Death Stranding Standard Edition - PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

Hideo Kojima is rarity in the world of high-budget video game production. He’s an auteur. The Metal Gear Solid games are all branded “A Hideo Kojima Game”. He has a certain sensibility, but there has also always been a sense in his games that he’s been held back. That was before he left Konami and formed his own independent studio, Kojima Productions, which just released its first game - Death Stranding. Describing this game is a challenge. The core gameplay loop is pretty simple. You play as a courier, and you have to walk from point A to point B without falling and damaging your cargo too much. There are hazards - rough terrain, bandits out to steal your cargo, and other enemies. It’s more challenging than it sounds, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t at times tedious. The real draw here, as it has been for me with Kojima’s other games, is the story. Death Stranding tells you both too much and not enough about the world the game takes place in. The first few hours of the game have only about half an hour of actual gameplay, with the rest of the time spent showing you the post-apocalyptic America that you’ll traverse throughout the game. When I bought my copy of Death Stranding, the cashier said that he had sold the game to two other people that day, and that neither one of them could tell him what the game was about. I told him, “I’ll be surprised if any of us can tell you what it’s about after we’ve finished it.” I stand by that. When you buy Call of Duty 16, or Madden 2020, you know exactly what you’re getting. What you get in Death Stranding is something you don’t get in many high profile games - something different. Something new. It’s weird. It’s kinda boring. It’s borderline nonsense. But it’s beautiful. It knows what it is and isn’t afraid to be just that. And that’s what keeps me playing.

I hike for my job and also have to carry equipment with me in remote areas and have to plan navigating the landscape in much the same way with equipment weight, safest paths or fastest routes, caution around bad weather, etc (minus the MulEs and BTs of course). I am therefore all about delivery games and this one blows your mind with the storyline, gameplay, and the characters. The atmosphere can be extremely stressful/suspenseful when it needs to be and also incredibly relaxing. The landscapes are beautiful. When you are hiking, the best part is getting a good view, listening to some good music and seeing a storm rolling in. That is this game.

I’ve been playing for a few hours now and have been enjoying the game so far. I have high expectations for the game because I’ve been a huge Metal Gear Solid fan and can see some similarities in game design however the game play is very different. There is a lot of cutscenes that are very enjoyable and lots of walking in mountainous terrains. I’m still undecided on how I feel about the game so far but I think I’ll like it. This is a very unique game.

In summary, Death Stranding Standard Edition is more than just a game; it's an immersive journey that challenges perceptions and leaves an indelible mark on the soul. Whether experienced on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, this edition is a testament to the power of storytelling in gaming, offering an unforgettable adventure that will resonate with players for years to come."

If you are looking for a big budget game that is not like much else you’ve played and is not afraid to do totally wild things, then this is the game for you. It’s heavy on simulation, but navigating the environment is very fun and the game looks gorgeous. I love it.