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REVIEW: Death Stranding: Director’s Cut — The Same But Moderately Improved Trek

 
 
Overview
 

Published by: Sony Interactive Entertainment
 
Developed by: Kojima Productions
 
Platform(s): PlayStation 5
 
Game Type: ,
 
FG RATING
89%
89/ 100


User Rating
17 total ratings

 

Raves


Fun additions, Improved visuals, Meaningful Dualsense features, New Story Mission

Rants


No actual ultrawide support, no meaningful changes to story and experience


0
Posted December 9, 2021 by

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This review will only cover the Director’s Cut changes. For the full review of Death Stranding, click here.

I was a big fan of Death Stranding and though the game was initially met with mixed reviews, it slowly gained a more favorable view from critics and gamers after the dust of controversy settled. Almost as if waiting for this exact moment, Kojima Productions decides to release the Director’s Cut edition, once again taking us back to the BT ravaged lands the Knot Cities rife with some gameplay enhancements as well as new modes and fabrications. Does it bridge a better connection with gamers, or does it leave us all in Chiral tears?

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THE GREAT DELIVERER

Unlike the traditional meaning of the term Director’s Cut, Death Stranding’s story doesn’t actually change much outside of a couple of new story missions that do not impact the main story a great deal. Instead, it’s more accurately referring to additions and modifications to the game package as a whole. The majority of these changes are in the gameplay itself, adding a few new fabrications and even some changes in the open-world that in a sense, change the overall gameplay experience. New tools and installations have been added that make deliveries much easier or more accessible than ever before. For instance, this time you can send your packages flying via a catapult then parachuted safely down undamaged. A new all-purpose exoskeleton that’s just OK for all situations. And a few other additions that give players more options on how to deliver their cargo. Though these definitely takes away from some of the game’s challenges, it also makes the game far less tedious ergo more fun to play for those unconvinced the first time around. Veteran players would also be glad to play around with new fabrications. But perhaps the best new thing that all the players can appreciate is the improved combat system.

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Beyond the nifty use of the DualSense controller for carrying cargo and feeling the feedback of your steps, Director’s Cut makes some improvements to the action. Combat has been enhanced, giving Sam access to a few weapons and adding some new fighting moves to his arsenal. Enemies got a bit of an upgrade too, making outposts a little more challenging to adjust to Sam’s new abilities. That said, there aren’t that many combat situations in the main game, still, but there is now a shooting range and some challenge levels similar to VR missions from Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid games. On top of that, you’re also now able to replay some of the biggest BT boss battles from the Story by interacting with the figures in your private quarters.

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NEW LUDENS

Director’s Cut also refers to the additional visual enhancements the game received in this edition. The upgrade makes the game run at 4k 60fps on PS5. Like many other PS5 titles, you gain access to a performance and fidelity mode, but in Deathstranding’s case, both hit 60 fps, performance is just the most stable. Another graphics option is the ultrawide mode, which, admittedly was kind of disappointing as I thought it meant actual 21:9 or 32:9 support but is really just a zoomed-out view with black bars which still looks great but really just something for those with 49″ or higher displays to appreciate.  The original game looked phenomenal as it is, but all these changes and enhancements in the Director’s Cut really bring out the best of the game, visually.

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VERDICT

If you’ve ever been curious about Death Stranding, know that the Director’s Cut is no doubt the definitive version of the game. But to those who were on the fence about the game the first time, know that this is still largely the same game, but made less tedious and blessed with better visuals improved third-person combat features for those expecting more action. Veterans just looking for an excuse to revisit the game will appreciate the upgrade for sure; have fun playing with your new toys!

[This review is based on a retail copy provided by the publisher.]


Dian Raval

 
Dian is a writer for Flipgeeks who, in his spare time, stares at a wall in his basement. If you'd like to discuss music, video games, or the infinite wisdom of concrete, follow him on twitter @iburnandfume or subscribe to his YouTube channel @iburnandfume. He's pretty much iburnandfume in everything. Apparently he... burns and fumes.


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