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. MInussie
    Dec 25, 2019
    9
    Opened an account simply to write this review. If the menus were streamlined, the action a bit more difficult, the stealth slightly more compelling and the mid-game grind just slightly more trimmed (which is a difficult balance to be fair because the grind is what prompts the investment into other players) the game would have been a masterpiece. As is, it sits solid at a nine out of tenOpened an account simply to write this review. If the menus were streamlined, the action a bit more difficult, the stealth slightly more compelling and the mid-game grind just slightly more trimmed (which is a difficult balance to be fair because the grind is what prompts the investment into other players) the game would have been a masterpiece. As is, it sits solid at a nine out of ten which is amazing when you realize this is a first try. If you value original game-play above all then you can bump it up to a 10. Whatever you think about this game - you cannot disagree with the fact that you have never played anything like this and in an age of Triple A yearly rehash this kind of willingness to take risks is sorely needed. At the very least - wait for a sale and see what all the fuss is about. Vote with your money even if the game-play is not for you. This game rewards you for helping others. In a way it is a repeat of the same emotions people felt when they played journey. Cannot recommend it highly enough.… Expand
  2. real_Dorfdepp
    Dec 27, 2019
    9
    Interesting and emotional story, beautiful world, special and new Game concept
  3. RyanLegweak
    Dec 28, 2019
    9
    I really don’t understand all the hate on this game. I spent 50+ hours playing it and never got bored. Unreal story, unreal performances and the world design is amazing. Easily one of my top 5 games of all time
  4. QlachPL
    Dec 28, 2019
    9
    I just love this quiet and mature experience. A very beautifully innovative trip, which gives a lot of personal thoughts and experiences. We really needs more creative games like DS.
  5. Jeremanteca
    Dec 28, 2019
    9
    Unique game, you must have a great patience to enjoy it, the best walk physics of all games, great survival mechanics too.
  6. kelvision
    Dec 29, 2019
    9
    Очень красивая и по настоящему хорошая игра.
  7. JoewJoew
    Dec 30, 2019
    9
    Death Stranding is a not an easy game to review, as it is not a regular game that I have played before in my whole entire gaming life. In short it is a “grand turismo” of walking simulator with a very decently rich story telling game.
    Around 80% of the gameplay involves player to deliver cargo from point A to point B. The rest are regular boss fights, sneaking and hiding from haunting    Death Stranding is a not an easy game to review, as it is not a regular game that I have played before in my whole entire gaming life. In short it is a “grand turismo” of walking simulator with a very decently rich story telling game.
    Around 80% of the gameplay involves player to deliver cargo from point A to point B. The rest are regular boss fights, sneaking and hiding from haunting ghost like creature, and some light third person shooting.
    Death Stranding offers a unique online gameplay that not generally seen by us in this gaming era. Most of the games out there encourage players to compete between each other for the top spot but Death Stranding encourages players to work together and helping each other through the tough and harsh world of death stranding.
    Perhaps one of the strongest selling point for me is the rich and out of this world story. It makes me cried, laughed, and even frustrated. Watching the mysteries unfold bit by bit toward the end of the game is a tread.
    It is tough to recommend Death Stranding to everyone. I would only strongly recommend to person who plays a game highly due to the rich story telling. For me, I personally think that Death Stranding is a wonderful experience that definitely made it to my top 5 game lists.
    ---Come on Lou, one last delivery---    … Expand
  8. Synartox
    Jan 1, 2020
    9
    If you're mature to a point where you can go out and feel the beauty of a walk alone, feeling the wind, then this game is made for you. However, if you consider gaming as an instant-reward entertainment, repeating "it's just a game" as much as you can, then Death Standing is not made for you cause you don't deserve it.
    I have never been a hardcore Kojima fan but i have to say that his    If you're mature to a point where you can go out and feel the beauty of a walk alone, feeling the wind, then this game is made for you. However, if you consider gaming as an instant-reward entertainment, repeating "it's just a game" as much as you can, then Death Standing is not made for you cause you don't deserve it.
    I have never been a hardcore Kojima fan but i have to say that his works are actually pleasing and often very polished, making you feel something rare.
    And this is the case here, the game uses its tortured concept to question yourself constantly, like : "it is weird in our world, but is it in this one ?".
    The game is made for contemplation.
    The gameplay serves the experience, as usual for Kojima, it is fluid and logical to the universe you're in, while not being restrictive and remaining precise and the most important... FUN.
    You are alone with a destination, you chose where you go and when. What do you take with you ? Do you travel safe, or risk it all ?
    The acting is overly dramatic and it works in a Kojima scenario, take it or leave it.
    Biggest flaw in my opinion is the main vilain, way too typical, still have some interesting intents through the game.
    The music serves contemplation, usually absent leaving you with yourself and the world around, and strikes when it's a fitting moment.
    And the most impressive, the game reinvents itself every hour, adding more mechanics with every encounter, and making you reconsider the ways you can progress.
    The game is good, really good, but it is not for kids, and the fact that it is boring comes only from you and you alone. The game is not perfect, but it is very close to be, and comparing to the rest, you can keep the commercial work, i keep the work coming from the heart.    … Expand
  9. RanGom007
    Feb 3, 2020
    9
    Kojima's new creation leaves a lot of interesting and necessary thoughts. I don’t even want to pay attention to the shortcomings, the plot was very impressive. a specific project that can impress very much. I am glad that such a game has appeared. An incredible soundtrack. Thanks, Hideo. I will remember this. Like)
  10. MegaBase
    Jan 4, 2020
    9
    One of the best games of my life. It has a tiring gameplay, but that makes sense within the game. The ending is quite time consuming and seems like it will never end, but in the end a sense of nostalgia sets in and a willingness to play again and be around such amazing characters.
  11. Icaropk
    Jan 4, 2020
    9
    It is a creative game, different and even innovative. It is necessary to understand the purpose of the game in order to have fun, because it is definitely not a game to please most. It's a templative game that makes you think, a game where cooperation and connection is the main focus. Brilliant story, but for fun you have to understand the proposal and play without any hurry.
  12. Brodoloni
    May 24, 2020
    9
    I understand and agree with most of the negative comments here. After playing the first 2 hours, my rating for this game would also be 3, maybe 4. Actually, for the first 10 hours, my rating would be 5 at most.. Thanks to quarantine I just beat this game after 62 hours and I guarantee that the last 15 hours will be one of the most original (and perhaps best) video game experiences you willI understand and agree with most of the negative comments here. After playing the first 2 hours, my rating for this game would also be 3, maybe 4. Actually, for the first 10 hours, my rating would be 5 at most.. Thanks to quarantine I just beat this game after 62 hours and I guarantee that the last 15 hours will be one of the most original (and perhaps best) video game experiences you will ever had. But I understand that this game is not for everyone. In the beginning, it could be quite complex and frustrating.… Expand
  13. ChosenDead
    Jan 6, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The story is very interesting and unique with a deep meaning, and it may have a little problem with the pacing, but it didn't bother me that much, what bothered me were the **** holograms. When you make a delivery you get a hologram of a person that thanks you for the delivery and maybe get a reward. As you progress it starts to get repetative and boring. The other think that bothers me a bit is near the end when something happens and then you go to a place, which you can't escape, and you cannot do anything except walk for aroung 5 minutes, get tired, sit, listen a long explanation, get up and repeat that two more times. But with this out of the way i think that the gameplay is very unique and relaxing. I never felt bored walking and making deliveries. The end is beautiful and very emotional. That was my poorly structured opinion on the game.… Expand
  14. SrLamecorn
    Jan 7, 2020
    9
    Probablemente el juego que más he disfrutado en mi vida. Creo que es un juego que se debe jugar con tiempo, tranquilamente.
  15. quickrev
    Jan 8, 2020
    9
    Game play is is really good in this game, traversal is fun due to its having indepth mechanics in depth. Minus fragile, the story and characters are well written, and very impact especially the world bullring with its own science. Plus the online elements of how people help each other is innovative
  16. TommyPhoenix
    Jan 10, 2020
    9
    A truly thrilling experience. One can only enjoy this game if one sacrifices enough time to it. Death stranding sucked me in and after finishing the story I felt connected with it. It is about connection after all. This game may be a little harder to understand in some aspects but it gives you the opportunity to be Sam Porter Bridges and by be I really mean feel and live like him along theA truly thrilling experience. One can only enjoy this game if one sacrifices enough time to it. Death stranding sucked me in and after finishing the story I felt connected with it. It is about connection after all. This game may be a little harder to understand in some aspects but it gives you the opportunity to be Sam Porter Bridges and by be I really mean feel and live like him along the long walking journey. I had a slight problem with the pacing of the game though, there were moments when many of my actions felt repetitive, story started to feel boring for its simplicity during one of the first chapters for a long period of time but the speed caught up eventually and things started to be interesting again. Of course there is always the option of doing main missions only for an uninterrupted experience. To sum up, if you have the time, then this game is definitely for you.… Expand
  17. monkeyscr0tuum
    Jan 13, 2020
    9
    Death Stranding is amazing and one of the greatest games to come out of the last ten years. You need to play this
  18. Biocity5000
    Jan 13, 2020
    9
    Not for everyone. But the cut scenes are amazing and the world he build are interesting. A bit boring gameplay compared to the action and shooter games out there. But this is art and original.
  19. himanshu1998
    Jan 13, 2020
    9
    No game can make walking , running and climbing so interesting .Death stranding does it.
    Main story is about 50 hours long .
    The sound , graphics and the music which comes while walking long stretches of land is amazing
    The surprising twist at the end is worth the wait considering how long it is.
  20. dyne_laike
    Jan 14, 2020
    9
    A lot of people caviat this game as not for everyone, and that's a bad way to look at anything. This is an utterly unique game and if you let it take you in, it's easily the most immersive experience you will have in a video game. At times the interface and menu's are difficult, but when you realize all their quirks, you come to realize the controls are exactly what they need to be.A lot of people caviat this game as not for everyone, and that's a bad way to look at anything. This is an utterly unique game and if you let it take you in, it's easily the most immersive experience you will have in a video game. At times the interface and menu's are difficult, but when you realize all their quirks, you come to realize the controls are exactly what they need to be. It's a complex and relaxing game most of the time, and it takes a lot as a player to work through, but all it's difficulties and challenges highlight the one thing this game does that no other ever has, and that is theme. The theme in this game is the connections between people, and every design quirk, plot point, and arduous mountain climb all work to emphasize that theme. It's a lonely journey, but the connections you make along the way will give you a sense that it was all worth it. This isn't a game that gratifies you, this is a journey you take that pays itself off immensely in the end. Easily the best crafted ending I've seen in a game.
    The most important thing I look at a game is how it stays with you, and will I play it again. I equate it most with another great narrative game whos gameplay was not enjoyable, "The Last of Us" but the difference is, the payoff in this is much more profound. This is a game that you won't ever forget, and eventually will draw you in again. In the Last of us, after the damn super zombies get shivved for the last time, I never wanted to play it again. I remember the Giraffe and the end, but nothing about the play really drew me in for a 2nd run. It's impact is totally on a first go round. This one will compel me to play again long into the future.
    Yes, it can be a grind, like almost every game these days, whether it's collecting pointless garbage in any grand theft auto or any monotonous deathmatches in any first person shooter you play online. The difference is the rewards for the grind are truly there in game. These continuous missions build the relationship with each person you meet, and the rewards for maximizing that all make the journey easier. Every improvement is a blessing that you earn with hard work, and by the end you turn it into a fun Disney ride for every travel. But you have to earn it through work and with the connections you build in the game, and with the players whom leave stuff to help you out.
    This isn't a game that gratifies you, its a profound amount of work for quite the compelling reward. It's a plot of **** nonsense, that makes total sense and ties together perfectly because every aspect follows one cohesive theme. This is a game for everyone, it's value comes through work, through challenges, and there is utterly nothing else like it nor will there ever be. Most negative critiques I read have complaints that show me the people didn't actually play it, just either watched someone else play it or quit because it doesn't have enough blinking lights and bright colors to satisfy the animal brain.
    So go into it with an open mindset, put the weight of the world on your impossibly strong back, and take a journey that will bring you somewhere you will never experience again, and will certainly never forget.    … Expand
  21. jeleniowaty
    Jan 29, 2020
    9
    It is definetely not a game for everyone. It is slow paced, has some pretty steep learning curve in the beginning (mechanics). But once you "feel" the game it is incredible. Fantastic atmosphere and music, great actor performances, so much cool equipment, beautiful visuals. Just don't rush it.
  22. Darkmuse
    May 21, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Death Stranding is a revolutionary out of this world breathtaking masterpiece!
    Game is very symbol, rich with details that kept my mind always at work trying so hard to grasp as many theories they keep throwing at me.
    The ideas in this game are so Grand, Big Bang, mysteries of life & death - I loved the way they used the extinction of dinosaurs & mammals and linked it to the game theme so easily.
    I will never understand how people got bored when the game always renews itself, shooting becomes possible all of a sudden – it included boss fights, and the adrenaline rush episodes made only for the terrorizing Clifford Unger.
    Main theme is obviously connection, and bringing people together especially while building roads and everyone contributes with little material they can spare to build for tomorrow as if it’s saying we can only live through tomorrow together and how people are as good as dead in isolation.
    The Game could be also about America’s predicament, how it was meant to be a land of freedom & dreams – now it is anything but.
    I think it’s based on realism – how one must make every effort brick by brick just like in the real world.
    The sci-fi elements of this game just blew my mind – TimeFall causing accelerated aging, cryptobytes, and thermonuclear weapons….
    Kojima is a genius who forged us a real treasure which could be the starting point of a new Genre.    … Expand
  23. Yandamen
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    I like journey games, so I bought the game accepting it was a walking simulator.
    But I was horribly wrong.
    This game is so much more than a walking simulator. I was a bit unmotivated in the first 2 episodes And half of the third episode, which may be the girst five hours or sth But then you start to get tied to the game, the story is so impressive and the gameplay improves, carrying    I like journey games, so I bought the game accepting it was a walking simulator.
    But I was horribly wrong.
    This game is so much more than a walking simulator.
    I was a bit unmotivated in the first 2 episodes
    And half of the third episode, which may be the girst five hours or sth
    But then you start to get tied to the game, the story is so impressive and the gameplay improves, carrying packages are no longer a job but a fun challenge.
    Boss fights are epic even if they are not so hard.
    Building a world with players you never saw is amazing.
    Characters are interesting and the story telling is spectacular!
    I came looking for copper and found gold.
    It's sad this game is so underrated I havent played sekiro but I would expect this game to get the game of the year (if I played it in 2019)
    Don't listen what anybody says, experience this game yourself, you wont regret it.    … Expand
  24. unknowable
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    An exceptional game, combat was too forgiving (a shame given how awesome the boss designs were) and there were a couple of pacing issues. But ultimately I enjoyed the vast majority of the time I spent in game. The game keeps throwing new mechanics at you for the first 10-14 hours of play, it is rather impressive how many ways they came up with to engage the player while trekking overAn exceptional game, combat was too forgiving (a shame given how awesome the boss designs were) and there were a couple of pacing issues. But ultimately I enjoyed the vast majority of the time I spent in game. The game keeps throwing new mechanics at you for the first 10-14 hours of play, it is rather impressive how many ways they came up with to engage the player while trekking over various landscapes.

    Visuals and sound were top notch, the animations a little stiff at times but nothing that would hinder immersion.

    I will be buying it again on PC and look forwards to playing through it again, which isn't something I expected to be saying.

    I should also say, I cannot remember the last time I played what felt like a polished and complete before Death Stranding. Just from a pure competence of design level it is nice to see something release and not be a buggy mess.    … Expand
  25. bi0morph
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    I bought PS4 because of this game :)
    As a result, I got a bunch of good emotions!
    Pros: Great music, interesting mechanics, super actors and cut scenes.
    Cons: Too easy gameplay even on hard mode :)
    Anyway - I like it.
  26. Cri-Tical
    Feb 1, 2020
    9
    Any fan of Kojima & the MGS franchise will appreciate Stranding. If you enjoy riding miles on horseback to reach an encampment that you must sneak inside to steal a blueprint and then sneak back out unseen!??! Get this game. You can’t celebrate in the chopper by staring at Quiet and clicking RT, but you won’t need to. Just making it up a hill can be rewarding enough.
    Any negative feedback    Any fan of Kojima & the MGS franchise will appreciate Stranding. If you enjoy riding miles on horseback to reach an encampment that you must sneak inside to steal a blueprint and then sneak back out unseen!??! Get this game. You can’t celebrate in the chopper by staring at Quiet and clicking RT, but you won’t need to. Just making it up a hill can be rewarding enough.
    Any negative feedback the game gets is due to 3 letters: TWD. People saw Daryl on a game with “Death” in the title and they bought it. It was a great marketing tool, but it worked too well, so a lot of meat-heads are trying to play a game with a character that can’t cut up zombies or toss a football. “Hulk Smash”.
    So, if you enjoy Gears of War and think a gun with a chainsaw is cool, keep it up. Do what you like!
    Or,
    If you rubbed your eyes in the Arsenal Tengu when you were ordered to “turn the game off” - You should definitely add Kojimas’ latest work of art to your collection. And it is - a work of art. ✌    … Expand
  27. Revl8n
    Feb 3, 2020
    9
    Death Stranding is a masterpiece in almost every way. First and foremost it is the a virtually bug free AAA game with a game play loop that does not involve killing everything in sight., In fact killing anything is, in essence, a game play failure. Not that I am against killing in games., It’s just this is the only one. 10 years from now... Death Stranding will be remembered as aDeath Stranding is a masterpiece in almost every way. First and foremost it is the a virtually bug free AAA game with a game play loop that does not involve killing everything in sight., In fact killing anything is, in essence, a game play failure. Not that I am against killing in games., It’s just this is the only one. 10 years from now... Death Stranding will be remembered as a genre defining game.… Expand
  28. Bigbakerhope
    Feb 4, 2020
    9
    Best game of my life, have to bad things but story and gameplay absolutely enough. Thank you Kojima.
  29. Se7en444
    Feb 5, 2020
    9
    Oddly I find the game addicting. But I know it doesn’t seem to be all that intriguing when you’re trying to explain the game’s concept to someone. To be honest, it sounds boring; being a delivery man. But I’ve played it through twice now and I can’t get enough!
  30. Sergiofrak
    Sep 4, 2020
    9
    Questo gioco è bellissimo, sopratutto il modo in cui alla fine si svela tutto e tu capisci chi è chi! Il suo unico problema è che dura troppo, ci ho messo 40 ore a completarlo e in certi punti ti viene da dire cose come “dio che palle, devo tornare in dietro a prendere un altro ordine e spendere un altra mezz’ora della mia vita” nel resto il gioco è perfetto!
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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