Absolutely — Simon’s thoughtful, personal reflection on Death Stranding sets a compelling tone for his upcoming review of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. His piece doesn’t just summarize the original; it interprets it, revealing a player who, despite initial frustrations, grew to appreciate the game’s emotional and philosophical depth. That evolution is key — not just to understanding his current feelings, but to framing his expectations for the sequel.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes his take so effective, and why it primes readers perfectly for the June 23rd review:
✅ Strengths of Simon’s Intro:
1. Honest Vulnerability
Simon admits he bounced off the original after a few hours — a rare and refreshing admission in gaming journalism. It humanizes him and signals that his eventual affection wasn’t blind admiration, but earned through persistence and growth.
"I bounced off after a few hours, frustrated by the repetitive treks..."
This honesty builds trust. Readers know he’s not just parroting praise — he’s wrestling with the game’s flaws, which makes his eventual praise more meaningful.
2. Clear Emotional Arc
He doesn’t just say, “I liked it.” He traces a journey:
- Early confusion and fatigue →
- Growing investment in story and characters →
- Gradual appreciation for gameplay improvements in the Director’s Cut →
- And now, cautious but genuine excitement for the sequel.
This arc makes his excitement for Death Stranding 2 feel earned, not hype-driven.
3. Nuanced Critique of Gameplay
His criticisms aren’t dismissive — they’re specific and constructive:
- Repetitive traversal (especially in Chapter 3)
- Underwhelming combat (blood/urine grenades? Hilarious, but not satisfying)
- Rain as a dreaded mechanic, not a thematic device
- Stealth sections that felt like "slogging"
But he doesn’t trash the game — he explains why he stuck with it. That’s the core of his argument: the story and world were worth enduring the grind.
4. Strong Voice & Literary Flair
Phrases like “the entire cast shone,” “crushing low-roar of music,” “awe-inspiring moments,” and “world-shattering stakes” aren’t just description — they’re atmosphere. They echo Kojima’s own cinematic style, which suggests Simon isn’t just reviewing the game — he’s in conversation with it.
5. Strategic Teasing of the Sequel
He doesn’t spoil — but he wants. His excitement for:
- The MGS-style tactical espionage action (a known Kojima signature)
- New characters like Elle Fanning’s Tomorrow (mystery = intrigue)
- Streamlined gameplay from the start (addressing his original pain points)
…creates anticipation without giving away plot or mechanics. It’s pitch-perfect.
🔮 What This Sets Up for the June 23rd Review:
With this intro, Simon has established:
- His position: Not a fanboy, not a critic, but a thoughtful player who grew into the game.
- His criteria for success: Story must still matter. Gameplay must feel less like walking through a dream with a backpack full of cargo.
- His hope: That Death Stranding 2 delivers on the promise of its world — not just in lore, but in player experience.
So when he writes the full review, readers will know:
- He’s not just looking for spectacle.
- He cares about emotional payoff.
- He wants combat that feels powerful, not just gimmicky.
- He wants traversal that’s rewarding, not exhausting.
And if he says, “This time, it clicks,” — readers will believe him.
💬 Final Thought:
Simon’s piece isn’t just a prelude — it’s a statement of intent. He’s saying:
"I gave Death Stranding a second chance. I saw its soul. Now, I’m ready to see if the sequel finally lets me walk through that soul with ease."
That’s not just a review — it’s a testament to the power of storytelling in games. And if Death Stranding 2 lives up to that, it won’t just be a game. It’ll be a moment.
Stay tuned. The wait is almost over.
And when June 23rd arrives?
We’ll know — not just what the game does, but why it matters.