Death Stranding Review Round-Up

All those video game critics with early access to Death Stranding had to keep their lips sealed about one of the most perplexing games in recent memory. As colleagues and fans desperately tried to gain insight about Hideo Kojima’s mysterious new game, those with early access had to keep silent.

Not anymore. The embargo lifted and the fire hydrant has busted, spewing all the thoughts, insights, and criticism about Death Stranding. The three years of puzzle pieces deliberately instilled by Kojima can finally come together.

Death Stranding, which was originally a PlayStation exclusive but is now coming to PC, features Sam Porter Bridges, played by the zombie killer who needs a shower- Norman Reedus, as he travels across the barren United cities of America to reconnect society. Here is what everyone thinks of it (the list below is courtesy of GamesRadar):

• PushSquare: 10/10
• EGM: 5/5
• Gamespot: 9/10
• Eurogamer: Recommended
• The Guardian: 4/5
• Destructoid: 8/10
• Game Informer: 7/10
• USGamer: 3.5/5
• IGN: 6.8/10
• VGC: 3/5
• VG 24/7: 3/5

Death Stranding currently has an 84 on Metacritic. Here is what some critics had to say:

“Death Stranding is dizzying, unshakable in its belief it is doing something worthwhile, and it’s one of the most important games of this decade” – Screen Rant

“Above all, Death Stranding is a sermon on the importance of belief. The power of putting one foot in front of another when hope looks lost, in the belief that things will get better. By working together, a series of small intentional steps can make a difference, and in this often fractured, angry and confusing world; that’s as hopeful as it gets.” – Guardian 

“The real issue is that Death Stranding’s gameplay really is as simple as it appears to be, and the elements around it – the story, combat, and lackluster mission objectives – aren’t satisfying enough to anchor the title and get players invested.” – GameInformer

“Death Stranding might be Kojima’s boldest game to date. It may also be his most tedious. Either way, its originality outweighs its sometimes exhausting structure and poor pacing… but only just. Maybe not a game I would recommend to everyone, but certainly one of the most interesting games of 2019.” – USGamer

The general consensus is that Kojima crafted an intriguing world with heavy-handed commentary but its sometimes exhausting and tedious gameplay can be a stepping stone to its enjoyment. The majority of reviews are positive and even those with major critiques still gave the game a decent score. So if you’re hyped up about this game, then it’s likely that you won’t be buying a piece of trash when it comes out on November 8th.

Keep an eye on The Nerd Stash for our own thoughts on Death Stranding when we get our hands on it.