Death Stranding 2 is a tough sell for many, owing to its core mechanics being based around the thrilling science of package delivery. But I like it! Kojima's stories never interest me much, but on a mechanical level I appreciate the chill, podcast-friendly experience of trudging across pretty landscapes with a backpack full of stale pizza and science experiments, given a little zing by the occasional Metal Gear Solid 5 base infiltration sequence or robot fight. There's something quietly satisfying about becoming ever more efficient in the simple task of moving parcels around, finding new methods of travel and laying down infrastructure as you trudge relentlessly across continents.
I was fine with that! Or at least, I thought I was. The problem is that Kojima's instinct to give all ancillary characters their own moment in the spotlight – and ridiculous superpowers – has given me some serious action envy.
