of the same rehashed norm that AAA games have become.

    The new COD gets rave reviews, and yet it's just the same game as the original that came out like 12 years ago. And some people just want more of the same which is cool too. I'll spend my time playing Death Stranding, something new and interesting.    … Expand
  17. Orichalcon
    Nov 20, 2019
    9
    Yeah I get it, people find it "boring". In todays society these types of games are shunned for not being instantly gratifying. It's such a tragic set of circumstances in my humble opinion.

    This game is really an amazing experience if you embrace it for what it is, which is a simulated sci fi experience, in which you immerse yourself into the role of Sam Bridges on his journey through    Yeah I get it, people find it "boring". In todays society these types of games are shunned for not being instantly gratifying. It's such a tragic set of circumstances in my humble opinion.

    This game is really an amazing experience if you embrace it for what it is, which is a simulated sci fi experience, in which you immerse yourself into the role of Sam Bridges on his journey through the world in a bid to understand and unravel the mystery of the death stranding.

    I won't put any spoilers here, suffice to say the game does an amazing job of really making you feel like your journeys to deliver items of importance are impactful and whilst the game is linear, I still got an amazing amount of satisfaction planning my trips to avoid perilious situations, and ensuring I had the relative tools at hand to combat the terrain I was planning to navigate.

    Maybe this isn't for everyone, but in no way shape or form is it bad. To some it may be boring, granted, but for the people who this game was made for, and for those that can appreciate the amount of detail and love that was poured into making this title, it really is a diamond in the rough that deserves the respect of gamers around the world.

    I hope games like this, and those such as Detroit aren't canned because of the narrowmindedness of our current generation. Otherwise we'll end up having nothing but COD clones and FIFA for eternity. I dread the thought.    … Expand
  18. Froggask8
    Nov 22, 2019
    9
    The game is a masterpiece, acting, story, music, visuals are on another level. My only complaint is the game demands too much from the average player, you really have to let yourself get into it. I understand if the walking (which is not the only thing in the game) is annoying or not fun for others but it is an essential part of the story and philosophies behind the experience. I onlyThe game is a masterpiece, acting, story, music, visuals are on another level. My only complaint is the game demands too much from the average player, you really have to let yourself get into it. I understand if the walking (which is not the only thing in the game) is annoying or not fun for others but it is an essential part of the story and philosophies behind the experience. I only recommend this game to people who are looking for one of the most unique experiences out there and are willing to put in the time for a very interesting and compelling story, cast of characters and world.… Expand
  19. Ekko
    Nov 13, 2019
    9
    It's not for everyone: If you like to sink hours into stuff like Minecraft or enjoy atmospheric games, this is for you. If you like games to take you to other places, to be artsy and weird, this is for you. If you don't mind a somewhat reduced gameplay and enjoy strong emphasis on vibe, game world and plot - this is for you. It has whacky and serious moments, some subtle, some on the nose.It's not for everyone: If you like to sink hours into stuff like Minecraft or enjoy atmospheric games, this is for you. If you like games to take you to other places, to be artsy and weird, this is for you. If you don't mind a somewhat reduced gameplay and enjoy strong emphasis on vibe, game world and plot - this is for you. It has whacky and serious moments, some subtle, some on the nose. It's not a perfect game, but it's the perfect antithesis to all those recurring safe bets, to the FIFA's, Need For Speed's and Call of Duty's (all good games). It's something else, something entirely unique. You won't ever have played something like this before. Promise. I'm about 25 hours in and personally loved every second so far. The mediocre and bad scores mostly stem from folks who don't like this sort of game, which is very understandable. It's a dividing game. It's special. We should be glad there's AAA-experiments like this. So hating on this game will only get us more COD for the rest of our lifes.… Expand
  20. Discoroo
    Dec 18, 2019
    9
    One of the most unique and interesting games I’ve ever played. It definitely isn’t for everyone and certainly had its flaws, but overall a mostly relaxing, contemplative, and enjoyable experience.

    I could say a lot but no one will read it, i just wanted to give a fair score for a good game, while not the best 10/10 game ever made, it certainly isn’t a 0/10 like most of the angry reviewers    One of the most unique and interesting games I’ve ever played. It definitely isn’t for everyone and certainly had its flaws, but overall a mostly relaxing, contemplative, and enjoyable experience.

    I could say a lot but no one will read it, i just wanted to give a fair score for a good game, while not the best 10/10 game ever made, it certainly isn’t a 0/10 like most of the angry reviewers here upset it wasn’t Metal Gear 2.0. In reality, I would give it an 8.5/10 but since you can’t do that here I have no problem rounding up.    … Expand
  21. Parogar
    Nov 8, 2019
    9
    The **VAST** majorities of negative reviews on here are from people who are only "pretending" to own the game, and are either mad because, A, this game isn't on Xbox (or PC yet or Nintendo or whatever), or B, are just upset that the game exists at all.

    Anyone who can't tell you specifics about the gameplay and are only writing generic things like "this game is a walking simulator" are    The **VAST** majorities of negative reviews on here are from people who are only "pretending" to own the game, and are either mad because, A, this game isn't on Xbox (or PC yet or Nintendo or whatever), or B, are just upset that the game exists at all.

    Anyone who can't tell you specifics about the gameplay and are only writing generic things like "this game is a walking simulator" are just liars trying to demean the game because they're mad it exists. I'd say at least 85% of the negative reviews here are fake.

    The game is definitely not a walking simulator. I personally detest walking sims. If this game is a Walking Sim, then so is Breath of the Wild.

    This game actually shares more in common with BOTW than you might think. The real fun of the game is in traversal. Not mindlessly walking forward. But in seeing a mountain in your path and struggling to get up and over it.

    If you played BOTW and you loved trying to forge your path to the next ruin, which meant scaling a mountain and winding around it, or trying to figure out a way to get up and over with just the limited supplies that you had, then you'd love this game.

    I recommend playing it on HARD difficulty.    … Expand
  22. LatinCritic13
    Nov 8, 2019
    9
    Death Stranding is an arthouse game that will make you feel like you're taking LSD while playing it. This game won't appeal to everyone especially those that adore the Metal Gear franchise, but Kojima crafted something really special for Death Stranding using Horizon Zero Dawn's Decima Engine. And this is probably one of the most experimental games that must be played nonethelessDeath Stranding is an arthouse game that will make you feel like you're taking LSD while playing it. This game won't appeal to everyone especially those that adore the Metal Gear franchise, but Kojima crafted something really special for Death Stranding using Horizon Zero Dawn's Decima Engine. And this is probably one of the most experimental games that must be played nonetheless especially if you're a film buff.… Expand
  23. andynica
    Nov 10, 2019
    9
    Great game! I LOVE the story, I LOVE the gameplay loop and I LOVE this game, Its obviously not for everyone but it definetty it is for me
  24. polyhedraldice
    Nov 21, 2019
    9
    A game this unique and not plagued with DLC and cash grabbing only comes around once in a blue moon.

    The environment, ambiance, and story is simply art in game form. This is simply one of my favorite narratives told in gaming throughout my lifetime, which dates back to 1984 when I first got an Atari 2600 from my parents on Christmas. This is something I just will not play devil's    A game this unique and not plagued with DLC and cash grabbing only comes around once in a blue moon.

    The environment, ambiance, and story is simply art in game form.

    This is simply one of my favorite narratives told in gaming throughout my lifetime, which dates back to 1984 when I first got an Atari 2600 from my parents on Christmas.

    This is something I just will not play devil's advocate on and slide my opinions because others that have not played it, have not played it to the end, and others who have decided to trash for some reason. I do not even care to attempt to understand why. This game is art, this game is great, and nothing out there even comes close to what this game represents.    … Expand
  25. Otakool
    Jul 14, 2020
    9
    This game dares to be itself in a world full of same **** new skin. It’s not for everyone. It’s for ones that understand and and acknowledge good taste. This game is all about the feels. The soundtrack and music is carefully picked out and compliment the game beautifully.

    I like that the game is not predictable and the learning curve is rather enjoyable. Isn’t that a good thing? The    This game dares to be itself in a world full of same **** new skin. It’s not for everyone. It’s for ones that understand and and acknowledge good taste. This game is all about the feels. The soundtrack and music is carefully picked out and compliment the game beautifully.

    I like that the game is not predictable and the learning curve is rather enjoyable. Isn’t that a good thing? The game’s unique personality can be experienced through its storytelling, UI and sound design which is what makes it such a breath of fresh air.

    Simply put, this game is for adults and dads alike who are interested in some relaxing yet exciting gameplay and storytelling    … Expand
  26. TK4EVA47
    Dec 19, 2022
    9
    I played Death Stranding in 2022 and thought it was an amazing game that I loved.
  27. Mad-Marston
    Nov 8, 2019
    9
    Yeah even a walking simulator can been a hell of fun(of course many will not agree). When you have to manage your cargo weight and their placement, choose the best possible route though the road is mostly full of obstacles and hazzards. Speaking of hazzards navigating through the rain that eventually destroys all your goods plus trying to avoid the nightmarish invisible BTs are muchYeah even a walking simulator can been a hell of fun(of course many will not agree). When you have to manage your cargo weight and their placement, choose the best possible route though the road is mostly full of obstacles and hazzards. Speaking of hazzards navigating through the rain that eventually destroys all your goods plus trying to avoid the nightmarish invisible BTs are much funnier than I thought. As a person who lives in a country that many of its people out of despration choose to put their life on the line and carry heavy cargos (like even refrigerators sometimes) on their backs walking through very dangerous boarder routs on just to be able make their ends meet I can relate to this game more than any other game I've played in recent years.
    The game is not meant for everyone for sure, but it's a high quality game from both visual and technical stand point.    … Expand
  28. Jamejarrs
    Dec 5, 2019
    9
    After 50 hours, I've finished Death Stranding and am rewriting my review. My score isn't changing, to me it's still a high 9/10, I just wanted to revisit this with the context of the entire game.

    I'll start off by saying that even though I loved this game, it's very hard to recommend to people. A friend came to my apartment day 1 to watch the game and decide if he wanted it. In the end,    After 50 hours, I've finished Death Stranding and am rewriting my review. My score isn't changing, to me it's still a high 9/10, I just wanted to revisit this with the context of the entire game.

    I'll start off by saying that even though I loved this game, it's very hard to recommend to people. A friend came to my apartment day 1 to watch the game and decide if he wanted it. In the end, he didn't and I completely understand, especially seeing the portion of the game I played.

    Your enjoyment of this game will probably rely on how far you're willing to put up with a slog to get to the other side, which sounds like a bad thing but the rush of being able to fly past a spot that gave you so much trouble appeals to me very much. I spent a lot of time building structures to help myself and others along the way, and seeing likes from other players who I helped made me feel like it was all worth it.

    This game slow drips mechanics almost the entire time you're playing, to the point where you're well armed partway into chapter 3 and near the end of the game you have an entire arsenal of equipment that you can really tailor the game to the way you want to play. The slow drip is needed, if you look at the tips section at the end of the game, it's overwhelming just how many systems and mechanics they've crammed into this game, and they all work very well.

    Combat does indeed exist in this game, and you'd be surprised at how good it can feel. When I first learned about using cargo as weapons I didn't think I'd use it because I wouldn't want to hurt my packages, but I learned that when you knock out a MULE their cargo can be caught in mid-air which can then be thrown at another of your assailants. It made me feel like I was in an action movie and it was an awesome blend of the delivery and combat mechanics. As you move into the game you and your human enemies will grow your arsenal of weaponry to the point where they're just as formidable as you are, and they never felt like pushovers.

    Of all the things in Death Stranding, its main focus is the story, which ends up being way less enigmatic than it first appears once you have all the pieces. I felt it was very engaging and I was happily going through with deliveries just to see where the story would go next. I do have one issue and there's a very loaded exposition scene right at the end which could have been handled better, but aside from that - and some weird writing/character moments at points - it felt very well crafted.

    Presentation is, of course, top notch. This is the best photo-realism of any game this generation hands down, environments are beautiful and characters are detailed down to the pores on their skin. The actors all give great performances, bringing life and depth to their characters. The music, though sparse, is all fantastic and punctuates your journey in a way that makes you appreciate how far you've come.

    Slight hiccups caused a little aggravation along the way. At times I wished there were just an easier way to skip the small cutscenes in your room and in the terminals. Every action is accompanied with a short scene, and they can be skipped but the process of skipping multiple tiny scenes in a row can feel tiring. The physics can get a little wonky at times, Sam doesn't handle like you feel he should sometimes and I took a couple spills because he slipped slightly unnaturally or what looked like a hill suddenly felt like a drop. Also take the trike and jump while doing a wheelie, you float in a weird triangle-like arc.

    I'm interested in seeing all the things I missed and working towards platinum, but I don't know if I'd play from the beginning to see the story again. At the end of it all, these inconveniences were never enough to sour my experience and I'm very happy I put the time in to see it to the end. Absolutely rent it and try it out, if you bounce hard in the first couple chapters it's probably not for you. But if you find yourself enjoying those first hours of the game, you're absolutely in for a treat.    … Expand
  29. rosnk30
    Jun 19, 2020
    9
    Death Stranding's new kind of experience. Sometimes he's like a other oper world game....history's main purpose and do it very well. Nice game 'n experience
  30. hypermikev
    Nov 8, 2019
    9
    saying this is a walking simulator is overly simplified, it is more of a high risk delivery simulator. The game is polished and has amazing graphics, the story is fresh and unique from all games currently in the market, it's always cool to hate on something different but this game is needed to push the medium forward.
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Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best PS4 Game of 2019
1
#1 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 111 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 111
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 111
  3. Negative: 3 out of 111
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Mar 18, 2020
    100
    Death Stranding is creating a new game genre and therefore paves its own path towards more interactive experiences. It is a brave work thanks to its novelty, which fortunately is not a bragging right for its creators, as it may have seemed, but an exceptional title that will reward the brave who play it. [Issue#299]
  2. New York Daily News
    Mar 18, 2020
    80
    This game does manage to be fun, even if it is one of the heaviest experiences of 2019. Everything from story to gameplay is begging to be dissected, filled with imagery and symbolism -- just like so many Kojima games before this one. Entering Death Stranding, it’s likely that we all thought Kojima’s calling card was lengthy cutscenes and stealth and action gameplay.
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  3. Carole Quintaine
    Jan 29, 2020
    100
    Death Stranding stands as a powerful author’s game which drives a strong message of how our over-connected society is evolving, and how we can help other players. Unlike many AAA games, it shines on a truly spiritual level. Well written, engaging and visually magnificent, it offers, despite some pacing flaws, an astonishing solo game with elegant multiplayer elements. A unique representation of Hideo Kojima’s talent.
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