Death Stranding Defied Expectations, for Better or Worse, Five Years Ago

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Death Stranding Defied Expectations, for Better or Worse, Five Years Ago

As a gamer who’s been around the block a few times, I can confidently say that Death Stranding is a game that has left an indelible mark on my gaming journey. Five years have passed since its release, and it still lingers in my memory like a haunting melody from a long-forgotten dream.

Five years have passed since the release of “Death Stranding”. For five years, Hideo Kojima’s studio, Kojima Productions, has left millions who had been eagerly anticipating the next big thing since the end of “Metal Gear Solid”, both amazed and somewhat let down.

Death Stranding isn’t similar to Metal Gear Solid; they are worlds apart. Instead, this game revolves around the simple yet significant tasks of delivering parcels, managing cargo, and a lot of walking. The combat in the game is minimal compared to its predecessor and even when it does appear, it lacks the intricate stealth-action mechanics found in Metal Gear. Hideo Kojima has swapped the gripping political thriller narrative and intense espionage for a full-blown science fiction and magical realism approach, which supports a story exploring the essence of humanity and our interactions with one another. Whether it’s the best game ever made or perhaps one of the worst is up for debate.

Death Stranding: Remembering a Shamelessly Bold Video Game

Death Stranding Wasn’t What Anyone Expected

Emerging from the remnants of the sadly forsaken game P.T., Death Stranding primarily relied on Kojima’s reputation to sell it. Boasting big-name stars such as Norman Reedus, Guillermo del Toro, and Mads Mikkelsen, the game was as intriguing yet puzzling as it was mysterious, with its trailers failing to clarify its complex narrative and unique gameplay mechanics. Despite this, viewers were captivated by its stunningly realistic graphics, world design inspired by Iceland, and typical elements that are characteristic of Kojima’s work, like a baby carried by the protagonist and an ocean-themed otherworld.

As a gamer, when Death Stranding finally dropped, its peculiar narrative and gameplay left me scratching my head. It wasn’t a bait-and-switch – what I saw in the pre-launch footage was pretty much what I got in the final product. But here’s the thing: it was hard to wrap my mind around the fact that 90% of this game was just walking from one point to another. Critics argued that this basic premise was a significant step back from the fast-paced, open-ended freedom of Hideo Kojima’s last project, Metal Gear Solid 5. The dense, intricate storyline was also criticized for being unnecessarily complex and cryptic.

Critics often point out that unrealistic dialogue is a problem in the narrative of Death Stranding, with the controversial “Princess Beach” remark being singled out frequently as an example.

Death Stranding Succeeds Despite Its Oddities

It’s indisputable that the game Death Stranding stands out as an unusual choice among AAA titles. Unlike typical games in this category, it shuns combat and high-speed action, instead offering a unique gaming experience unmatched elsewhere. The gameplay of Death Stranding demands careful management, with players needing to maintain their gear meticulously and plan routes strategically to ensure success. This delicate blend of mundane tasks and expansive landscapes creates an engaging yet calming atmosphere, as players work tirelessly to rebuild what was once America one step at a time. The game’s storyline may be dramatic and peculiar at times, but its inventiveness, intelligence, and emotional impact make it a truly captivating tale.

Death Stranding faced an unusual circumstance (either good or bad) by releasing just before a worldwide pandemic. Consequently, its themes such as isolation and the decay of personal human connections seem strikingly relevant nowadays, maybe more so than they would have been otherwise. Regardless, this game delves deeply into genuine human struggles like loneliness, sorrow, and disenchantment, making it remarkably relatable and, ironically, rooted in reality compared to the long-standing political narrative of the Metal Gear series.

Kojima Productions skillfully spun a complex, intricate web of storylines with Death Stranding, and while unraveling its many threads might never be completely achieved, the game gets so many aspects right. Above all, it’s an incredibly significant endeavor due to its audacity alone; it challenges norms, even pushing boundaries too far for some, in a gaming industry saturated with predictable, formulaic titles that have been carefully crafted to avoid offending and ultimately become bland. As the adage goes, “a game for everyone is a game for no one,” and Death Stranding certainly isn’t for everyone. However, for those who resonate with it, it’s an extraordinary adventure, marking a powerful comeback for Kojima.

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2024-11-08 19:53