Introduction
Released in November 2019, Death Stranding has been a topic of discussion among gamers and critics alike. Developed by Kojima Productions and directed by Hideo Kojima, the game is a unique blend of walking simulator, action-adventure, and science fiction elements. While many praised the game's visuals, music, and storyline, some criticized it for being too slow-paced and confusing for newcomers. In this article, we will explore the purpose of Death Stranding's content and what it hopes to achieve through its gameplay and narrative.
The Connection between Humanity and Technology
One of the central themes of Death Stranding is the connection (or disconnection) between humanity and technology. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic United States, where the world is plagued by supernatural creatures known as BTs (beached things) and a mysterious event called the Death Stranding. Players take on the role of Sam Porter Bridges, a deliveryman tasked with connecting isolated communities and bringing essential supplies to survivors. The gameplay revolves around navigating treacherous terrain, managing inventory, and fending off hostile enemies while connecting devices called chiral networks.
The purpose of this gameplay mechanic is twofold – firstly, it emphasizes the importance of human connection and solidarity in a world plagued by isolation and despair. By connecting various cities and communities, players bring hope and a sense of progress to a world that has lost all sense of it. Moreover, the game's narrative suggests that understanding and utilizing technology effectively can help us reconnect with each other and overcome our differences. Through the chiral network, players are reminded that technology can be a tool for good – one that can facilitate communication and cooperation.
The Nature of Life and Death
Another prominent theme in Death Stranding is the nature of life and death. The game's story is complex and convoluted, but at its core, it's a reflection on the human condition and our struggle with mortality. The game's most iconic imagery – the strands that connect all living and dead things in the world – serves as a symbolic representation of this theme.
Throughout the game, players encounter characters who have died and been \"stranded\" between the living and the dead. These characters, like Bridges' own mother and unborn child, serve as a reminder that death is an inevitable part of life – one that can't be ignored or avoided. However, the game also suggests that our actions and connections can have a profound impact on the afterlife. By connecting the living and the dead, Bridges becomes a sort of arbiter, imparting hope and closure to those who have passed on.
The Significance of Community and Connection
Finally, Death Stranding emphasizes the significance of community and connection in a world that seems bleak and hopeless. The game's post-apocalyptic setting is one that inspires fear and isolation, yet the narrative suggests that it's precisely in these difficult times that we need to come together and support each other. Despite the numerous obstacles and hardships, Bridges persists in his mission, motivated by the connections he has forged and the hope he brings.
By highlighting the importance of community and connection, Death Stranding offers a powerful message about the human spirit – one that encourages us to reach out to others and to join forces in the face of adversity. In a time when we're more disconnected than ever, this message serves as an important reminder of what we stand to gain if we work together.
Conclusion
Death Stranding's content is not easy to categorize or describe, but it is clear that the game's purpose goes beyond mere entertainment. Through its intricate gameplay mechanics and complex narrative, the game offers a unique commentary on the human condition and our relationship with technology, death, and each other. By emphasizing the significance of community and connection, the game offers a powerful reminder of what we can achieve if we work together towards a common goal.
