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So, in the end, what is the GAF verdict on Death Stranding?

P

PhilipDoesMatter

Member
So, I'm wondering what is the opinion of those who actually played the game.

It has received mixed reviews, and as a non-fan of any Kojima game I'd like to know how it has been received by diehard fans and critics alike.

Enlighten me GAF.
 
JareBear: Remastered

JareBear: Remastered

Banned
I’ve played for 20 hours. I don’t feel addicted to the loop but I also don’t feel like playing is a chore. Knowing that I’ve helped other gamers in some way, getting likes for my structures and whatnot, it’s a good feeling and is pretty decent motivation for me.

the story is very cool to me and it’s a technical achievement both visually and audibly.

I give it an 8.5

also

No MHK, No Peace. #TeamMHK
 
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Freeman76

Freeman76

Member
Its brilliant, my favourite game since Red dead 2. 9/10, with a couple of tweaks to the UI and QoL updates a 9.5/10. Its a breath of fresh air and by the end of chapter 3 there are so many options of how to approach it it never feels a chore to do anything. I didnt think I would like it either lol, Skillups review sold me on trying it and he is right, its an experience more than a game, and a rare piece of orginality to boot.
 
belteshazzar

belteshazzar

Member
I have played several MGS games, so yeah I can say that I'm a Kojima fan. However, that doesn't mean I would automatically say a game is good because it was made by Kojima. I always evaluate a game on its own merits. With that said, having put 16 hours into Death Stranding over the weekend, I can say with confidence that it is an amazing experience. I really love the game. From a technical perspective, it is quite impressive. The game is quite breathtaking to look at. I really love the music. There is much attention to detail here, and that is something that I have come to expect from a Kojima game. I also believe there is a lot of merit in trying to create something that is different on this day an age, when most studios are just trying to keep it safe with the same thing over and over again. I find the gameplay loop to be really addictive, but I can also see how it would be a turn off for a lot of people, especially those that lack any sort of patience. As for the story, I'm interested to see how it develops over the course of the game, but the setting alone and the mystery surrounding it is reason enough for me to want to keep playing to learn more. One of the core themes of the game, which is connection to other people, is really something that takes center stage; I really believe that it is something that can permeate to real life, in wanting to help others and going out of your way to do it (for instance, some dude on Death Stranding reddit decided on launch day to get the game for someone that really wanted to play it but didn't have the means to do it at the time. I hope that going forward more video games can extend their mechanics and themes to move people to do good in real life). Overall, I think Death Stranding is valiant and sincere effort, and it really shows. I hope the game can continue to surprise me, give me food for thought and entertain me until the ending credits roll.
 
Phunkydiabetic

Phunkydiabetic

Banned
belteshazzar said:
I have played several MGS games, so yeah I can say that I'm a Kojima fan. However, that doesn't mean I would automatically say a game is good because it was made by Kojima. I always evaluate a game on its own merits. With that said, having put 16 hours into Death Stranding over the weekend, I can say with confidence that it is an amazing experience. I really love the game. From a technical perspective, it is quite impressive. The game is quite breathtaking to look at. I really love the music. There is much attention to detail here, and that is something that I have come to expect from a Kojima game. I also believe there is a lot of merit in trying to create something that is different on this day an age, when most studios are just trying to keep it safe with the same thing over and over again. I find the gameplay loop to be really addictive, but I can also see how it would be a turn off for a lot of people, especially those that lack any sort of patience. As for the story, I'm interested to see how it develops over the course of the game, but the setting alone and the mystery surrounding it is reason enough for me to want to keep playing to learn more. One of the core themes of the game, which is connection to other people, is really something that takes center stage; I really believe that it is something that can permeate to real life, in wanting to help others and going out of your way to do it (for instance, some dude on Death Stranding reddit decided on launch day to get the game for someone that really wanted to play it but didn't have the means to do it at the time. I hope that going forward more video games can extend their mechanics and themes to move people to do good in real life). Overall, I think Death Stranding is valiant and sincere effort, and it really shows. I hope the game can continue to surprise me, give me food for thought and entertain me until the ending credits roll.
Click to expand...

That is one girthy paragraph bro
 
Alebrije

Alebrije

Member
It’s great and dumb at the same time.

Death+stranding+gameplay_57e814_7125597.gif
 
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P

PhilipDoesMatter

Member
belteshazzar said:
I have played several MGS games, so yeah I can say that I'm a Kojima fan. However, that doesn't mean I would automatically say a game is good because it was made by Kojima. I always evaluate a game on its own merits. With that said, having put 16 hours into Death Stranding over the weekend, I can say with confidence that it is an amazing experience. I really love the game. From a technical perspective, it is quite impressive. The game is quite breathtaking to look at. I really love the music. There is much attention to detail here, and that is something that I have come to expect from a Kojima game. I also believe there is a lot of merit in trying to create something that is different on this day an age, when most studios are just trying to keep it safe with the same thing over and over again. I find the gameplay loop to be really addictive, but I can also see how it would be a turn off for a lot of people, especially those that lack any sort of patience. As for the story, I'm interested to see how it develops over the course of the game, but the setting alone and the mystery surrounding it is reason enough for me to want to keep playing to learn more. One of the core themes of the game, which is connection to other people, is really something that takes center stage; I really believe that it is something that can permeate to real life, in wanting to help others and going out of your way to do it (for instance, some dude on Death Stranding reddit decided on launch day to get the game for someone that really wanted to play it but didn't have the means to do it at the time. I hope that going forward more video games can extend their mechanics and themes to move people to do good in real life). Overall, I think Death Stranding is valiant and sincere effort, and it really shows. I hope the game can continue to surprise me, give me food for thought and entertain me until the ending credits roll.
Click to expand...
Bro, this paragraph was bettet than many reviews I've watched.
 
Northeastmonk

Northeastmonk

Gold Member
I think Death Stranding is one of those games that you'll reflect on when you're in your 70's. When you look back upon your life and your hobbies. You'll think of major changes such as graphics, storytelling, and genres. Then you'll think of Death Stranding. The game that broke the mold, that built a bridge between the then and the now.

I can imagine someday, sometime, or somewhere when some delivery person rings my doorbell or drops off a package at my door. I'll look back upon Bridges and Fragile. We do the same type of reflection in our lives with movies and books.
 
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imsosleepy

imsosleepy

Member
its a fucking masterpiece
When you play true the main story line its very wel directed, amazingly paced. really good music at the right timing. The story is very interesting, super unique and mysterious but also very explainable.

Its a lot more then just walking lol. And I really dont understand what was up with all the reviewers because its nothing like what most of them said it was.
And the strand system is freaking brilliant
 
Hinedorf

Hinedorf

Banned
PhilipDoesMatter said:
So, I'm wondering what is the opinion of those who actually played the game.

It has received mixed reviews, and as a non-fan of any Kojima game I'd like to know how it has been received by diehard fans and critics alike.

Enlighten me GAF.
Click to expand...

I play all Kojima games but I wouldn't say I'm a big fan of his previous stuff. I very much like this game and if I had to rate it would give it a solid 10. It's by no means a perfect game. The story is very thought provoking and challenges you to make very calculated and prudent decisions. Unlike most modern video games this one greatly encourages you to help yourself by helping others in a way few games have ever utilized.

The story is fascinating, the visuals are top notch, and this is first class innovation. There's a lot of hardcore gamers that are simply complaining because it's not what they wanted and they cannot get past that.
 
A

Atrus

Gold Member
I’m about 45 hours in and I’d say it’s the GOTY.

The mechanics add something unique to the fetch/delivery nature of quests. Each person’s interaction with the world and their experiences ends up unique even though the objectives are the same.

It is highly recommended that you don’t spoil yourself of any imagery, story, or gameplay beforehand.

Just remember that this is a >50 hour game at minimum and so the beginning portion is longer than your average FPS campaign. The story is also typical Kojima and expect to feel like Alice in Wonderland for the first bit.

Like Ocarina of Time, Shadow of the Colossus, Journey, or Red Dead Redemptions, this is a heroes journey game that warrants experiencing and has a lot of originality mixed in with successful mechanics from prior games.

The music placement is done very well and help with the ambiance and if you like hiking or travel in real life, you’ll feel that same compulsion for exploration and navigation issues in this game.
 
Nymphae

Nymphae

Banned
I am absolutely loving it right now. I have a hunch about how the ending of this game is going to go, and I am incredibly excited to see if I'm right. I am very intrigued by the world and story, I think it's beautiful from top to bottom, and I have been very surprised at how compelling I find the gameplay.
 
newtypepilot

newtypepilot

Member
It's a "game" that's better off watching others play first. The first several hours has severe pacing issues that bores you to death. If you can get past that, then this may be the game for you.
 
G

Gargus

Banned
I dont want to read anyone's replies incase something is accidentally spoiled but I am enjoying it a lot. It's different and has a lot of little details. I went in not expecting a masterpiece, I was expecting something kind of unique for a AAA game and I was not disappointed. The last big AAA game I'd enjoyed this much was god of war.

Oh and the whole errand boy aspect is way overblown by people who just want to bitch about something because they are contrarians who only want to hate something because others like it. Once you hit like chapter 3 or 4 the world really opens up.
 
Clear

Clear

CliffyB's Cock Holster
newtypepilot said:
It's a "game" that's better off watching others play first. The first several hours has severe pacing issues that bores you to death. If you can get past that, then this may be the game for you.
Click to expand...

I disagree, the beginning is relatively slow to allow players to adjust to the world lore and the extremely large number of mechanics involved

And besides its only "slow" if all you value is combat, pretty much every action you take is rewarded in some way. Be it a new mechanic, a cut-scene, or piece of lore. Its only boring if you ignore or refuse to engage with its systems.
 
#Phonepunk#

#Phonepunk#

Banned
pretty amazing stuff. i've never played a game like it. it's a lot of fun to build out the world. it controls like a dream. the graphics are beautiful. the sound design is sick as fuck. the UI is nice a futuristic and the world is brimming with polish. the music is great stuff. "Don't be so serious" gets stuck in my head.

when the cutscenes start to drop it feels like oldschool Kojima. they really are the best he has ever done, I've been quite moved already by a number of them. i liked the more stripped down approach for MGSV but it's nice to have long cutscenes back.

i can't imagine watching other people play this game. would be a waste. it really demands that you play it yourself.
 
Bryank75

Bryank75

Banned
Even though I loved Sekiro and Control, Death Stranding just eclipsed them as my GOTY.... now, I have played almost every MGS and Zone of the Enders, I even have Ghost Babel and I was well up on what the game was going to be.
I am also really into going hiking here in Ireland, which looks just like many of the places in the game...

So you could say it was a game almost tailored to me. So I give it a 9 (I'd give it higher but I have not finished it and want scope to go up or down).

I really think the negative / mixed reviews missed something or just didn't really give it a proper chance. You have to invest yourself in it and play in large chunks. Hopefully you have a bit of spare time because all the people that criticized it most said that they had jobs to do and families to take care of and didn't have the type of time the game required to enjoy.
 
SaturnSaturn

SaturnSaturn

Member
I am 35 hours in, guess about half way, done a lot of side content. i went in expecting to hate the gameplay and like the story, its the other way around, the gameplay is super strong and addicting, it just looks boring as fuck to watch. and the story is honestly at best just ok if not mediocre, it can get really good sometimes but other times you are just wondering what the fuck kojima was thinking it seems like a 14 year old wrote it sometimes, also the game is WAY to easy on hard.

I have several gripes with the game, ill mention them in a spoiler tag for the ones who have reached as far as i have in the game. (chapter 7) I dont want to ruin anything for people. BUT it's highly addicting and i went in wanting to hate it and loved absolutly loved, the first 20 hours and now am growing a bit tired of it.

Story gripes: The chirals daughter, i mean after 10-15 hours you finaly for the first time see someone come outside their bunkers i was like "holy fuck" but then the HORRIBLE voice acting ruins it totaly, broken english, some japanese chick voice acting, who cant even express the right emotions since she doesnt understand the words she is reading. it ruined the entire thing, (yes i know that she is a hapa and the emails mentioned that she is actually not the daughter of the chiral artist, but still, there was no story reason for her to be, it ruined the entire moment, i just started laughing.

Fragile and Mama are both horribly written, also if you are going to name your character målingen make sure you can actually pronounce it, it sounds fucking stupid, also the merger between lockne and mama was uterly stupid "we are one sis forever and ever".
The scene with Higgs and Fragile where he is forcing here to run out in the rain, is horribly written also loses any impact simply because he was zooming in on her but the entire time, so i just started to laugh
ON a positive note, both hartman and deadman are great, both are written very well and i am enjoying everytime there is a holo or cutscene with them.

Gameplay: MULES suck ass, they are way harder then bosses and BT's i have never died once in this game to anything other then MULES, the whole game balance is weird and im playing on hard.
Also the music that starts playing at random parts in the game are utterly immersion breaking, stupid desing choice.

The saving grace of the game is the gameplay.

tldr 7.5/10 gameplay good, story mediocre, still not finished with the game so who knows if ill bump it up. production value is insane, might still be my goty, slow year for games i like
 
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MiguelItUp

MiguelItUp

Member
I'm about 7-8 hours in, if not longer. I'm a number of hours into Episode 3. I've realized I lose track of time incredibly fast. Last night I was like, "Oh, I'll play for 45 minutes before bed", and it ended up being closer to two hours, lol.

That being said, I absolutely love it.

I've repeated it a number of times, but hey, what's one more?

This game has gotten under my skin in a big bad way, and it's awesome. When I'm not playing it, I'm thinking about it in a variety of ways. The universe, the possibilities, what I should do next, etc. I'm personally trying to complete the campaign/story as fast as possible so I don't lose steam as it's pretty easy for me to do with any open world game. Finish the main quests, and then come back to what's left after, or right before the last mission/episode.

But I've read that side quests do offer quite a bit of advantage here and there in DS, so, oh boy, lol.

I definitely think it's going to be my GOTY, personally. It's a unique gameplay experience and world (especially for a AAA of this magnitude) that I'm fully invested in. I love the soundtrack, I love the story and characters, and I love the gameplay.

You feel so rewarded when you make it to your delivery's destination successfully. I can't speak on behalf of everyone, but I feel myself wanting to always shoot for S grade deliveries. Hitting them feels so rewarding. You can imagine how it feels when you have something that's incredibly delicate and you're trying to get it to its destination as fast as possible. You're immediately reminded why patience is so important, lol. Especially in timefall where you can slip and slide more on inclines. Also, it does it in a way where it isn't incredibly annoying, at least for me. You just have to plan your moves accordingly, as well as your inventory. Add MULEs and BTs to the mix, as well BB's condition, and you got yourself a lasagna made of tension.

I may be rambling, so I apologize if I am. But yeah, all in all, my biggest and best experience this year, and certainly the most memorable.
 
SaturnSaturn

SaturnSaturn

Member
MiguelItUp said:
I'm about 7-8 hours in, if not longer. I'm a number of hours into Episode 3. I've realized I lose track of time incredibly fast. Last night I was like, "Oh, I'll play for 45 minutes before bed", and it ended up being closer to two hours, lol.

That being said, I absolutely love it.

I've repeated it a number of times, but hey, what's one more?

This game has gotten under my skin in a big bad way, and it's awesome. When I'm not playing it, I'm thinking about it in a variety of ways. The universe, the possibilities, what I should do next, etc. I'm personally trying to complete the campaign/story as fast as possible so I don't lose steam as it's pretty easy for me to do with any open world game. Finish the main quests, and then come back to what's left after, or right before the last mission/episode.

But I've read that side quests do offer quite a bit of advantage here and there in DS, so, oh boy, lol.

I definitely think it's going to be my GOTY, personally. It's a unique gameplay experience and world (especially for a AAA of this magnitude) that I'm fully invested in. I love the soundtrack, I love the story and characters, and I love the gameplay.

You feel so rewarded when you make it to your delivery's destination successfully. I can't speak on behalf of everyone, but I feel myself wanting to always shoot for S grade deliveries. Hitting them feels so rewarding. You can imagine how it feels when you have something that's incredibly delicate and you're trying to get it to its destination as fast as possible. You're immediately reminded why patience is so important, lol. Especially in timefall where you can slip and slide more on inclines. Also, it does it in a way where it isn't incredibly annoying, at least for me. You just have to plan your moves accordingly, as well as your inventory. Add MULEs and BTs to the mix, as well BB's condition, and you got yourself a lasagna made of tension.

I may be rambling, so I apologize if I am. But yeah, all in all, my biggest and best experience this year, and certainly the most memorable.
Click to expand...

I played 20 hours in the first two days, was utterly immersed even dreamed about the game lol
 
Bryank75

Bryank75

Banned
KingdomHeartsFan said:
The gameplay is dull and the story isn't catching me at all, I feel nothing for any of these characters.
Click to expand...
I think the gameplay is pretty great, very close to how MGSV felt. Do you have guns and vehicles yet? It's hard to talk without spoiling things....

I like some of the characters but it is a slow build... earlier most of them seem a bit bland but they grow and share more towards later half.
 
KingdomHeartsFan

KingdomHeartsFan

Member
Bryank75 said:
I think the gameplay is pretty great, very close to how MGSV felt. Do you have guns and vehicles yet? It's hard to talk without spoiling things....

I like some of the characters but it is a slow build... earlier most of them seem a bit bland but they grow and share more towards later half.
Click to expand...
I just have
the bike
, I'm in act 3. I can't bring myself to play in long bursts.
 
Raven117

Raven117

Member
Im not very far, but I immediately loved it. Its compelling and different. Honestly, we really aren't getting much of that in the AAA space right now. Hopefully this will change with next gen, but really, everything is just crazy safe at the moment.
 
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