Death Stranding Director's Cut Reviews
Death Stranding Director's Cut is more accessible than the original, but feels like a compromised version of the director's vision.
Death Stranding remains a bizarre masterpiece on PS5, and the director’s cut only further cements that reputation with a number of worthwhile new ideas that enhance the act of delivering packages across a picturesque landscape of nothingness. The story of Sam Porter Bridges is overblown and wondrous, taking hold of you and refusing to let go as you’re dragged into an adventure that takes the medium to places it has never been before. It’s mindless self-indulgence of the highest order, and it’s rare to see a game deliver upon its overarching ambition in such a bold, uncompromising way in the modern era. For that very reason, it deserves to be celebrated.
"I love how quiet Death Stranding can be in these moments; a game soundtracked by the sounds of nature"
If you've never played Death Stranding, I think you should. Whether it's the original release or the new Director's Cut, the game is worth experiencing. Not to say it's perfect by any means (read Game Informer's review for a second opinion). But there's nothing like Death Stranding. And there may never be again; I struggle to think Sony or any other publisher will ever let Kojima be this free a second time – at least not with this kind of budget. That's what makes Death Stranding worth experiencing. Gravity Gloves, race tracks, and cargo catapults are just icing on the cake.
While the new features and missions are nice, the world around us has made Death Stranding better.
Death Stranding is replete with questions of whether any of this is worth it - the solidarity and togetherness of it all. If catastrophes will keep piling up, and humans will continue to isolate, and communities will continue to fracture, then what's the point of ever coming together? For all of its preaching, the game doesn't end with tidy answers. To tie a bow on these questions in a final cutscene would undercut all of the work its gameplay has already done more elegantly than its thousands of words.
I could go on, but it's more fun if don't spoil all the fun uses KojiPro has found for these categories. Let's just say this is definitely the most comprehensive and smart use of the tech I've come across since the PS5 launched with Astro's Playroom, and that's a high bar to clear.
When playing the original version of Death Stranding, I would have described it as lethargic with some horror elements when dealing the monsters.
The Death Stranding Director's Cut on PC is well worth it for fans and for those who missed it first time around.
Death Stranding Director's Cut is a magnificent game, bringing in plenty of new stuff that genuinely improves the overall experience.
Death Stranding: Director's Cut offers a second chance to make a first impression, offering a great technical presentation for the PS5 platform and DualSense controller.
It's hard to believe this is Hideo Kojima's preferred version of the game, considering it side lines so much of the core gameplay and adds little else of any substance.
The same game we saw on PS4 but taken to the next level thanks to the graphic power of PS5 and some interesting additions that bring even more to Kojima's work.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The Death Stranding Director’s Cut adds enough new tools and toys for players to utilize to make the experience worth replaying for those diehard fans. And for those that were unsure about getting in, the shuffling and redistribution of tools ensures that the early game is more approachable, while still retaining the sense of scale and progression offered at launch. The other features, like the firing range, racing track, and new location elevate an already rich experience. So collect your order and tie up your laces, because you’ll want to walk another 500 miles or more to experience what’s on offer here.
Strap a baby to your chest, lob some grenades made of out your own urine, deliver a pizza, zipline across America, laugh, cry, die, and then take a nice dip in a hot spring that helps your bowel movements. It’s nuts and it’s still brilliant, but with 60fps and a new gun or two.
Brand-new players, by all means. Tear into this poignant, artisanal, off-the-rails hiking video game, even if it’s slow at first. And don’t forget to smash that “like” button.
Two years after its original release, Death Stranding is still a masterpiece, with a moving story, unforgettable characters and impressive visuals. New gameplay mechanics, missions and minigames don´t add much to a game that already felt as a director´s cut.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Every new line of code written enhances the original experience, bringing new ways for existing players to enjoy Death Stranding again. Whether you're here for exploring the factory and playing with the new toys like I am or want to challenge friends for top spot on the racing and firing range leaderboards, odds are there is a reason for you to come back. Reworked missions will aid new players into the world more smoothly than the original release, too. I definitely felt as though the difficulty spike wasn't nearly as harsh thanks to this. Keep in mind that while the Director's Cut expands and adds delicate touches here and there, this is still a game that requires patience and time for the best results.
Overall, Death Stranding Director’s Cut is solid as a PS5 port, but underwhelming as a Director’s Cut. If you were expecting a big new story expansion akin to Iki Island, then you’ll be disappointed by this Director’s Cut. If you just want to jump back into Death Stranding for a few hours in 60 FPS, then you’ll have a decent time. I wish more could have been done on the story front, but Death Stranding Director’s Cut is still a solid experience on PS5.
The superstar developer's latest is still a post-apocalyptic folly – but is now available in photorealistic splendour with quirky haptic feedback features