Death Stranding Review – A Pure Masterpiece

Death Stranding is an action game developed by Kojima Productions, released in November 2019. The game was created by Hideo Kojima, a well-known figure in the video game industry, famous for the Metal Gear series.

It’s set in a post-apocalyptic United States, where catastrophic events known as “death stranding” have caused the world of the living to be invaded by creatures from the afterlife.

My first playthrough, as amazing as it was, left me bewildered. I had more questions than answers. I played it again recently (hoping I’d understand it better), and now I have even more theories and questions about it. Fortunately, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is coming out so if you’re in the same boat as me, we’ll get more clarity soon.

All of this has me wondering — what made this game such a hit? Was it the story? The graphics? The gameplay? Was it because Hideo Kojima made it? Or is the game simply overhyped? Let’s find out!

Story

From what little I managed to understand, I can tell you that the story of the Death Stranding is one-of-a-kind. It had me hooked from the start and I really appreciate all the effort that went into it. 

It’s set in a post-apocalyptic America ravaged by mysterious creatures called BTs (Beached Things). The main protagonist is a courier Sam Porter Bridges who was portrayed by Norman Reedus. 

Sam’s mission is to reconnect isolated cities and communities, known as the United Cities of America, by delivering essential supplies and information. Along the way, he faces supernatural threats and hostile human factions. The game’s central theme is about rebuilding connections and restoring humanity in a fragmented world. 

On my journey to becoming the best courier/network technician/savior of UCA, I’ve gone through a range of emotions. And in my professional opinion, if a game manages to have that effect on you and keep you invested, it’s done its job. And no matter how much I would love to find out what’s going to happen next immediately, I understand that creating a game with such a unique story takes time. 

Gameplay

Death Stranding is all about travelling through diverse landscapes, dodging BTs, and managing the cargo weight and balance. I remember struggling with cargo so much, it was always the end. Now when I think about it, cargo management is still a struggle for me. 

There’re also environmental challenges like timefall, a peculiar rain that accelerates aging, and you have to watch out for thieves called Mules. If you’re transporting anything, they’ll try to steal from you but if you’re going without cargo, they won’t attack and be relatively friendly towards you.

Sam also carries a Bridge Baby (BB), a fetus in a pod that can help in detecting BTs. Armed with various tools (ladders, anchors, weapons, etc.) and vehicles that can make gameplay a little easier, Sam’s journey is all about connection and collaboration, as players can leave resources and build structures to help each other. 

It’s a very useful support system, especially if you just started playing. Besides having access to resources and structure, you’ll be able to see tips that can help you on your deliveries. You’ll get  locations of Timefalls, BTs, Mules, and other stuff that will make your journey a piece of cake.

On top of all of that, throughout the game you’ll have to fight various enemies and for that you’ll need to use some sort of weapons that will require Sam’s blood in order to work on BTs. It kinda makes sense, since they can’t kill him so I guess his blood is the answer.

One thing’s for sure, no matter how much time you invest into the game, there’ll always be more to do and more places to explore.                                                 

Graphics and Audio

Let’s talk about the visuals first, because Death Stranding is nothing short of a masterpiece when it comes to how it looks. The game’s world feels so detailed and alive, you’ll find yourself just staring at the landscapes sometimes, soaking in the view. 

From the vast, rainy mountains to the serene beaches, it’s clear that Kojima and his team put a lot of love into the environment design. Characters? Yeah, they look incredible too. The motion capture, especially with Norman Reedus (Sam), is spot-on. You can see every expression, every subtle movement—it all feels real, almost like you’re watching a high-budget movie.

As for the audio, Death Stranding nails it in the most atmospheric way possible. The sound design is so immersive that you’ll feel the silence just as much as the music. When you’re walking through the mountains, all you hear is the crunch of boots against dirt and the occasional gust of wind. 

And then, BAM—suddenly a soft guitar starts strumming in the background, and you’re hit with that hauntingly beautiful soundtrack by Low Roar. The music and sound effects blend perfectly with the environment, heightening the tension when things go south, or easing you into a moment of calm.

This is one of those games where the visuals and audio don’t just complement the experience—they elevate it. It’s cinematic, it’s immersive, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from a game that’s pushing boundaries.

Conclusion

To answer the question from the beginning, I think Death Stranding isn’t overhyped. It has a great story, stunning graphics and good gameplay and all of it combined makes this game a true masterpiece.

I’ve enjoyed every second of my gameplay and I can’t wait for the second part. I’ve been closely following the development of it and it looks like they are on the right path of making a great sequel.

If you’re interested too, you can check their social media. They’ve been very active with sharing their progress so far. Also, I’ll be reviewing the second part, the moment they release it, so make sure to stay tuned.