The release ofDeath Strandingwas the first attempt by Kojima Productions to popularize the newly-titled “strand” genre of gameplay, where the objective is furthered by social rewards and contributions instead of the usual gameplay tropes such as fighting and hunting. Now, with the news thatDeath Strandingis receiving a follow-up title, expectant players are awaiting improvements for “strand”-style games in the future.
“Strand” games were discussed extensively by director Hideo Kojima beforeDeath Stranding’s release, and while Kojima Productions achieved some unique things, there’s room for growth. The game’s design lends itself to being played in a paced and sociable way, so exploring different paths to present a strand genre game would strengthenDeath Stranding’s merits in the upcoming sequel.
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What Similar “Strand” Games Get Right
Despite the best efforts of Kojima to pioneerDeath Stranding’s social strand system,games likeDark Soulsretroactively fit the genre. This is due to a focus on “passive multiplayer” and artifacts that can help or hinder progress depending on how trustworthy the random players are. For example,Death Strandingpromotes leaving signs behind that can benefit other players who may also be trying to traverse difficult terrain. This also prominently features inDark Soulsand other franchises, but with no ability to actually meet up with the other players inDeath Stranding,the effect is often short-lived.
SinceDeath Stranding’s release, big budget studios and indie developers alike have been trying to get involved with the strand genre of gaming. Games like the similarly-titledWitch Strandingsbuild on concepts like nurturing and transportation which are utilized alongside the social strand aspects ofDeath Stranding, but achieved through a welcoming retro 2D style and smaller story scope. Kojima Productions' impressive visuals and map building could do with more substance to makeDeath Strandinga more enjoyable user-friendly experiencewhere gamers can work together with others in real time without being distracted by microscopic terrain changes.
Dealing with Anti-Social Death Stranding Players
Since a lot of the signs inDeath Strandingcan only be used for motivation or guidance, some players may not feel the need to leave messages or otherwise immerse themselves in the social side. The variation inbeatingDeath Stranding’s story versus getting 100%means that non-completionists can easily miss any indication of players working together, rendering the social system completely redundant for certain gamers. The ability to work together with sociable people would ensure fewer players are limited by gamers choosing not to work with the strand players in a particular server.
Another improvable element inDeath Strandingis the disconnect between helping other people and in-game rewards for doing so. Kojima’s intention was to give players the choice whether they attempt to help people or not, but beating the game without regularly helping others is easily doable.Helping other people makesDeath Strandingtheoretically infinitesince there will always be porters sharing paths, sending likes, or rebuilding structures for the benefit of random players, but adding more ways to incentivize ‘Likes’ in a dynamic way would compel more players to get involved directly.
Silence in An Immersive Social World
The strand genre encourages gamers to adapt to a tangible environment that feels like an equal threat to the player’s enemies. The initial release achieves this goal somewhat, butDeath Stranding: Director’s Cutadded a lot of new contentto further motivate players, causing the noisy gadgets to subtract from the quiet experience. Specific gameplay sections require the use of more aggressive weaponry, but typical over-world progression is focused on stealth and avoiding enemies, so the introduction of more powerful guns, vehicles, and even a Race Track can split the player’s interest. A sequel will need to find a new balance between this gear andDeath Stranding’s thoughtful social elements.
Kojima’s aspiration to create an accurate open world that blended together social immersion was unfortunately muddled by conflicting gameplay elements. Regardless of individual criticisms, however,Death Strandingis still a uniquely immersive gamethat surpasses the typical “walking simulator” standard by daring to experiment with new ideas. A follow-up title that builds on the strong foundation ofDeath Strandingwhile preserving what was good about the original could be the formula for an even better sequel for Kojima Productions, and the strand genre as a whole.
Death Strandingis available now on PC, PS4, and PS5.
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