Death Stranding (5 out of 5 stars).
Death Stranding is a breathtaking, amazing, and is a great storytelling game from Hideo Kojima. I loved the first few Metal Gear Solid games excluding the fifth one. Death Stranding could be the start of a new franchise with its gameplay, storytelling, and incredible visuals. The game is amazing. Action fans or gamers with a short attention span may not enjoy it as much. The game does require patience cause it does have a slow moving gameplay and story for the first half of the plot. It is not a bad thing. I loved the slow building story that takes place in an apocalyptic world where civilization has collapsed. And people are living underground in a post stations. While they are cut off from the rest of everyone.
The plot follows Sam (Norman Reedus) who is a porter. A delivery guy who carries packages to other stations. Trying to reconnect the United Cities of America. Hoping they can rebuild civilization again. While he faces against BT's which are the dead from a different afterlife dimension that is trying to wreck havoc if you run into them. Or running into terrorists or bad guys known as mules. The plot is great. It does have a complex storytelling. Which may be confusing at first with a lot to take in. It is a 60 hour plus game which will eventually explain and have plenty of time to develop the story. There are surprises and twists which is emotionally satisfying. The game does have an emotional theme which you can relate to the characters.
The gameplay does require patience. The first half of the game may be repetitive with the delivery orders of going back and forth in a large open world map. Where you may have to walk and climb up mountains. Trying to avoid BTs. If you take your time. It will grow on you. I loved it. The setting and the visuals are beautifully done with the landscapes of the apocalyptic world. I also did some side orders just for fun cause I was enjoying the landscape. You have gear to help you in your travels. Weapons to help face against Bts or bad guys. While trying to maintain a heavy load cargo on your back. And there are also vehicles that can help out as well. Eventually, there will be roads built which you can contribute online to other players to build roads, bridges, or have climbing anchors set.
The cast ensemble is great. Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Lea Seydoux, Margaret Qualley, Troy Baker, and Lindsay Wagner motion voice capture and they all did great. Evan Guillermo del Toro had his likeness in it. The soundtrack and music score is amazing and great. Definitely, made one of the best post apocalyptic games.
The controls are easy to handle. Took a little while to get used too but it was easy to grasp. The game does pick up on action. And it does get you on the edge. The climax of the game was epic. And exciting.
The visuals is breathtaking and life like. It was hard to look away from this game. I would love to see more sequels. The story did have a good conclusion.
Overall, Death Stranding is one amazing game. One great epic storytelling. Awesome fun game play. And the story does leave a lasting taste after it is over.
