izigame.me

For the feeling

Death Stranding is a game with so many ideas, concepts, and scientific explanations for many of its interwoven aspects. It overly explains itself. It hits the nail so many times the coffin might as well be taped down instead of nailed. It indulges in its complexity far too much. But I'd say it deserves it. What this game can offer you is unlike anything out there. There is no replicating this game—for better or worse, it's a unique experience. Which is why I connected to it so much.

To me, this is a story about a man's depression and loneliness. Going at it alone for no real apparent reason. When you have no ties to anything and nothing to keep you going... sometimes you just keep going, and you don't know why you're doing the things you do. It's about finding out about yourself, trying to better yourself, and ultimately understanding oneself. I felt a mirror reflection of Sam and me at times. At the core of its message, it's trying to say that maybe, if you go at it for no reason, you can find people to connect with. You never know what could happen.


Overall

The gameplay ranges from excellent to fairly buggy (mostly driving). The overall movement isn't a problem though—it's mostly that after a while it can get fairly tedious in that nothing is a challenge, just a grind to set up and move items around to get 5 stars. If you're going at it for the main story alone, it's fairly fast-paced, but if you want to 100% the game, then you will deal with inevitable hurdles that require some "grinding" to get a proper setup and faster transportation for LLL rank.

Honestly, the vibes of the game can keep you playing for an eternity. To someone who doesn't play DS, areas could look "samey," but if you play it, you will actually know each area rather well. Each destination, each Knot City, is distinctly unique in its approach, and there really are best routes for each transportation mode you choose. Sometimes you might think that it's better to get a motorcycle and go up the mountain, but if you're driving, it's faster to just go around, for example. That's basic, but it can get heavily in-depth with what support skeleton you pick, which upgrades you bring on the backpack, what you bring with yourself, and what structures you build with the PCC. Obviously, then picking the correct route for each order. Easily, the game can get you into its strongest loop of just enjoying going through the world. You enter a zen state and then—BOOM—Low Roar plays, and you're transported into one of the most unique experiences in gaming.

This game will never be for everyone, and I'm thankful for that. I'm thankful that at least someone had the balls to make a unique game with his own vision that didn't pander to everyone. Especially today, where it feels like even Dark Souls games do that—Elden Ring being the example. But I understand—it's all about money at the end of the day. If what I said above even slightly resonated with you, I'd say this game is worth your money, that's for sure.