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“The stick and the rope are the oldest tools of mankind. The stick to keep evil away. The rope to bring good things close. They were humanity’s first friends. Wherever there are people, there are sticks and ropes.” – Kobo Abe, The Woman in the Dunes. This quote perfectly encapsulates the central theme of Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding: connection in the face of isolation. What is humanity’s greatest fear? Is it darkness? Is it death? Death Stranding argues that it’s neither. Our deepest fear is disconnection, the chilling absence of interaction and communication.

A Visual and Auditory Masterpiece

Players familiar with Horizon: Zero Dawn will recognize the breathtaking visuals powered by the Decima Engine, further refined for Death Stranding. This engine, named after the 17th-century trading island between Japan and the Netherlands, renders stunning landscapes, from swaying blades of grass to dynamic weather effects that bring the world to life. The detail is astonishing, capturing even subtle nuances like Sam’s goosebumps or the individual strands of hair in close-ups.

Detailed graphics in Death Stranding

Complementing the visuals is a rich and immersive soundscape. The chilling crunch of BT footsteps, their haunting cries, the gentle murmur of streams, and the patter of Timefall rain against the earth all contribute to a truly captivating experience. The soundtrack, featuring melancholic tracks by Low Roar, perfectly underscores the game’s atmosphere and the vastness of the landscape.

Environmental details in Death Stranding

A Unique and Compelling Narrative

This wouldn’t be a Kojima game without a deeply moving and thought-provoking narrative. You play as Sam Porter Bridges, a solitary deliveryman with aphenphosmphobia (fear of being touched) tasked with fulfilling his deceased mother’s final wish: to reconnect the fractured cities of America through the Chiral Network and establish the United Cities of America (UCA).

Initially apathetic and focused solely on survival, Sam gradually evolves throughout his journey. He connects with the people he meets, shedding his isolation and embracing the importance of human connection. This transformation is poignantly illustrated by his initial rejection of Fragile’s Cryptobiote offering and his later acceptance near the game’s conclusion.

Sam Bridges character development

Kojima masterfully unfolds the story, slowly revealing crucial details and prompting questions about the nature of BTs, the Death Stranding event, and the mysterious Bridge Baby (BB) Sam carries. These questions are answered satisfyingly without ever feeling contrived or confusing.

Adding to the narrative’s depth is a stellar cast, including Norman Reedus as Sam, Mads Mikkelsen as Clifford Unger, and Léa Seydoux as Fragile. Even Guillermo del Toro and Nicolas Winding Refn lend their likenesses to Deadman and Heartman, respectively.

The story is divided into chapters, each named after a specific character whose backstory and struggles are explored in detail. This adds depth and emotional resonance, as each character shares their personal tragedies with Sam, creating moments of profound impact.

Death Stranding narrative elements

Forging Connections in a Fragmented World

Perhaps the most debated aspect of Death Stranding is its gameplay. Some criticize it as a tedious “walking simulator,” while others praise its unique approach. The initial gameplay loop of accepting deliveries, organizing cargo, and traversing the landscape can feel repetitive.

Death Stranding gameplay

However, as the map expands and new tools and vehicles become available, the game’s true purpose emerges: fostering connection and collaboration. Death Stranding‘s online component allows players to share resources and structures, leaving ladders, bridges, and even entire highways for others to use. This asynchronous cooperation becomes essential for navigating the challenging terrain and overcoming obstacles.

The “Like” system, allowing players to express gratitude for shared resources, further reinforces the importance of community. Earning likes grants experience points, which level up Sam and improve his abilities.

Navigating the world presents numerous challenges, including BTs – spectral entities that haunt the landscape. Avoiding detection by Gazers is crucial, as they summon Hunters to drag Sam into tar pits and a Catcher to consume him, potentially triggering a Voidout that scars the map. Using Sam’s blood-infused weaponry, like Hematic Grenades and Bola Guns, becomes necessary for self-defense.

Death Stranding BT encounter

MULES, cargo-obsessed bandits, also pose a threat, attempting to steal Sam’s deliveries. Using the Strand (rope) for stealth takedowns or direct combat proves effective. However, killing MULES attracts BTs, highlighting the importance of non-lethal approaches.

Death Stranding is not about solitary struggle; it’s about shared burdens and mutual support. By encouraging players to rely on each other, the game creates an invisible bond, a virtual rope connecting individuals in a fragmented world.

Death Stranding online cooperation

Conclusion

Death Stranding is a unique and compelling experience. While the initial gameplay may feel repetitive, the game’s true brilliance lies in its exploration of connection, its stunning visuals and audio, and its deeply moving narrative. By embracing the spirit of collaboration and appreciating the small details, players will discover a truly rewarding and unforgettable journey.