What Makes Death Stranding a Different Game?

Even though Death Stranding came out 5 years ago, it is the kind of game that amazes me even today. The story mode is entirely offline, but the game is still better when you play it online with an internet connection. Now, why is that? I’ll tell you in the sections ahead. 

Death Stranding was created by Hideo Kojima after he split with Konami. Anyone who is an avid gamer knows how unique the games are that are created by Kojima. These games include some of the classics, such as Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania, and Silent Hill. 

However, today, we will be keeping our focus on Death Stranding and why it is such a unique game. 

A Little Background

When the first trailer of the game dropped, we had no idea what was going on (typical Kojima behavior). With every new trailer, we would try to make sense of what was going on, and it was only until the game was released that things started making sense. 

All we saw was that the game was set in a relatively dark setting and the fact that Norman Reedus was playing the main character. We also saw Mads Mikkelsen in the game, and we were stoked! 

The Importance of an Internet Connection

One thing that I found brilliant about Death Stranding is how it allows you to connect with other players from all over the world, even though the game itself isn’t entirely an online game. 

The game follows mechanics called the “Strand System,” where every player in the world is uniquely connected to another. For instance, if I come across a ledge that is difficult to cross, I can place a ladder there and leave it for other players to use. When other players use the ladder, they can leave a “like” for me, which helps me level up my character. This sense of social connection is one of the many things that I found brilliant about the game. 

Therefore, you must stay connected to the internet at all times so you can utilize all resources as you play the game. In my case, my internet package, one of the Xfinity Internet deals, allows me to play online games to my heart’s content. This way, I make sure that I use all the resources that my fellow gamers have left behind! 

The Game Tests Your Patience

This is one thing that I first found annoying about the game, but then it just grew on me. The game feels like a walking simulator, with our main character making deliveries (the main character Sam is a porter who is tasked to make deliveries across the United States). 

Things got easier as I unlocked bikes and better boots. However, I found a perfect solution to the patience element. I would put in my earbuds and would listen to music as I would walk around, making deliveries. 

The Game Conveys a Beautiful Message

The game very subtly emphasizes the idea of connections with each other. The purpose of the game is to connect the United States to a “Chiral Network” to make sure that everyone in the country is connected. 

This symbolizes the connection that we should have with each other in real life as well. Another thing that I loved about the game is that even though you are connected to other players all over the world, you can’t say anything bad to them. You can only help each other out, which creates a sense of positivity. 

A Weird Yet Interesting Combat System

Another thing that I found profoundly weird but interesting about the game was its combat system. In the game, you come across entities called Beached Things (or BTs for short) that are souls of people left behind even after dying. 

The concept of the game is that once someone dies, they are “stranded” and are left on a beach. When these entities attack you, the only way to fight back is through Sam’s blood. So you basically use your own blood bags to create Hematic grenades and fight off these enemies. 

Not only this, but Sam’s exposure to these entities triggers alterations in his body that you can use to fight off enemies too. This is where things get gross, you can create EX grenades out of Sam’s excrement (Again, typical Kojima) to fight off BTs. Now, I hope I’m not the only one who thinks this is weird! 

A Bonus Pointer 

The game can tend to get boring and monotonous at one point, but I would highly suggest that you stay patient. That is because the game gets better as it progresses further. The game has a very intriguing story which you should not miss! So if there’s one pointer I can give you, it is to stay patient!