General Information
Despite these mixed reactions, the game still garnered positive reviews overall. However, post-launch discussions often highlighted its shortcomings. We, on the other hand, consider it one of Kojima's finest works. In our view, the Metascore should be a perfect 100! Sam Porter's journey is truly unique - a gloomy yet captivating experience that manages to be deeply moving and visually stunning. It leaves a lasting impression, with memories of its rugged landscape etched in our minds long after playing. Few games achieve this level of impact.
We won't delve into explaining characters like Die-Hardman here - you're likely familiar with them already, and the plot is so intricate that we'd be researching names endlessly. What you need to know, spoiler-free, is that it delivers all the signature Kojima elements: eccentric characters, lengthy dialogues, stunning cutscenes, and unparalleled quirkiness. It also features some of the most bizarre and impressive boss fights we've ever seen. This time, though, it all feels much more intimate.
Sam's story prompts you to reflect on yourself, your future, your purpose, and the human condition in ways that might be uncomfortable. This isn't your typical post-apocalyptic tale that glamorizes survival. Instead, it presents a futuristic wasteland bearing the scars of humanity's mistakes, filled with genuine suffering and the isolation of a world where connections have been severed. Every action requires battling the elements, careful planning, and persistence. Oh, and it's incredibly eerie too, so brace yourself for some scares. This setting serves as the perfect backdrop for the gruff Sam as he works to rebuild the world, one task at a time. It also creates one of the most unforgettable gaming environments we've ever encountered.
Why do we remember so many small details of this vast, dreary landscape, while more visually striking game worlds fade from memory? It's because Sam's journey, both in its main goals and personal aspects, ties you to this world at every step. You must work hard, create paths, memorize routes, and note areas needing improvement to truly connect with your surroundings.
The clever multiplayer feature adds another layer. As you link more areas of this fractured America, you unlock ways to interact with other players. From leaving behind gear and resources to constructing actual bridges and climbing aids, it brings every rock, waterfall, and breathtaking view you navigate to life in a mesmerizing way.
The cast is outstanding, as expected. The writing is brilliant (when it's clear), and while it sometimes veers into typical Kojima chaos, it's always engaging. There's profound beauty and significance in every moment, even if some parts seem nonsensical. But who cares about the nonsense when it's this well-crafted and enjoyable?
To be completely honest, we were ready to give this game a perfect score from the start. We just needed to make sure the Xbox version performed well. And it does! Both performance and quality modes look and feel great. We've actually chosen to play our third Death Stranding playthrough (this time on Xbox) in quality mode for those extra visual touches. You can check our video comparison for more details on the game's performance.
Indeed, this game stands as one of our top three favorites from Kojima, making a grand entrance on Xbox consoles with its complete content. It's truly one-of-a-kind. Death Stranding is, without exaggeration, a unique and impressive feat of storytelling and world-building. Its mechanics are equally outstanding, not just in Sam's careful navigation and cargo balancing, or the constant assessment of terrain - which is strangely captivating - but also in how it skillfully introduces upgrades and exciting new technology at just the right pace, and how it presents new challenges just as things might start to feel repetitive. As a bonus, it offers enough of Kojima's trademark bizarre, haunting, and thought-provoking elements to keep us entertained until, and well beyond, whenever his next project arrives.
Conclusion
Death Stranding Director's Cut remains an exceptional experience that, five years later, still impresses with its mechanics, narrative, and visuals. A top-tier cast does their best with an admittedly wild story (wild in the best Kojima ways, of course), while this hauntingly beautiful world, emotionally charged tale, and unforgettable characters draw you into one of the most memorable journeys in recent gaming history. It's fantastic to see this masterpiece finally available on Xbox.
