Death Stranding: Director's Cut

 PlayStation 5
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 906 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 643 out of 906
  2. Mixed: 56 out of 906
  3. Negative: 207 out of 906
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  1. TheDude222
    Sep 27, 2021
    10
    The load times made playing the PS4 version undoable for me the optimization from that alone is enough for me to fork over the 10 dollars. With what else has been changed I would of gladly paid 30. I'll take the things like this over ea and Activision BS any and everyday. Death Stranding is fantastic and the review bombing is gross. Well done kojima. Can't wait for your next work of art.
  2. Greenman3374
    Sep 30, 2021
    10
    Probably the most unique game I have ever played, Interesting mechanics and extremely deep storyline. Definitely not an in your face shooter or action game if thats what your looking for but graphics are amazing, game-play is strangely tedious, soothing and enjoyable all at the same time. A killer soundtrack to really set the feels too. Have put off buying this game due to bad reviews butProbably the most unique game I have ever played, Interesting mechanics and extremely deep storyline. Definitely not an in your face shooter or action game if thats what your looking for but graphics are amazing, game-play is strangely tedious, soothing and enjoyable all at the same time. A killer soundtrack to really set the feels too. Have put off buying this game due to bad reviews but I'm telling you this was a pleasure to play and i wish i got into it earlier.… Expand
  3. Heisenberg421
    Sep 27, 2021
    10
    What an amazing game, it's my goty 2021 honestly.... The care put into this game is awesome
  4. Lunaor
    Sep 28, 2021
    10
    Deathstranding is an outstanding game. Great story, slow paced game. Great to get lost in the gameplay can play for hours.
  5. Ad345
    Oct 2, 2021
    10
    If you really want a original experience, you have to play this game, i know its a slow pace game, but its gonna be worth it
  6. rrafemi
    Sep 29, 2021
    5
    Debería ponerle menos nota. Que cosa más soporífera de juego. Lo único que se salva es la historia además de los gráficos porque el desarrollo deja muchísimo que desear.

    Te mandan a tomar viento una y otra vez, lugares lejísimos, lo único que haces es caminar y de vez en cuando usar algún vehículo. Y luego otras tantas veces te mandan de vuelta al principio del mapa. Es una total y    Debería ponerle menos nota. Que cosa más soporífera de juego. Lo único que se salva es la historia además de los gráficos porque el desarrollo deja muchísimo que desear.

    Te mandan a tomar viento una y otra vez, lugares lejísimos, lo único que haces es caminar y de vez en cuando usar algún vehículo. Y luego otras tantas veces te mandan de vuelta al principio del mapa. Es una total y absoluta pérdida de tiempo de juego. Así yo también hago juegos que duren 200 horas.

    Luego es como jugar al citiville, construyes algo y tienes que pedirle al vecino que te mande recursos para completarlo. Tardas horas o días.

    Por favor, que sopor de juego.    … Expand
  7. HTGamer
    Oct 5, 2021
    9
    Death Stranding launched on PS4 in late 2019 and polarized people due to some curious design decisions from Hideo Kojima. It's rather ironic for a game about uniting the world. After releasing on PC the game has gained some more recognition and respect among the gaming community. Now that the Director's Cut has arrived on PS5, console gamers can experience the game again with technicalDeath Stranding launched on PS4 in late 2019 and polarized people due to some curious design decisions from Hideo Kojima. It's rather ironic for a game about uniting the world. After releasing on PC the game has gained some more recognition and respect among the gaming community. Now that the Director's Cut has arrived on PS5, console gamers can experience the game again with technical upgrades and a few more gameplay additions.

    Death Stranding is a different kind of experience, modeled after games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild rather than GTA or Assassin's Creed. It's more about traversing the environment than meeting a quest-giver every 5 meters or so and go all guns blazing. It also focuses on establishing connections with NPCs and human players alike. You receive emails from NPCs which trigger an emotion of worry, and you get social media-style "likes" from other real players roaming the game's world and using the structures you left behind. It's an asymmetrical online system inspired by the Souls/Bloodborne games.

    The game's story is a mix of sci-fi, philisophy and human tragedy. The story itself is fine, full of typical Hideo Kojima twists and turns, but many people will be left scratching their heads. The game's overall atmosphere (a blend of tranquility, solitude and horror) is unique. The actors' performances are the best you can find in gaming, although it's clear they didn't have as much time to shoot their scenes as it's possible on movies. Hideo Kojima has created some fantastic characters with interesting backstories, but a few of them end up a disappointment (particularly Higgs, voiced by Troy Baker, and Fragile, voiced by Lea Seydoux). The world building though is almost flawless.

    The main gameplay loop is about delivering cargo from point A to point B. But the trick is in traversing the environment. As you walk around, you have to balance the weight of the cargo you are carrying, and also use the tools at your disposal to cross a chasm, descend a big vertical drop, etc. Basically the environment is a puzzle you have to solve in order to proceed to the next mission - or rather, delivery.

    Apart from environmental hazards there are threats coming from humans who want to rob you of your cargo, and from ghosts called BTs that can grab you and force you to fight otherworldly creatures in a shifting landscape. Unfortunately the boss fights of Death Stranding are few and far in between, and of low quality, just like Kojima's MGSV The Phantom Pain. They could have been something special, especially the Mads Mikkelsen sections, but the way they have been implemented is mediocre at best. Bosses are slow to respond, easy to avoid, just spam them with bullets and you are done with them (or you can just leave most of the boss fight areas and the fight stops). Only 2 encounters towards the end are what you'd call a true boss fight, but don't expect anything that matches Hideo Kojima's brilliant accomplishments in past MGS games.

    The Director's Cut additions include some new equipment, a racing mode, a firing range (basically the VR Missions from old MGS games), new customization options, a few new OST tracks, and a few more story missions.

    On the technical side, Death Stranding is a luxurious production. Graphics were some of the best found on PS4 and are still striking on the PS5. Now you got to choose from 4 graphical options, all of them targeting 60 fps (some of them better than others). There is a standard 16:9 mode and an ultrawide 21:9 mode with black bars and wider FOV, and each mode has Performance and Quality options. I think it's best to stick with the standard 16:9 Performance mode, don't engage the ultrawide mode unless you got a really big TV or monitor to compensate for the loss of screen area. This game has one of the most memorable OSTs in recent memory, and the 3D Audio tech enhances the acoustic experience. The Dualsense controller is also used wisely, with the adaptive triggers and the haptics increasing the immersion factor. You can import your PS4 save and continue on PS5 from where you left off, but it's a convoluted process.

    Death Stranding is a unique experience. It's surreal that this game launched merely months before the Covid pandemic hit the world, lockdowns were put in place isolating people from one another, and dependence on delivery men grew more than ever. Playing the game in a post-Covid world feels completely different than before, because we can relate to the in-game world thanks to our own experience coping with the pandemic. Give this game a try if you are tired of modern AAA games recycling same old same concepts and ripping you off with loot boxes and microtransactions. If you just want to endlessly and mindlessly shoot and punch enemies, Death Stranding isn't for you.    … Expand
  8. BrunoB
    Sep 27, 2021
    9
    Não é perfeito! Mas é Incrível principalmente Na questão técnica ! Tem uma Historia incrível e trilha sonora fenômenal ! Não acredite no que vc escuta na internet! Busque sua própria experiência :)
  9. denorx
    Oct 3, 2021
    10
    Amazing as the original, just wayy better. 4K60 is so crisp and it’s what this game deserved.
  10. Lewisant999
    Oct 6, 2021
    10
    My first experience with death stranding at launch wasn’t the best. I was very on the fence from the off and ended up quitting after 10hrs. But after holding off I finally sat down and revisited Death Stranding. I was fortunate to be able to experience this game for the second time on ps5 with the directors cut. And I was blown away. From what started as a simple game of deliveringMy first experience with death stranding at launch wasn’t the best. I was very on the fence from the off and ended up quitting after 10hrs. But after holding off I finally sat down and revisited Death Stranding. I was fortunate to be able to experience this game for the second time on ps5 with the directors cut. And I was blown away. From what started as a simple game of delivering packages from point A to B that I assumed I had already made up my mind on that it wasn’t for me slowly unfolded into becoming an addictive, very well written game of love, betrayal and deliveries. I turned a complete 180 on this game and now happily call this game a masterpiece. But calling it a masterpiece doesn’t do it justice. On my second play through I learned that this game Is a completely unique game that stands out from the rest. But I also appreciate this game isn’t for everyone. The way of the game mechanics in this title isn’t like your standard open world rpg that we are accustomed too. It’s a learning curve that starts off slow but when it kicks in becomes an experience like no other. The look and style of this game is better than most Hollywood blockbusters and any ps5 game to date. It’s graphical detail is way ahead of its time. It has an ensemble cast and they all give stellar performances. And although the story is a slow burn when you get to the closing credits you are left in awe at what you have just witnessed. I was once someone who said death stranding wasn’t for me. So if anyone else is feeling the same I ask you to try again sit down and stick at it. I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.… Expand
  11. FearTheClown
    Oct 1, 2021
    10
    Loved it before and love it again. A one of a kind experience. Not for summer action movie bros.
  12. bombita34
    Oct 4, 2021
    10
    Игра буквально сделанный богом ,спустившийся на землю что бы радовать игроков ,а вот плохие оценки поставили предвзято даже не поиграв в игру
  13. BarelRiderHobit
    Oct 21, 2021
    10
    Adds a ton of neat features structures and equipment that are fun. As they are OPTIONAL to the game and you have the choice to not use them it doesn't take away from the difficulty of traversing terrain we loved from the original. I certainly used all the new stuff though as they were a blast. One of my favorite games of all time.
  14. DrGerm
    Mar 5, 2022
    10
    Didn't know anything at all about the game, had only known it was a Kojima production. WOW am I pleasantly surprised.
    To say that this is a masterpiece is an understatement. Yes, it is the kind of game that either you love or hate. But, if you start playing this game and within 30 minutes you're hooked on wondering WTH is going on here? and like the basic game mechanics, then you are    Didn't know anything at all about the game, had only known it was a Kojima production. WOW am I pleasantly surprised.
    To say that this is a masterpiece is an understatement. Yes, it is the kind of game that either you love or hate. But, if you start playing this game and within 30 minutes you're hooked on wondering WTH is going on here? and like the basic game mechanics, then you are likely to be on one heck of a ride all the way to the end.
    Without a doubt, a solid 10/10 game. Going into my personal Hall of Fame of all time best games IMHO.    … Expand
  15. PanteraHouse
    Jun 25, 2022
    10
    The amount of times Ive heard this game referred to as a "walking simulator" it way too high, and it couldn't be a more ignorant statement. Death stranding is one of the most involved games ive played in a long time, there is SO much going on in this game. VERY unique. I will say the opening hours are a bit slow but once you get to chapter 3 the game really opens up and throws alot of newThe amount of times Ive heard this game referred to as a "walking simulator" it way too high, and it couldn't be a more ignorant statement. Death stranding is one of the most involved games ive played in a long time, there is SO much going on in this game. VERY unique. I will say the opening hours are a bit slow but once you get to chapter 3 the game really opens up and throws alot of new mechanics at you. 10/10 such a refreshing AAA experience… Expand
  16. mythiiix
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    Relaxing gameplay and an enjoyable story.
    Can’t wait for more kojima games.
  17. cohiba
    Sep 10, 2022
    10
    Isa graet game you play ant see ok it's play 57 long characteristics on ps5 graet duel sensei haptek 4k06
  18. Daniel0809
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    This game to me is flawless on the Playstation 5. The frame rate , graphics & new content was worth the $10. I gave Death Stranding originally a 10 because to me its a perfect game and im still enjoying it 350 hours later.
  19. Bandaid
    Nov 3, 2021
    10
    I didn't think I'd like it and loved it from start to finish. A unique experience I didn't know I wanted.
  20. RanGom007
    Nov 8, 2021
    10
    This game has become something so outstanding and unusual that even two years after its release, I still love it and admire the work of the developers. The story, the characters, the world in which everything happens. Atmosphere, music, game mechanics. This is beyond praise. Kodjima Production you passed an incredible game, thank you!
  21. Woodley1400
    Dec 2, 2021
    9
    This was one of those games that after about 15 hours had me wondering, "why didn't I play this sooner?!" Death Stranding was moderately appealing to me, but circumstances prevented me from playing the game at its original release. The Director's Cut provided a fresh and exciting opportunity to experience the game on PS5. The first dozen hours are slow and tedious, but that is kinda theThis was one of those games that after about 15 hours had me wondering, "why didn't I play this sooner?!" Death Stranding was moderately appealing to me, but circumstances prevented me from playing the game at its original release. The Director's Cut provided a fresh and exciting opportunity to experience the game on PS5. The first dozen hours are slow and tedious, but that is kinda the point. The game can be frustrating and challenging, but not in the way games usually are. Kojima tells an interesting story with poignant lessons that are beautifully woven into the gameplay mechanics. There have been few gaming experiences in my life that so neatly combined narrative elements and gameplay with such intentionality. This game challenges so many modern gaming conventions, and I think, it could provide a push to improve many games (especially open-world ones) over the next decade.… Expand
  22. Abraham15
    Mar 10, 2023
    2
    One of the worst games I've played. I waited until directors cut because I've read it felt like a bit better in general, but is the same thing... First I don't doubt Kojima is a genius but he is giving a flying damn for the players, he doesn't care about playability. Long unnecessary cutscenes one after another after another. A story path nobody cares about. A lack of action that after theOne of the worst games I've played. I waited until directors cut because I've read it felt like a bit better in general, but is the same thing... First I don't doubt Kojima is a genius but he is giving a flying damn for the players, he doesn't care about playability. Long unnecessary cutscenes one after another after another. A story path nobody cares about. A lack of action that after the Directors Cut Revision where SONY apparently told him to put weapons and **** he included into the videogame but they don't add any value, the action is so stupid and pointless that don't solve the main game boredom. Kojima also don't pay attention on players choice, creating a videogame that is all about delivering packages, the story is kind of cool and I liked the begging of the game but since the point you see the entire game is all the same and repeat and repeat and repeat, you abandon it. If you continue, because the directors cut includes some extra cool features like a cannon or a telescopic rope (I don't remember the name) but it makes you shor the way between two points, then maybe you complete the main story. And then you finish the game is that's it. The game is pretentious and pointless.… Expand
  23. Jaro93
    Nov 27, 2021
    9
    Great on ps5, with all functions of pad. Game different from the other ones, with “strange” story, but I really enjoy it
  24. dmeade613
    Nov 9, 2021
    10
    I played it when the original came out got half way through and thought it wasn’t for me played the directors cut knowing what to expect now I know it is a real masterpiece I hope there is a sequel
  25. djdizzy
    Jan 5, 2022
    9
    I’ve seen so many mixed reviews about this game, it’s truly a love it or hate it game. I finally but the bullet and bought the Director’s Cut on PS5. I saw for myself it truly is a game you’ll either love or hate. But if you haven’t played it, it’s hard to describe the vibe this game gives.

    I was looking for a game to just chill out following particularly hard days of work. Something    I’ve seen so many mixed reviews about this game, it’s truly a love it or hate it game. I finally but the bullet and bought the Director’s Cut on PS5. I saw for myself it truly is a game you’ll either love or hate. But if you haven’t played it, it’s hard to describe the vibe this game gives.

    I was looking for a game to just chill out following particularly hard days of work. Something not too challenging that I can destress with. It definitely is that but what I wasn’t expecting was just how immersive and how much of a piece of art the game is. It’s not quite the walking simulator that many people say about it. I’ve never played another game like it, its gameplay loop is unique. If you have the patience for it then it’ll make you think differently than any other game you’ve played. I’m new to the game but I absolutely love it for what it is. Time flies by when I play this game and it definitely does destress me. Even though it does have tense moments, it’s 90% relaxing and 10% tense. It’s beautiful on PS5 and it runs so smooth.    … Expand
  26. timyzs
    Dec 11, 2021
    9
    very slow-paced game with amazing story and graphic. Gameplay wise it is one of the most-innovative ones I've played in quite a while.
    For those who called this a 'walking simulator', they have probably played only the first 2 chapters...
  27. ssstylish
    Nov 29, 2021
    10
    Kojima genius. Brand new experience for me. Game that proves that action or game without action can be awesome
  28. Crystoph
    Oct 26, 2021
    10
    This game is awesome. this game was an experience from start to finish. in many situations it seems to live in a film for how well we are shot certain scenes. the gameplay is not limited to the delivery of packages but there is a lot behind this spectacular game. I suggest everyone to play it before judge because it deserte
  29. Panda0_0
    Nov 11, 2021
    10
    Just stop review bombing Please !! give this a time, rush through the first 2 chapter and then you will fall in love with Daddy Kojima
  30. Soowie
    Nov 13, 2021
    9
    Не играл на PS4, очень хотел обновление для PS5, игра шикарная!
    Люблю Кодзиму
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2021
16
#16 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 66 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 66
  3. Negative: 0 out of 66
  1. CD-Action
    Jan 19, 2022
    80
    Director's Cut is by far the best way to experience Kojima’s latest game. However, if you’ve already played Death Stranding and you’re considering buying the new edition just for the added content, better sleep on it. [12/2021, p.78]
  2. Shindig
    Dec 12, 2021
    60
    Death Stranding: Director’s Cut is a solid remaster with smart upgrades that build upon the original release without taking away from what made it a unique experience. The game itself has a lot to say and some of it is genuinely compelling, however, the pacing is abhorrent and the core gameplay is a deadly pill made out of tedium and boredom, that I really wish I hadn’t swallowed. Let’s hope I’m a Repatriate.
    Read full review
  3. Gamersky
    Dec 2, 2021
    100
    Whether the 4k60 frames or the powerful features of DualSense, the experience of Death Stranding: Director's Cut has been taken to another level. With this Director's Cut, there will be some new feelings when going through the "journey of connection" again.
    Read full review
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