Death Stranding

This massive adventure dives into emotionally deep, complex issues, but in the end is an incredible tale of loss, reconnection, and struggle against seemingly impossible odds. Initially, Death Stranding might seem like a story about survivors simply trying to squeeze out an existence in the midst of a strange, weird global tragedy. Every character, especially Sam, is somewhat damaged emotionally or mentally by the events of the Stranding, and discovering the history of their stories can hit you hard. But as Sam takes on missions through hazards and reconnects distant communities to each other, these fractured groups share information, trade content, and even, in some missions, help each other. Even the most mundane task of gathering supplies or finding a package that was lost by a fellow porter can cheer up the most stubborn survivor, which will give you additional info or stat boosts to accomplish your goals. The result, especially by the end of the game, is that people are able to grow, reconcile their previous issues, and in some cases, move on in a positive way. Apart from the rich single player storyline, you'll come across packages lost by other players, structures built by them to help porters deliver packages or cross obstacles, or other markers to give you a hand on your mission or a warning about what's to come. The way this limited online interaction is handled fosters a sense of community between players, making you want to build structures to help other gamers, or pick up lost items from fallen porters to help others out. After all, you're all in the same situation, but one small favor goes a long way, and can make someone else's game just a bit easier.

That's important because Stranding isn't always an easy game. The environment can be just as dangerous as your opponents. Falls, bumps, and tumbles can damage you and your packages, while rain and snow will eat away at package cases until their contents are destroyed. Along with these natural hazards, you'll have to rely upon stealth to navigate monster-infested areas, which can be nerve racking when these beasts suddenly appear in front of you. Even the items you get to fend off these creatures aren't a guarantee that you'll survive these encounters. In other areas, you'll face off against swarming groups of bandits that want to steal your gear and kill you. But unlike other action games, Stranding emphasizes non-violent solutions to these situations, knocking out or tying up enemies instead of shooting them where they stand. You have the option to use traditional weapons, but it'll make things much harder, and more dangerous, in the end. As a result, you constantly look for threats, and realize that running away can be just as important as eliminating your foes, especially if you have a deadline to deliver a package. Striking, immersive, and engrossing, Death Stranding is a haunting adventure that you'll look forward to returning to over and over again.