Death Strandingis well on its way, with only a few weeks until release, fans are brimming with excitement and detractors are still questioning the game mechanics. Fortunately for both parties, creator Hideo Kojima is discussing the games features as he talks at promotional events. Most recently at the Garage Museum of Art in Moscow, he revealed that some NPC’s will die without players giving them care and attention.
A great deal of fanfare surroundsDeath Strandingbecause of Kojima’s impressive work as the mastermind of theMetal Gearseries. The franchise was defined by deep story-telling and unique mechanics that took many players by surprise.Death Strandingis Kojima’s first project without Konami productions and many will want to see what he will produce when allowed to have full reign over a project.
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Kojima divulged details about a specific character who needs the player to keep them alive, “we have a character who lives deep underground. He is sick and needs medicine, and Sam can deliver it”. Kojima explains that while this is initially a mandatory mission yet as players progress through the game, they move further away from the old man and they can put off the quest. If the quest is delayed for too long it will lead to the NPC’s death. All of this ties intotheories thatDeath Strandingis about social responsibility.
How many NPC’s will need to be visited to keep alive, remains to be seen and how they will help the player and make them suffer if they pass will be interesting. Although a relatively simple mechanic, it sounds like players will be encouraged to connect with the NPC’s and feel the guilt of their neglect. Whilst many are guessingwhat exactly isDeath Stranding, there will be sure to be fan-theories well into the game’s release and this will likely be a piece in the puzzle.
With Chvrches realising a song forDeath Stranding’ssoundtrackand the appearance of actors Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen and Lea Seydoux this is a huge title with massive financial investment from Sony. Whether Kojima can challenge this generation of consoles like he did previously will be hotly debated. However, many will be hoping to see another title with innovative gameplay and a story with depth. Kojima definitely has the experience to deliver a title with those requirements.
