Launch and First Reviews of Death Stranding: Director's Cut
Death Stranding: Director's Cut is now available on PlayStation 5. Hideo Kojima's new director's cut of the game has received favorable reviews, despite some isolated complaints.
Expanded version of Death Stranding is now available on the PlayStation 5 console. The director's cut edition was examined by reviewers, who shared their impressions of the game.
Death Stranding: Director's Cut - selected review scores:
- Screen Rant - 5/5
- God is a Geek - 9.5/10
- CGMagazine - 9/10
- COGConnected - 90/100
- Everyeye.it - 9/10
- GameSpot - 9/10
- Push Square - 9/10
- Twinfinite - 4.5/5
- Wccftech - 8.6/10
- Gameblog.fr - 80/100
- Attack of the Fanboy - 8/10
- IGN - 7/10
- Comic Book - 2.5/5
Already at the outset it should be noted that Death Stranding: Director's Cut is virtually the same production that we received on PlayStation 4 (and PC) some time ago. Therefore, a large part of journalists focused on assessing the changes compared to the original release. After all, the creators have provided for the possibility of upgrading previously purchased copies of Death Stranding, only for a fee. So for many people the most important issue will be the answer to the question of whether it is worth paying extra for a new edition of the same game. Opinions on the plot and gameplay as such can be found in our review and other texts concerning the original Death Stranding on PS4 and PC. However, if the basic premise of the game hasn't appealed to you so far, the director's cut isn't likely to change that.
That's not to say that Director's Cut does not solve many of the problems present in the original. The new features include a new location and related missions. Yes, not all of them are overly thrilling, but even they're a lot of fun, and all the tasks in the ruined factory are a nice change from the typical Death Stranding experience (although, ironically, there were some reviewers who didn't find this to be an advantage - they lacked the usual 'madness' that Hideo Kojima's works are famous for).
What's more, their value isn't limited to gameplay alone - fans of exploring the storyline will also find something to enjoy. However, if you prefer action that's more dynamic than stealthy, Death Stranding Director's Cut includes the possibility to participate in races with other players in the form of time trials.
The experience is also enhanced by newly added equipment. This includes a mechanical companion (Buddy Bot) to help with luggage, as well as... a cargo catapult. Some of these novelties can be unlocked only after a longer time, but some useful items - also those from the basic version of Death Stranding - can be obtained very early on, making it much easier to get through the initial stages of the game. The new tutorial elements are also helpful, making it easier to learn the ropes.
When it comes to criticism, it basically comes down to an assessment of the added content. All reviewers appreciated the improvements made in Director's Cut: Director's Cut, but missions and races did not evoke greater enthusiasm in some. In fact, there were some who complained about the... unnecessary simplification of deliveries, which did not become more interesting, but only less satisfying.
Besides - as mentioned - none of these novelties change the game drastically, so they are unlikely to convince people who recoiled from the original release of Death Stranding. Some reviewers complain that the developers could have been tempted to add more meaningful content or even change the menu design.
Despite these complaints, there is generally a consensus among reviewers. Death Stranding: Director's Cut is the best choice if you want to experience Sam Porter Bridges' story in the post-apocalyptic world created by Hideo Kojima on consoles. So if you own the original PS4 release and aren't put off by having to pay extra (a relatively small amount), it's worth considering upgrading to Director's Cut.
