Given how divisive the original release of Death Stranding was among its players, many have been eager to see what the upcoming Death Stranding: Director’s Cut will bring to update Hideo Kojima’s post-apocalyptic delivery sim. On that front, Death Stranding: Director’s Cut’s appearance at Gamescom Opening Night Live delivered, providing a more detailed look at the enhanced version’s new bells and whistles.
Closing off the announcement-heavy event was a new preview trailer from Kojima Productions that lists off all of the new features the game will boast when it comes to the PS5 next month. These will be among the various updates that the trailer hypes, promising that the PS5 version will be the “definitive” Death Stranding experience.
The trailer kicks off with fresh footage detailing the quality of life improvements that have been teased for the Director’s Cut. Among the new tools players will have at their disposal are a cannon-like Cargo Catapult that can launch cargo over long distances, evolved stabilizers that let players leap safely from great heights, and jump ramps that they can use to cross large gaps while in vehicles. The Buddy Bot from the original game will also be enhanced and allow players to ride it, set a destination for it, and have it automatically carry them and their packages there.
Players will also have new “action-packed” delivery missions to take on, as the trailer shows off new footage of an underground facility that Sam Porter Bridges descends into, teasing more stealth-oriented action that should please fans of Hideo Kojima’s work in the Metal Gear Solid series. Outside of delivery-based gameplay, a new training room will allow players to take on simulated missions that appear to be more combat focused. Players will be able to tackle these challenges and go for high scores, in addition to unlocking new weapons and getting more use out of the Director’s Cut’s enhanced combat mechanics.
Rounding things off, the rerelease will boast a new activity in the form of a Death Stranding racing mode where players will be able to take on time-attack challenges in various vehicles, in addition to the option to replay boss battles. More lighthearted extras will include new songs for Sam to listen to in his room and the ability to perform tricks while jumping from ramps.
When Death Stranding first hit the PS4 in 2019, many of its unique design choices rubbed people the wrong way. A lot of players weren’t fans of delivering cumbersome packages over rocky terrain all the time, leaving them to dismiss Death Stranding and call it boring. While it doesn’t look like the Director’s Cut will radically change how it plays, the new delivery tools, combat improvements, and other additions look like they could go a long way to making the experience smoother, less tedious, and more engaging overall. Fans will find out next month.
Death Stranding: Director’s Cut launches on September 24 for PS5.