I've often joked that I might be the biggest, and perhaps the only, fan of Death Stranding. While it's mostly a lighthearted quip, my admiration for the original game is genuine. The themes of isolation, connection, and extinction struck a chord with me long before the pandemic hit. I found joy in meticulously organizing my cargo loadout, plotting routes, and traversing vast landscapes on foot.
The gameplay loop remains one of my favorites to date. The act of delivering packages to gather resources for building highways and structures creates an engaging cycle where every mechanic feeds into another. Achieving full connectivity across the map using ziplines gave me an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.
I've invested hundreds of hours into this game through multiple playthroughs and have amassed a wealth of lore knowledge that could easily fill thousands of words about DS2. However, that would likely bore most readers to tears-and probably get me banned from writing reviews altogether! Instead, let's focus on whether this sequel lives up to its predecessor's legacy. In short:
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach isn't quite the sequel I had hoped for.
A Familiar Journey
Death Stranding 2 feels like a safe continuation rather than a bold new chapter. It builds upon traversal and combat mechanics from its predecessor but doesn't introduce anything groundbreaking or transformative.
I won't complain about more content in the Death Stranding universe; over my 60-plus hours with this title so far, I've enjoyed crafting optimal routes connecting various outposts in its fictional version of Australia. Just like before, it's both meditative and rewarding. I've constructed highways, ziplines, catapults-everything designed to ensure cargo delivery is as smooth as possible-and each moment has been enjoyable when I'm focused on making those deliveries.
The world itself is stunningly crafted with breathtaking vistas running at nearly flawless 60 frames per second (fps). Even during intense scenes featuring roaring fires or dense foliage with intricate textures all displayed simultaneously-everything runs smoothly without hiccups.
This time around offers even greater environmental variety; deserts blend seamlessly into rainforests and mountains provide ample visual diversity. New natural disasters like sandstorms or earthquakes add excitement around every corner-but they don't significantly alter gameplay mechanics as one might expect.
I managed to navigate almost every area using similar strategies without much disruption from these disasters; they felt more cosmetic than impactful during my journey through different regions. There was one mission suggesting specific gear for dealing with elements-but I simply drove past without any trouble at all!
A Mixed Bag in Combat
The improvements made here are largely visual rather than meaningful changes affecting how players engage with challenges throughout their adventure-a disappointment considering how much potential lay within these new features! One aspect I'd love adjusted? The screen shake caused by earthquakes-it can be overwhelming enough that I had to close my eyes just to avoid feeling nauseous!
No complaints about movement though! Whether running or driving-or utilizing ziplines-I relished exploring this expansive world filled with diverse transportation options available by hour thirty into gameplay! My arsenal included nearly everything from DS1's Director's Cut alongside exciting new items too!
A Nod To Metal Gear Solid V?
The same can be said regarding weapons systems & combat dynamics overall-they've seen significant enhancements since last time around! While fighting wasn't exactly strong suit previously-it shines brighter now thanks largely due improved stealth mechanics reminiscent of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain!
Sneaking Around With Style!
While many reviews will echo similar sentiments-the tightness found within stealth sequences combined punchy weaponry makes stealing cargo from enemy camps endlessly satisfying!
However…not everything glitters gold when it comes down battling foes either-enemy AI lacks adaptability often swarming towards nearest sound source instead showing little intelligence otherwise leading them getting stuck against walls allowing easy takedowns.
Thankfully though-with varied enemy types plus Sam's extensive arsenal compensating nicely-we'll likely find ourselves spending more time engaged in combat scenarios compared previous installments!
Tune Into Great Music!
One delightful addition returning players will appreciate? A music player feature allowing tunes while out completing missions-a definite upgrade thanks incredible tracks perfectly matching game's atmosphere!
Woodkid delivers an album worth listening repeatedly featuring standout tracks including main theme “To The Wilder.” Some hidden gems await discovery throughout less-traveled areas too-so if you pick up this title later make sure not miss VR challenges showcasing what Physint's infiltration sounds could offer!
Unfortunately though-you can't access music player while disconnected from grid near enemies such BTs…oh right-the BTs.
For fans familiarized first installment-you'll recall BTs being invisible floating adversaries attacking upon hearing breath sounds-they return here but play lesser role overall compared earlier entries making encounters feel less threatening which honestly feels refreshing after initial hours spent battling them previously.
Diving Into Storytelling Challenges…
Now let's address another crucial element surrounding Death Stranding 2: em>‘s narrative arc-which I've intentionally saved until now because frankly speaking-I didn't enjoy it very much.
This may come off surprising given how invested I became within original storylines presented back then despite slow pacing & heavy exposition present initially-but there were fascinating ideas woven throughout keeping engagement high until end credits rolled.
In contrast however-the narrative offered here fails recapture magic experienced prior feeling disjointed lacking coherence between plot points leaving major twists predictable yet others completely unforeseen due lack information provided beforehand causing frustration amongst players trying piece together events unfolding onscreen.
Characters themselves lack depth beyond single traits defined solely tragic moments expected evoke empathy yet fail resonate meaningfully leaving little impact once journey concludes.
The tagline poses question “Should we have connected?” And answer painfully resonates-I wish we could have truly formed bonds instead…
An Unfulfilled Sequel Experience…
< em > Death Stranding 2 em > stands firmly rooted sequel territory expanding upon foundations laid down first entry introducing few fresh elements along way-but given innovative nature divisive reception surrounding original title expectations ran high hoping something beyond mere additional content awaited us ahead.
I'm certain I'll invest countless additional hours exploring vast landscapes connecting continent further still unique offerings remain cherished despite shortcomings encountered along way…< br />
Just wish storytelling evoked stronger emotions eliciting feelings anything truly memorable lasting long after credits roll.< br />
< em > Image credit: Sony em >
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