3.5/5 ★ – Merc's review of Death Stranding.

Death Stranding is a difficult one. I originally bought this at release and found myself really disappointed with it, eventually abandoning it after a particularly annoying delivery. I came back to it though a couple of weeks ago and finished it. This is what I think: Gameplay: At best it's ok, but most of the time it's boring, and it gets real bad towards the last few missions. This is coming from someone who can really enjoy walking simulators, but this is too much. I finished the main objective without doing any side deliveries, but 60% of the main deliveries FEEL like I'm doing a side delivery. Probably my least favorite part of this game. Narrative: Very good. This is probably what kept the game alive for me. Throughout the game it is there enough to keep you hooked, and it finishes off very well at the end. Visuals: Beautiful. I think the environment visuals in this game are one the best I've ever seen in a game. The mossy plains and snowy mountains constantly made me stop and stare in awe. The cinematic visuals were really well put together as well. I thought the facial animations could look a little uncanny, but this was very occasional. Soundtrack: Good. If you like Low Roar by any chance, you'll love it. There are also some good soundtracks other than Low Roar to be found throughout the game that I enjoyed too. I said this was a difficult one because I've seen people who absolutely love this game, and people who curse this game's existence. You could read everything I've said above, play the game, and end up completely disagreeing with me. It's the kind of game that you have to play for yourself to know for sure. But, for me, Death Stranding is good at the very beginning, goes downhill in the middle, and then gets really good in the last 5 hours or so. I had to give it a chance before it started getting good for me, and I had to deal with a lot of annoying missions that tested my patience. Overall, I think that the story made it worth it, but for many that might not be enough. Wait for a sale if you're unsure.