Hideo Kojima is one of the most celebrated creators in gaming, and he has achieved this through his brilliant creativity and constant innovation. With Death Stranding, he explored new ground once again by introducing what he has termed the "strand genre." Put simply, this genre allows players to work together toward common goals, even if they aren't actively playing with each other in the traditional sense. Although Death Stranding isn't the first game that has allowed players to affect the game world of other players, Kojima has certainly managed to do it uniquely.
It may not be the last time gamers see the strand genre, as hints dropped by Kojima suggest that a sequel may be on the way. It also appears that Kojima is getting ready to unravel yet another genre with his upcoming Xbox game, which will utilize Microsoft's cloud technology. Although the game has yet to be named, reports suggest it may be a horror game titled Overdose. When it comes to uniqueness, Death Stranding and the strand genre will be tough to top.
The Lonely World of Death Stranding
Death Stranding is a game that is difficult to summarize. It stars Sam Bridges, a porter who has been tasked with making key deliveries that will help rebuild the United Cities of America. Things aren't as simple as they seem, as America is in a dystopian state caused by the Beached Things that haunt the landscape. As players slowly help the isolated people of America forge connections with each other again, Sam also overcomes his fears of touch and intimacy as he learns to care for Lou, his Bridge Baby.
Death Stranding's gameplay has players carefully organizing Sam's deliveries, taking into account Sam's strength, endurance, and center of mass. Once his cargo has been loaded, players then have to hike across a rough, treacherous terrain that is equal parts austere and picturesque. It can be a frustrating experience, especially when jagged mountainsides have Sam tumbling over or when rivers prove to be too wide to swim across. Fortunately, players can use tools and build structures to make the journey easier. For example, a rope makes it easier to travel down a mountain, while a strategically placed ladder can be used to cross a wide fissure. It can be quite a grueling, lonely adventure, but the game's multiplayer elements help players remember that they are not alone.
Death Stranding and the Strand Genre
At its core, Death Stranding is a single-player game. However, there are multiplayer elements that allow gamers to affect the worlds of other players. According to Kojima, the strand genre is based on the idea of strands being connections between players, and this is what separates it from other games. Referencing a Kobe Abe short story that claims that humanity's first tools were a rope and a stick, Kojima argues that in most video games, players use sticks - tools to ward off dangers. With Death Stranding, Kojima wants players to use ropes - tools that connect people.
The multiplayer elements present within the strand genre are geared toward motivating players to help each other. If a player places a ladder down in a useful location, it may also show up in another player's world, which could be of great aid to a poor porter in a time of need. Larger structures like bridges can also show up, and players can work together to supply these structures with the resources necessary for an upgrade. Although players never see or directly interact with each other, they can work together to make the terrain easier to navigate. Admittedly, Death Stranding isn't the first game to feature strand-like elements. Most notably, in many FromSoftware games, players can leave messages behind for other places, and players can see their ghosts in the moments before their deaths.
It appears that a Death Stranding sequel may be on the way, which should be good news to fans of the game. Hints dropped by Kojima suggest that Elle Fanning may feature in the game, and it also seems that Norman Reedus may be making a return. It will take a lot of innovation to keep gameplay fresh, but that shouldn't be too hard for an industry veteran like Kojima.
Death Stranding is available now on PC, PS4, and PS5.
