Following in the footsteps of Ghost of Tsushima, Death Stranding receives a “Director’s Cut,” featuring new content and enhanced graphics optimized for the PS5. Despite being two years old, the game remains a uniquely original experience from Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima. For a comprehensive overview of the core game and its narrative, we recommend reading our original Death Stranding review on PS4. This review will focus specifically on the enhancements and additions present in the Director’s Cut on PS5.
Technologically, Death Stranding was already visually impressive on PS4 (Pro). The Director’s Cut elevates this further with true 4K resolution, a stable 60fps framerate, and HDR support. While Dolby Vision is absent due to the PS5’s lack of Dolby Vision compatibility (currently), the audio has been enhanced with Tempest Audio 3D. This spatial audio can now be experienced through TV speakers, although we still recommend utilizing high-quality headphones for optimal immersion. The evocative soundtrack and the BB unit’s cries are now even more impactful, creating a heightened sense of immersion and unease. The DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers have been implemented, adding a tactile dimension to the protagonist’s traversal and interactions with the environment. Furthermore, users with a 21:9 display can enable a dedicated Ultra-Widescreen mode for a more expansive presentation.
In terms of gameplay, the core mechanics remain largely unchanged. However, players who found the original release’s traversal somewhat arduous will appreciate the additions designed to streamline the experience. Chiral Bridges can now be strategically placed to provide safe passage for transporting cargo, mitigating environmental hazards. The Cargo Catapult allows for the long-range deployment of goods. Sam also gains access to carrying assistance and traversal options such as Jump Ramps for aerial maneuvers.
The Director’s Cut also introduces a firing range and a race track. The latter serves primarily as a means of respite, allowing players to engage in some vehicular action amidst the desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape. Players can also replay boss encounters and compete with others online. We replayed the initial hours of the game to experience these features firsthand. Due to embargo restrictions, we were unable to thoroughly evaluate the Cyberpunk 2077 and Half-Life content ported from the PC version, but these additions are also included in the PS5 release.
Similar to the recent Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut, Death Stranding: Director’s Cut is not a radical departure from the base game. Instead, it presents a series of refinements and additions that collectively enhance the overall experience. Players who were initially deterred by the perceived repetitiveness of the core gameplay may find these additions compelling enough to warrant a second look (the upgrade is available for approximately 50 SEK for owners of the digital PS4 version, with a slightly higher cost for those with physical copies). For players who have already completed the original on PS4, a full replay may not be essential. However, for those who enjoyed the original, the new content, graphical enhancements, and audio improvements offer a worthwhile upgrade. Kojima remains one of the industry’s most daring auteurs, and his complex narrative and unconventional gameplay will not resonate with all players. However, from a technical standpoint, this is a polished and compelling experience, and with patience and an open mind, Death Stranding offers a uniquely memorable gaming experience.
Now, on the PS5, is the definitive time to experience it.
