Can Sam deliver this Xbox version?
From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima comes a genre-defying experience, now expanded and remastered for the Xbox Series X/S consoles in this definitive Director’s Cut. In the future, a mysterious event known as the Death Stranding has opened a doorway between the living and the dead, leading to grotesque creatures from the afterlife roaming the fallen world marred by a desolate society. Take on the trials of Sam Bridges with advanced combat, more character actions and a competitive ranking system for special player challenges.* Make use of additional weapons and vehicles, take on new enemy types and explore new locations such as the Firing Range and Racetrack, featuring extra missions and minigames. Experience an extended storyline through new missions in an expanded area.
I reviewed the PS5 version of Death Stranding: Director’s Cut back in 2021, I loved it and thought it was a vast improvement over the original PS4 game, but honestly never thought it’d see light of day on Xbox. It was surreal to launch an Xbox game and see the “Sony Interactive Entertainment Presents” screen pop up. With a sequel now confirmed and on the way, I thought it’d best to reacquaint myself with Kojima’s world but on a totally different console…
I will admit, it took me a while to get used to the differences between the controls between this and the PS5 version. The Xbox controller doesn’t have the haptic feedback, motion controls or adaptive triggers, so there was an adjustment period as I was fine-tuned to the previous version. That being said, after a while I was more than comfortable to be back in the world of Death Stranding.
There isn’t any new content added, so don’t go expecting an Xbox-exclusive mission or anything. I’m not saying that’s unexpected, but I still would have liked to see something extra. I will say though, that it is an impressive feat on Series X. It runs like a dream with its smooth framerate, load times are short and it looks incredible. I would have thought it difficult to replicate the PS5 version, but Kojima Productions have made it look incredibly easy.
The new additions from the original PS4 version have definitely made Death Stranding a more enjoyable experience. I actually persisted and got all the Platinum trophy for the Directors Cut on PS5 and I’m severely tempted to put myself through it again with this Xbox version.
The Verdict
While it doesn’t contain any Xbox-exclusive content, Death Stranding: Director’s Cut is just as superb on Xbox Series X than it is on PS5. If you’ve been waiting to see what the fuss is all about and have an Xbox, then it’s about time to see that Sam can deliver a highly enjoyable experience…