{"id":187143,"date":"2022-03-29T15:13:44","date_gmt":"2022-03-29T13:13:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sftarticles.wpenginepowered.com\/en\/?p=187143"},"modified":"2025-07-01T20:51:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T03:51:09","slug":"death-stranding-directors-cut-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/death-stranding-directors-cut-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Death Stranding Director’s Cut Review | Intense adventure story"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut<\/strong><\/a> is a science fiction role-playing walking simulation game<\/strong> with a third-person perspective. It was developed by Kojima Productions, with 505 Games publishing it on the Steam platform. The original title was launched in 2019, while this new version releases on March 30, 2022.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a long story behind how Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut came to be that\u2019s almost as enticing as the game\u2019s story itself. You\u2019ll spend plenty of hours walking around the post-apocalyptic terrain of America<\/strong>, looking for a way to save it from the Beached Things<\/strong> (BTs). Join me as I show you my gameplay experience in this review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history and story of Death Stranding Director’s Cut<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If there\u2019s one aspect that shines in Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut, it\u2019s the lengthy story<\/strong>. As a matter of fact, you\u2019ll spend many hours simply watching the video cutscenes in between playing. There are many times you\u2019ll wonder when you can start playing again. Let\u2019s have a look at all the story elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Silent Hill to Death Stranding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One can\u2019t discuss Death Stranding without looking into the fascinating background that gave life to the game. As many fans know, Kojima Productions had teased the world with a new Silent Hill Playable Trailer<\/strong> (Silent Hill P.T.<\/a>) that had the gaming world in a buzz. It was set to be the franchise\u2019s first proper first-person horror journey with many tantalizing elements. It also starred Norman Reedus<\/strong> as an introduction to what was meant to become Silent Hills<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sadly, Hideo Kojima and Konami parted ways<\/strong> in 2015, the reasons for which aren\u2019t important for this review. Kojima Productions took with them Norman Reedus and Guillermo Del Toro, while adding a stellar cast for the newly announced horror adventure game, Death Stranding. It would be four years before we finally saw the original game launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The story of Sam Porter Bridges<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s a complete divergence from Silent Hill, Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut has a detailed story that\u2019s the heart of the game. You play as Sam Porter Bridges<\/strong>, although later it seems he was a Strand at some point. The entire plot revolves around him and his ability to revive himself when he dies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You now live in a post-apocalyptic America<\/strong>. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there was an event called Death Stranding <\/strong>where a gateway opened between the dead and the living<\/strong>. Dead bodies washed up everywhere, but now their souls haunt you from the afterlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the rain touches<\/strong> anything, time seems to rapidly accelerate<\/strong> and can lead to death within a few minutes. It only seems to affect living humans and creatures, as the trees and environment seem fine. During a time void, a massive creature sucks up anyone that\u2019s recently died and creates a massive creator when it explodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I won\u2019t ruin more of the story for you, but the plot does thicken<\/strong> many times along the way. There are definitely many exciting twists along the way, and you can see the foreshadowing with the BB\u2019s memories and what\u2019s to come later when you meet one of the other main characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DEATH<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Become a glorified delivery man<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While the story behind Sam in Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut is quite fascinating, in the end, you\u2019re mostly a delivery man<\/strong> for a company called Bridges. You\u2019ll soon learn why the connection is important, especially with your ties to the president and someone you\u2019ll need to rescue later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you\u2019ll play most of the game as a delivery man, picking up cargo<\/strong> and taking them to various destinations. The plot is entwined with this mission, but that\u2019s why so many of us gamers call it a walking simulator. Still, I love how the story points appear while you\u2019re walking across the wasteland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DEATH<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Reconstructing America<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The overall mission that becomes more obvious later in Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut is that you need to reconstruct America<\/strong>. Sure, they tell you to rescue your sister on the other side of the continent. However, you\u2019ll need to upload specific sites to the chiral network<\/strong>, which you\u2019ll do while you deliver cargo to them. The bulk of the game is spent traveling across the States and reconnecting them while delivering packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DEATH<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Some missions on the side<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are also quests<\/strong> you can complete on the side<\/strong>. When you activate a terminal at a site, you have orders to accept. One of them is usually the main mission, while the others are additional objectives. Not only are they entertaining to complete, but they help you level up <\/strong>and obtain useful resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long is Death Stranding Director’s Cut?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The length of Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut depends on how many missions you choose to complete. If you only want to do the main story, it will take you about 35 hours<\/strong>. Completionists can enjoy over 100 hours, while only focusing on some side objectives will tally about 65 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exciting gameplay features of Death Stranding Director’s Cut <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What I love about Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut is how well it integrates the story with the gameplay<\/strong>. There are so many elements where you can see how well they\u2019re fused together.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there a tutorial in Death Stranding Director’s Cut?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the best mechanics of Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut is that the tutorial is woven in<\/strong> as you play the game. When you encounter something new <\/strong>along the way, the game will quickly explain how it works<\/strong>. What\u2019s remarkable is that it works well with the main character that\u2019s never experienced some of the aspects, such as the cuff links that provide all the information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also an in-game manual <\/strong>that provides advice<\/strong>, but only when you unlock them. As you come across something new that needs an explanation, a notification will appear that you\u2019re manual has a new update. It\u2019s hard to go wrong with such detailed instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keyboard and mouse vs. controller<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When I first started the game for my Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut review, I connected my Xbox controller<\/strong>. It was challenging at first, as the button notifications<\/strong> that appeared on-screen for specific actions showed keyboard controls. It meant I still had to use the keyboard in most scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As soon as I became annoyed, I switched to the keyboard<\/strong> for a few hours, which I don\u2019t like playing with when gaming. It motivated me to analyze the settings until I discovered you can change to controller notifications<\/strong>. Sadly, it doesn\u2019t switch automatically like most games I’ve played on PC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Happily moving back to the controller, it\u2019s easy to say that it\u2019s the better option for Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut. You can manage your walking speed<\/strong> with the left stick, while the keyboard just makes Sam run all the time. The shortcuts are also easier to manage<\/strong> with the buttons than with the keyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DEATH<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Collecting and packing items<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As you\u2019re a glorified delivery man, the <\/strong>one aspect you\u2019ll need to master in Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut is picking up items <\/strong>and placing them in your backpack<\/strong>. As with games like Resident Evil 7<\/strong><\/a> and Silent Hill 4<\/strong><\/a>, you\u2019ll need to deal with inventory management.<\/strong> You can only carry so much, which is upgraded at a later point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The game simplifies the process but auto-arranging items for you if you\u2019re struggling. There are attachments to your suit for other items, but you won\u2019t really need to worry about placement if you use this auto-pack function<\/strong>. As you collect lost cargo on your journey, Sam will just slot them in the next available space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DEATH<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Looking after your Bridge Baby (BB)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not long after you start Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut, you\u2019ll receive a BB unit<\/strong>. It attaches to the front of your suit and shares emotions and memories<\/strong> with you. You\u2019ll need to care for it<\/strong> and make sure it doesn\u2019t become too stressed; otherwise, it won\u2019t be able to warn you when BTs are nearby or other dangers. It reaches a point when it just shuts down and you\u2019ll need to rejuvenate it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DEATH<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Crossing the perilous terrain<\/strong> in Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The terrain in the new America is dangerous. The lost BT souls<\/strong> appear whenever there\u2019s rain<\/strong>, which is when you\u2019re in danger of being killed. However, the environment has plenty of other risks you need to watch out for.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, the rocks and cliffs<\/strong> may make you stumble and lose all your cargo, which you\u2019ll need to collect again. Also, you\u2019ll lose points for any damage they incur and your BB unit stresses out. The rivers and streams also pose dangers, as you\u2019ll lose stamina and possibly your footing if you\u2019re not careful. You\u2019ll need to use both triggers to adjust cargo weight if the balance shifts to either side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, the online element comes into play here. Other players<\/strong> can leave ladders, ropes, and other helpful tools<\/strong> to cross rivers or climb mountains. You can also do the same, and other gamers can leave a like for you doing so when they discover it. It\u2019s an excellent way to play a solo game with others <\/strong>without actually seeing them in the game. Later, you\u2019ll unlock vehicles to travel faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DEATH<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Repatriation is the new resurrection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sam is a repatriate with DOOMs. What that means is, that he has the ability to revive himself<\/strong> when he dies. You then play as your soul, drifting in the afterlife, searching for your body. When you find it, you can resurrect yourself<\/strong>, with a cute image of a baby giving you a thumbs up. At first, it\u2019s a creepy experience, but it grows on you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DEATH<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Accepting orders<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can\u2019t perform deliveries without accepting orders. As you unlock new sites<\/strong> in Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut, the terminals will give you new objectives to complete<\/strong>. You can either accept them all or one at a time. One factor to note is that they\u2019ll stock your backpack with what you need, so it\u2019s best to choose one or two that are manageable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you accept an order, your map is updated<\/strong> with where the objective is. You\u2019ll need to study the map<\/strong> and terrain to see which would be the best route<\/strong>. You can set waypoints, which you can then view while walking using your virtual compass<\/strong>. It\u2019s a system that works really well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DEATH<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Improving your stats<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The reason you need to look after your cargo<\/strong> is that you\u2019ll receive likes and points <\/strong>for delivering them with less damage. There are different stats that increase in levels every time you finish missions. Your character also has his own level, which updates in relation to these stats<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DEATH<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Some private time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re not crossing treacherous terrains or battling BTs, you can spend some quiet time in your private room<\/strong>. When you take a shower or use the toilet, <\/strong>a scientist analyzes the waste to see if you have any toxins in your body. You can care for your BB, while there\u2019s an interactive map on the wall where you can read emails and messages<\/strong>. It\u2019s a safe area<\/strong> where you can prepare for the next journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DEATH<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What are the Death Stranding Director’s Cut PC requirements?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you see how immense Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut is, you\u2019ll understand why the PC requirements are so high<\/strong>. I\u2019ve placed the recommended hardware and software<\/strong> here below, as I don\u2019t believe the minimum requirements are good enough:<\/p>\n\n\n\n