Death Stranding

[eNforcer]

Originally Posted by Drexion

No, most of the time you're walking (and stumbling clumsily)

I've been watching a few Twitch streams, and this is what stands out most to me. I'm glad I cancelled my pre-order with EB because I wouldn't be able to deal with getting hung up on everything, and it's pretty bad in this game. I've had my fill of not being able to vault over things from the Battlefield series.

[KAC]

This game is trash.

[Munkus]

So the big question is...what the heck is a "death stranding"?

[Meteor_of_War]

Originally Posted by Munkus

So the big question is...what the heck is a "death stranding"?

Not sure because I'm intentionally avoiding details until I get the game, but I think it refers to the "ghosts" that are in the game that attack you sometimes. I think they are human souls left stuck in the world after whatever apocalyptic event happened. This is just my interpretation from what I've seen so far, could be totally wrong.

[Munkus]

Originally Posted by Meteor_of_War

Not sure because I'm intentionally avoiding details until I get the game, but I think it refers to the "ghosts" that are in the game that attack you sometimes. I think they are human souls left stuck in the world after whatever apocalyptic event happened. This is just my interpretation from what I've seen so far, could be totally wrong.

Ah. That would make sense. Thanks!

[Android1]

Originally Posted by Meteor_of_War

Not sure because I'm intentionally avoiding details until I get the game, but I think it refers to the "ghosts" that are in the game that attack you sometimes. I think they are human souls left stuck in the world after whatever apocalyptic event happened. This is just my interpretation from what I've seen so far, could be totally wrong.

I believe that you are correct. Also, I think that the title refers to the beaching of whales and dolphins, a phenomenon also know as cetacean stranding. The word strand as a noun means beach or shore, so it makes sense that the verb refers to the beaching of an animal, the running aground of a ship, or even simply being stuck somewhere that one does not want to be.

[Meteor_of_War]

Originally Posted by Android1

I believe that you are correct. Also, I think that the title refers to the beaching of whales and dolphins, a phenomenon also know as cetacean stranding. The word strand as a noun means beach or shore, so it makes sense that the verb refers to the beaching of an animal, the running aground of a ship, or even simply being stuck somewhere that one does not want to be.

Interesting, I think this sheds light on what "BT" means in the game. Something to do with beached things I guess.

But this is bordering on me finding out more than I want to know before playing. Think I may need to avoid this thread for a while.

[Android1]

Originally Posted by Meteor_of_War

Interesting, I think this sheds light on what "BT" means in the game. Something to do with beached things I guess.

But this is bordering on me finding out more than I want to know before playing. Think I may need to avoid this thread for a while.

Yeah, I hear you. Perhaps I should have used spoiler tags. I apologize.

[Meteor_of_War]

Originally Posted by Android1

Yeah, I hear you. Perhaps I should have used spoiler tags. I apologize.

No worries, my own fault I need to try and avoid Death Stranding discussions if I don't want to be spoiled.

Going to be hard though. PC version is months away.

[theshadowcult]

I thought it was because the dead were stranded? So the event is a death stranding?

[Drexion]

Watching streams for a week now. The game does have top notch production quality with amazing world-class cutscenes/motion capture/acting etc, (esp coming down to the end) with a unique story, interesting plot points, varied twists and turns, accompanied by the usual Kojima confusion and uncertainty. So you have to decide whether or not drudging through 30-40 monotonous hours of playing clumsy postman is worth for those 4-5 hours of awesomeness.

Many streamers who were critically harsh on the game during the first 20 hours or so, lightened up into the second half of the game. And I can see why, the first 15 hours are the worst and most frustrating part of the game - from about mid point the pace tends to pick up a bit when different modes of transport open up and the plot begins to thicken.

Definitely not a game for everyone, but there are those who would definitely think the payoff is worth the tedious portions of the game.

[Sasquach]

Even if this game is something I care about, having to deal with garbage for the first chunk of a game before dealing with the latter portion that is actually good is actually quite a turnoff.

Its exactly that way in Final Fantasy 13 (13 or 15 chapters in total, and the game doesn't actually open up in true final fantasy form until chapter 12) and I hated that game party because of it. Especially if the garbage portion takes as long as it does. by the time I got to the open world part of that game I just got tired of it and didn't want to play it anymore.

[Kain]

Received my Steelbook today. Will be playing Resident Evil 2 on PC before tackling this one.

[SD-[Inc]]

I am playing it now and find it very intriguing. I am 5 or 6 hours in and don’t find it frustrating or confusing. Probably the opposite as the hand holding on story and mechanics are pretty heavy handed. The environment and tools you are provided are very unique. The story itself is not that different than your typical apocalyptic end of the world type story. It is just the mechanics of the world that are very unique. I have a few theories already on what is going on. But, I will have to play more to find out for sure. I like when a game is setup this way.


Although, there is some pretty obnoxious product placement:

[logical]

Those are some beautifully rendered cans though

[azalea]

Now I've read and seen more about it, it looks like Fetch Quest Simulator 2119 or something Favorite side quests in games writ large.

[SD-[Inc]]

Originally Posted by logical

Those are some beautifully rendered cans though

That was the scaled down version of the screenshot. I re-edited the original post to include a larger version of the shared image. The game really does look amazing on my 4K TV.

[KAC]

You can watch the game cutscene movie for 11 hours on YouTube.

[Brainstew]

Is this better than MGS5? I thought that game sucked. Once the gameplay got repetitive there was nothing left, because the story was non-existent.

[Meteor_of_War]

Originally Posted by Brainstew

Is this better than MGS5? I thought that game sucked. Once the gameplay got repetitive there was nothing left, because the story was non-existent.

Hate to hijack the Death stranding thread but just need to interject.

Saying MGSV sucked is maybe a bit harsh? Best controls, gameplay, and game engine in the entire MGS series for sure, and the story was definitely good but pacing was bit disjointed and sloppy in the climax portion (blame Konami rushing the game out). As for repetitiveness, well a lot of it is grinding for equipment and base upgrades which is not necessary and optional. You can just stick to the story missions.

But it was a clever and inventive way to connect the 1980's origins of the Metal Gear plot line to the modern games, while doing some cool twists and 4th wall breaking stuff with the player. I'm thinking a lot of people just did not get it though, and for them I agree it probably fell flat. So is the way of Kojima though but I applaud him for always keeping things weird in a game industry where games are all too often cookie cutter formulaic derivative trash.

[SD-[Inc]]

Below is a great technical review of the game. I know this game may not be for everyone. But, if you like open world exploration like me, this game is a great. The technological advancements running on the PS4 Pro is really impressive given the HW. If you already have a PS4 pro, I really don't suggest waiting a year, (or more or never) for the buggy PC port to play this game.

[Meteor_of_War]

I'm patiently waiting for the PC release.

[SirBaron]

Was cheaper on xmas sale so thought **** it just buy it. Game is pretty decent actually. The graphics are incredible at times, seriously this is eye candy galore. Will probably double dip on PC once it get's to a lowish price on a future steam sale.

[SD-[Inc]]

Originally Posted by SirBaron

Was cheaper on xmas sale so thought **** it just buy it. Game is pretty decent actually. The graphics are incredible at times, seriously this is eye candy galore. Will probably double dip on PC once it get's to a lowish price on a future steam sale.

It gets better the longer you play it. The ending is very unique. I guess the best way to describe it without spoilers is a 60 minute credit sequence mixed with gameplay, long cut scenes, and amazing musical score. If you paid attention during the game, it was an emotional ending as well.

PS. I made a thread in the Console Gaming forum for this game if you have any further questions/comments on the game.

[Dungeoncrawler]

I received an early Christmas gift of this game on Saturday. Got it for $40 from BestBuy. Played the prologue, and a little further. I have to admit I enjoyed it more than I suspected I would. Performance was pretty solid on the ps4 pro.

[LimeyGeeza]

I got the game for the holidays as well and so far this is my favourite game of 2019, if not the decade...

I will add, I'm not finished yet and only about 20hrs in, playing on a regular PS4 (not Pro) and the game looks gorgeous and plays great with no framerate drops that have stood out to me.

I think I may be somewhat a unique case though, I have always been a fan of stories set in apocalyptic worlds (books, movies, games etc.) and the story of the loner, and I love sci-fi. And this game hits on all those points. Add to that, the story is very Japanese/Anime (as you would expect). So if you like that as well, as I do, then this game hits even further.

It is a walking simulator, and an inventory management, pickup delivery game - but that's what makes it so great! Attempting to get to your destination, with cargo intact, finding the best route and the ideal way to pack it onto your back or vehicle to make that journey easiest for you to do so.

At one point in the game I had to make a drop over the other side of a large mountain range, which I knew would be full of BT's (the bad guys in this game) - it'd be raining, meaning the cargo would almost definitely get damaged and my vehicle I was using had recently gotten damaged beyond repair - so on foot it would be. So what do I bring on this trip to make sure I'm not too overloaded to make it a difficult journey, but also bring ladders, ropes, repair kits (for the cargo) and items to help avoid the BT's?

Once I set out I undertook a harrowing journey through a craggy mountain pass, I could only avoid the BT's as I didn't take anything to take them out, it was raining, dark, scary and treacherous. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, stressed out, and worried about my little BB that was helping me on my way (A baby in an artificial womb that helps you detect the BT's). I eventually made it through about 10-15 minutes later. On the other side of the pass I was greeted with sun breaking through the clouds, a green hill to traverse down and I could see the city I was making way to in the distance at the bottom of the valley. As I started towards it, music began playing that fit perfectly to the situation, and my BB started giggling. It's moments like this that make the game a special one, and I hope it continues as I finish my playthrough.

I'm absolutely loving it - so don't let the reviews sway you too much and discourage you, if anything I said above sounds interesting. I'd for sure get it on PC when it releases and if you have a PS4 I wouldn't wait if it's still on sale and you are looking for something a little different to play. I do see how some could find it a little boring, especially if you are expecting an action packed shooter, or used to playing those, for me though it's a great change up from the 'usual'.

[Meteor_of_War]

Originally Posted by LimeyGeeza

At one point in the game I had to make a drop over the other side of a large mountain range, which I knew would be full of BT's (the bad guys in this game) - it'd be raining, meaning the cargo would almost definitely get damaged and my vehicle I was using had recently gotten damaged beyond repair - so on foot it would be. So what do I bring on this trip to make sure I'm not too overloaded to make it a difficult journey, but also bring ladders, ropes, repair kits (for the cargo) and items to help avoid the BT's?

Once I set out I undertook a harrowing journey through a craggy mountain pass, I could only avoid the BT's as I didn't take anything to take them out, it was raining, dark, scary and treacherous. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, stressed out, and worried about my little BB that was helping me on my way (A baby in an artificial womb that helps you detect the BT's). I eventually made it through about 10-15 minutes later. On the other side of the pass I was greeted with sun breaking through the clouds, a green hill to traverse down and I could see the city I was making way to in the distance at the bottom of the valley. As I started towards it, music began playing that fit perfectly to the situation, and my BB started giggling. It's moments like this that make the game a special one, and I hope it continues as I finish my playthrough.

That sounds like a great gaming experience for sure. Glad to hear people who are giving this game a chance are finding out how special it is.

[SD-[Inc]]

Originally Posted by LimeyGeeza

I got the game for the holidays as well and so far this is my favourite game of 2019, if not the decade...

I will add, I'm not finished yet and only about 20hrs in, playing on a regular PS4 (not Pro) and the game looks gorgeous and plays great with no framerate drops that have stood out to me.

I think I may be somewhat a unique case though, I have always been a fan of stories set in apocalyptic worlds (books, movies, games etc.) and the story of the loner, and I love sci-fi. And this game hits on all those points. Add to that, the story is very Japanese/Anime (as you would expect). So if you like that as well, as I do, then this game hits even further.

It is a walking simulator, and an inventory management, pickup delivery game - but that's what makes it so great! Attempting to get to your destination, with cargo intact, finding the best route and the ideal way to pack it onto your back or vehicle to make that journey easiest for you to do so.

At one point in the game I had to make a drop over the other side of a large mountain range, which I knew would be full of BT's (the bad guys in this game) - it'd be raining, meaning the cargo would almost definitely get damaged and my vehicle I was using had recently gotten damaged beyond repair - so on foot it would be. So what do I bring on this trip to make sure I'm not too overloaded to make it a difficult journey, but also bring ladders, ropes, repair kits (for the cargo) and items to help avoid the BT's?

Once I set out I undertook a harrowing journey through a craggy mountain pass, I could only avoid the BT's as I didn't take anything to take them out, it was raining, dark, scary and treacherous. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, stressed out, and worried about my little BB that was helping me on my way (A baby in an artificial womb that helps you detect the BT's). I eventually made it through about 10-15 minutes later. On the other side of the pass I was greeted with sun breaking through the clouds, a green hill to traverse down and I could see the city I was making way to in the distance at the bottom of the valley. As I started towards it, music began playing that fit perfectly to the situation, and my BB started giggling. It's moments like this that make the game a special one, and I hope it continues as I finish my playthrough.

I'm absolutely loving it - so don't let the reviews sway you too much and discourage you, if anything I said above sounds interesting. I'd for sure get it on PC when it releases and if you have a PS4 I wouldn't wait if it's still on sale and you are looking for something a little different to play. I do see how some could find it a little boring, especially if you are expecting an action packed shooter, or used to playing those, for me though it's a great change up from the 'usual'.

That sounds like you just cleared the East level and are at Port Knot City. That's about 25% through the game. You still have a lot of tools and game mechanics to unlock. I love the pace at which gameplay is introduced to you in this game. It is a slow steady progression from wobbly-legged delivery boy to Fragile Express God. Enjoy!

[LimeyGeeza]

Originally Posted by SD-[Inc]

That sounds like you just cleared the East level and are at Port Knot City. That's about 25% through the game. You still have a lot of tools and game mechanics to unlock. I love the pace at which gameplay is introduced to you in this game. It is a slow steady progression from wobbly-legged delivery boy to Fragile Express God. Enjoy!

Yes that’s exactly where I’m at, good to know there is more greatness ahead!

[Cynicalking]

I played and finished it through the holidays. Overall I really liked it. Got me hooked and some of the moments and vistas while you are discovering new ground are breathtaking. Gameplay was fun and addictive, story was interesting, but be prepared, a lot of times it is cringy as hell, some of the corniest, silliest stuff from Kojima yet imo. But the overall theme and story itself made up for it.