‘Death Stranding: Directors Cut’ review: Hideo Kojima levels up in his unusual originality

Death Stranding Directors Cut — a gaming homage to the PlayStation 5’s horsepower — offers up stealth deliveries, a Support Skeleton and a Maser Gun to round off an already-legendary open-world game that features Norman Reedus, Troy Baker, Léa Seydoux, Mads Mikkelsen and Guillermo Del Toro

There is something cathartic about Death Stranding and its trademark delivery gameplay mechanic, such that shuttling various packages between post-apocalyptic shelters across harsh but beautiful terrains has been my go-to escape. Considering how complete this game felt, it may have not needed a director’s cut which comprises a few additional missions and gadgets that could hinder that signature experience.

But a few hours into the new Death Stranding Director’s Cut and developer Hideo Kojima-san has preserved the core experience, while elevating the fun.