Death Stranding - (PlayStation 4)

Greeny
Apr 15
2 min read

Exploring a Post-Apocalyptic World

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment · 505 Games

Developer: Kojima Productions

Also available on: PC

A game about delivering packages across mountains, a hiking simulator some people refer to it as, but there is a lot more about the game than just that. Starring Norman Reedus as the main character, you have to travel to various locations across the decimated USA and deliver packages to survivors/cities and to link up each city to install a new network link. There is an invisible enemy called BTs that will attack you during the timefall rainstorms, which you can try to avoid by reducing noise (holding your breath) and sneaking around, or you can eliminate them if you're feeling braver.

Each package to deliver can vary by size, weight, and item type, which means having to think carefully about how to transport them so as not to damage the contents and to plot a route to the destination. Carrying a lot of cargo compared to a little means more 'likes' are awarded for completion.

Your gear can be upgraded to better equipment such as sturdier boots or spiked gloves, and there is also equipment such as thermal pads for freezing conditions and floating carriers to carry a lot of packages more easily. Vehicles can be used too, which are very handy for most flat surfaces. Roads can be built and repaired if the required materials are deposited. Playing online means that the world is shared, and other players can help towards road building/upkeeping, and other player-built structures can be used and upgraded.

Structures can be placed, such as post boxes to store packages and gear for other passing players. Timefall shelters will protect you and packages from the timefall rain, and then there are also things like bridges that can be built and home shelters to sleep in and recover. The map is pretty large, and there are a lot of areas such as snowy mountains, and it looks so gorgeous too. Weapons can be carried and used against terrorists and the BTs. You can also leave helpful signs for other players, such as warning them if there is a very steep cliff or if there is a BT area or a cave to shelter in. If you like hiking and/or helping others, then this is a must-play game. There is a lot of content here, and picking up different amounts/sizes of packages and trying to go different routes extends the playability further.