Oddly though, because of the crazy random nature of this title and the ability for it to get totally out of hand, it also happens to be a great one to just boot up for a spell (I'm not sorry) and putter around with; much like the games that inspired it.
I suppose fans of the franchise might still enjoy this latest addition but it's mostly a nostalgia trip now.
They do mostly stick to the same formula, sadly, with AWE throwing in a couple of new light-based elements I would have liked to have seen more of, especially in combat(!), but once again both of them managed to compel me all the way through; mostly out of sheer curiosity and love of the world and its enigmas. I would really like to see more of this universe in the future and I think Remedy could get super creative with regards to upping the ante around the action. There’s the potential for a total game changer here and, after all, there are plenty more doors to discover in the Motel *wink wink*.
Either way, when all is said and done – I kind of love this game.
Can I recommend Death Stranding? Not really.
Whilst I personally feel it falls pretty far short of the 'Overwhelmingly Positive' badge it has garnered on Steam, I'm still glad I got to play it – it was an enjoyable experience in an interesting genre that's still in its infancy.
It's fair to say Battle for Bikini Bottom was hardly a revelation back in 2003 and it's definitely not one now, even with the cult popularity the original has gained due to the speedrunning community.
There are parts of Neversong that hit the right notes, if you will, but they are too few and far between for the unique visuals and music to carry one’s enjoyment, and patience, through to the end.
When it's all said and done, my main quarrel with all of these issues is that they are holding this super concept back from reaching anywhere near its potential and it's just such a shame to see.
Even with these nicks it's nethertheless a lovely cooperative experience that seems to be perfect for right now, as we're all trapped in our little pockets of the world.