Death Stranding Director's Cut Reviews
I got to a point where I was not enjoying playing Death Stranding, but I was enjoying watching Death Stranding to see what happened. For me, it would have been better, probably, if the game were much shorter, because I got to where I wanted to experience the story without having to deal with the gameplay. I rarely find myself in that situation! Even still, I recognize the sheer quality and accomplishment Death Stranding is, and the value the Director’s Cut offers, so I find myself still recommending this game. If you are at all curious, you owe it to yourself to try it out, and odds are, you’re going to enjoy it more than not.
Death Stranding Director's Cut is a fantastic port of a fascinating game. It introduces lots of new features that enrich the experience, the graphics and performance get a big boost, and PS5's bells and whistles are all put through their paces. It all adds up to make this the best way to play Kojima Productions' insane adventure, whether you're new to the experience or want to pick up where you left off. It's not going to change anyone's mind one way or the other - it's still Death Stranding, like it or not - but Director's Cut certainly presents the game in the best light.
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.
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.
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 very much enjoyed Death Stranding on the PS4, and that hasn't changed after playing through Death Stranding: Director's Cut on the PS5. It's not perfect in its overall story and gameplay execution, and it isn't a game that everyone will enjoy. If you can get past that, it's still is a uniquely rewarding experience that looks and plays better on a PS5, and it's one of the few PS5 titles that doesn't demand a fortune to upgrade for existent owners. At the same time, the content additions are a bit thin and don't add a lot to the experience, so the upgrades in visuals and performance are likely the main reason to upgrade your version.
Though the additions to this newly reinvigorated version of Death Stranding might be considered to be superfluous by die-hard Kojima fans, there's no denying that Death Stranding Director's Cut is the definitive version to play Kojima's most recent opus on console, thanks to an opulent visual makeover and a wealth of quality of life improvements. Though still remaining divisive at its core, Death Stranding Director's Cut is absolutely the best way to see the hype surrounding Kojima's most esoteric work.
Death Stranding: Director's Cut is easily the best way to play the game. The additions are numerous and bound to help players make their journey across America much more palatable. If you're someone who gave up on Death Stranding because you found it to be too frustrating or long-winded, the Director's Cut additions could be enough to lure you back. If you're someone who's played the game to death already, there's probably not a whole lot of reason to come back given how little extra content there is.
Easily the best way to experience building bridges across America, Death Stranding Director's Cut is less of the final cut one might expect from Kojima himself and moreso a collection of novel enhancements to make this the best looking and best feeling way to experience this unique title.
Death Standing: Director's Cut is the definitive version of the game. It's gorgeous and runs at 60 frames per second, while including everything from the PC version. The new missions are a bit too light on content, but they round out the experience nicely.
Death Stranding: Director's Cut is great way to revisit the game, especially if you enjoyed your first playthrough. And now it's time to go back to the roads most taken with your fellow BB in hands. Unity always beats isolation, you only need to make the first step.
Review in Russian | Read full review
An enhanced version of a polarizing game, one with a unique gameplay mechanic that can become monotonous and an intriguing story that falls apart at the end. This release doesn't change much, but it makes a stunning game look even more beautiful, and adds some appreciated tools and variety to help you on your journey
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Death Stranding: Director's Cut on PlayStation 5 is without a doubt the best way to get the most out of the title. If you haven't played it yet, this is the perfect opportunity to give the game a try. Unfortunately, its add-on content doesn't shine as bright as it should, and much of it could have been offered through free updates.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
If you played the original and feel ‘done’ with it, there may not be enough big tweaks to bring you back for another go. But the upgrade price point is good and it’ll definitely appeal to those gamers who missed out on playing the original and now fancy jumping in on PS5
Death Stranding: Director’s Cut is another opportunity to try one of the really interesting titles of the previous generation, even if it is only because of how controversial it is.
Review in Greek | Read full review
Death Stranding Director's Cut is more accessible than the original, but feels like a compromised version of the director's vision.
Death Stranding Director's Cut improves the flow of the campaign considerably by cutting down on a lot of the grind. If you've never played the original, you'll find a truly bizarre experience only made possible by the mind of Hideo Kojima.
Death Stranding Director's Cut is a magnificent game, bringing in plenty of new stuff that genuinely improves the overall experience.
On the PS5 Death Stranding is as beautiful as ever and this Director's Cut gives players a bunch of new and (quite) interesting content, but not enough to make it feel really new and fresh.
Review in Italian | Read full review
A pandemic later, Death Stranding feels even more powerful, meaningful and precious. A once in a lifetime experience that you should definitely live, to learn more about yourself and how big our achievements can be when we are determined to work together.
Review in Italian | Read full review