i started playing death stranding. like unlimited saga, this is one of those games that somehow everything i've ever heard about it is true. i feel like that's truly incredible in this case

and given how they've already copped to some of the double meaning words, i think it's pretty obvious what sam being a delivery man is going to mean

there's an incredible display of technology here propping up a rather stupid script with sort of interesting themes (i liked this part where...they're trying to convince him to connect the network so they can collect all the old data and he starts complaining about the concept like people talk about ai art currently) and some indulgences that are weird for not apparently thematic reasons (like reedus gesturing at the camera when you look at the toy soldiers behind him). that's fine. there's also some really cool and creepy imagery and that stuff doesn't have to be the high point of the game when the experience of playing it is this interesting to me. there's a feeling a bit like botw, and somewhat like from games, but it plays out really different. really lonely and meditative so far. that's the true walking simulator

although i do think it's cool that the movement kind of controls in a boiled down and comprehensible way despite the specifics of whatever the game is running physics on being entirely inscrutable. like, try not to put gigantic overhanging towers on his back, you have to brace in the opposite direction you turn, etc, but it's also like, clearly the game is weighing a lot of things into this that you can't just like, calculate in your head. it's kind of simple and unique feeling, which is what i'd love to see from big modern games more often instead of...the stuff i was complaining about ages ago

beyond that the ebb and flow of various tension aspects is really awesome. there's various levels and types of danger, as well as trying to gauge obstacles that aren't really imminent threats. and the horror part is like, a tiny bit of a jumpscare the first time but it mostly feels appropriately panicked and intense. no idea if i'll finish this game, but i'm having a cool time checking it out so far

it's hard for me to hate a game with loving attention to toilets and showers