Death Stranding has been criticized for its gameplay and called a "walking simulator" since its release. However, one fan's creation has made the term more accurate than ever. By modifying an old treadmill, the creator has managed to create his own alternate rig, which allows him to control the main character's motion in game by walking.
Although Hideo Kojima's latest game received mixed reviews on release, Death Stranding has managed to build a dedicated and creative fan community. One of the community's most impressive creations took a common gameplay criticism and incorporated it into his recent creation.
In a YouTube video, electrical engineer Allen Pan unveiled his new custom controller for the PS4 game. In the video, Pan frames his creation as a way to get more exercise and to continue sticking to his New Years' resolution to keep exercising. Throughout the video, Pan reveals how he modified his nonfunctional treadmill by rewiring its sensors through an Arduino processor and a PS4 controller. Although his first attempt sends him tumbling down the first level's steep mountainside, Pan reveals that he can walk and run in-game without using the original PS4 controller.
While Pan's custom controller is certainly a good source of exercise, it's definitely not an easy one. During various trials, Pan and his friends all commented on how hard controlling the game was. The video revealed that users have to walk or run very quickly to make progress. However, the experience gets more complicated because players still have to use the PS4 controller's right stick to manage the in-game camera and to balance the character's movements. Although the gameplay is very realistic, one player noted that Pan's controls and the amount of effort that goes into using them are "not enjoyable. At all."
Ultimately, Allen Pan's creation definitely still needs more work before it can be considered a practical alternative. However, the so-called "lowest-budget VR rig ever" is still both a fascinating approach to motion control technology and a representation of the immensely creative spirit behind Death Stranding's community. Although the technology behind our games might seem impossible to achieve without corporate resources, this treadmill controller shows the ingenuity that individual creators and engineers have.
Death Stranding is out now for PS4.