Maybe it was already my mindset heading into this review. But I’d like to think I really gave it a chance. Despite that, every time I launched Death Stranding Director’s Cut on PS5, I felt burdened instead of excited.
That said, I don’t think this is a bad game by any stretch of the imagination. Full disclosure, due to the burdensome feeling I only managed to get to about 30-40 percent of the game. That, on top of other responsibilities for this publication.
So yeah, I think it’s a combination of things. The generally slow pace of the game, the premise of avoiding enemies you can’t see, and just the grind work of having to lug around packages — these all contributed to an experience that I cannot describe as fun.
You can say, that isn’t the point of the game. After all, it’s set in a post-apocalyptic America and you make your way around the open world wary of enemies you can’t see. But isn’t that something we’re already kind of going through. I guess I could just never wrap my head around my form of escape mirroring bleak real world situations a little too much.
Early game additions
Hard to see here, but the Support Skeleton is equipped
Death Stranding Director’s Cut goes out of its way to make sure players feel less strained. About five to seven hours into the game and you’ll gain access to two key additions: the Maser Gun and the Support Skeleton.
The Maser Gun is essentially a high-powered stun gun. It electrocutes MULEs (human enemies) you’ll encounter in deliveries. And immediately after acquiring it, you’ll also gain access to another addition in the Director’s Cut — the shooting range.
At the shooting range, you’ll be faced with various challenges in taking down MULEs. Most importantly, you’ll be able to practice your aim while dealing with multiple MULEs.
Meanwhile, the Support Skeleton is as straightforward as it sounds. It’s equipped on your lower body to help with traversal. It’s an especially helpful tool early in the game when you don’t have access yet to vehicles and other support items.
Oh and no more Monster Energy drink in this version
Overall good game design
Death Stranding pulls off many interesting ideas and presents them in ways that undeniably gives it the feel of a AAA (Triple-A) game. The character models and environments, as you may have seen on trailers, are brilliant and blockbuster-worthy.
In terms of gameplay, I was particularly impressed by how you can traverse every single element in the open world. Whether that’s a dirt road, grassy fields, and rocky terrain, the game doesn’t make any completely inaccessible.
Of course, sometimes you have to get creative. Crossing waterways and rock formations may require that you use ladders. You’ll also sometimes find yourself looking down on a cliff. Thankfully, you can also carry items that will let you rappel.
Social Strand System
But perhaps the most unique game mechanic is the Social Strand System. If you play online, this means you’ll gain access to ladders and other structures that other players have built. If any of these structures were particularly helpful for you, you can smash likes to show the other player your appreciation.
It’s such a creative way to include some form of community building in a single player game. It’s a fantastic idea and one I hope we see some iteration of in other games in the future.
In-game interface
If I had a bone to pick with the visual presentation, it would probably be the mail. The text is incredibly tiny, even if you choose the large option. It’s no fun having to read blocks of text and the game encourages you to read the emails as part of the story. I mean, I already read tons of emails daily. I don’t need that in games I play. I think this is another part of the game that really lowered the fun meter for me.
Other improvements
Buddy Bot!
Death Stranding Director’s Cut also comes with plenty of the usual next-gen improvements on PS5 games. You get the usual upgrades in haptic feedback and adaptive triggers on the DualSense controller. Although, I would argue that they could’ve been utilized better especially for sensing BTs (the ghost-life figures you have to avoid) nearby.
I’ve already gushed about the visuals but playing this in 4K 60fps was really a treat for the eyes. I personally am not a fan of the graphics setting that prioritizes refresh rate. I’m always after a more cinematic feel which I think is what this game suits best. So my recommendation is to play the game prioritizing resolution.
Other in-game additions include the Cargo Catapult and Buddy Bot. Both will help you complete deliveries and quests faster. They are helpful tools that improve the pace of the game.
Should you play Death Stranding Director’s Cut?
Firing up this game felt like work after I’ve already done my work for the day. That just isn’t the experience I long for in games. But maybe, that’s just me.
I think most gamers know exactly what they want to play. But if you’re only now dipping your toes into Death Stranding Director’s Cut because you missed the first launch and you’re a Hideo Kojima fan, it’s definitely worth picking up. But my recommendation is to get the physical copy so you can flip it for cash as soon as you find that it’s not for you.
Death Stranding Director’s Cut is brilliant. However, it’s not for everybody.
Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco Entertainment have revealed a fresh wave of details for The Blood of Dawnwalker, confirming its release on September 3, 2026.
The upcoming dark fantasy open-world action RPG is headed to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, with pre-orders now live across digital storefronts and retail. The announcement came alongside the game’s “Road to Launch” event, which packed in new gameplay footage, story reveals, and system requirements.
Story, gameplay, and a deeper look at Vale Sangora
A new story trailer introduces key characters surrounding protagonist Coen, a Dawnwalker caught between humanity and vampirism. Set in the fictional Vale Sangora in the Carpathian Mountains, the game leans heavily into choice-driven storytelling, where allies, enemies, and outcomes shift depending on player decisions.
Rebel Wolves also showcased over 10 minutes of gameplay captured from a recent PC build. The footage highlights narrative-driven exploration, where uncovering secrets and completing activities can unlock abilities or alter how events unfold. The core idea is simple: every action carries consequences, shaping both the story and the state of the world.
Developers including Piotr Kucharski, Daria Bury-Zawada, Maciej Wiśniewski, and Dorota Rutkowska also broke down key systems and design philosophies in a new dev diary.
Motion capture, editions, and system requirements revealed
A behind-the-scenes segment featured former UFC champion Jan Błachowicz, who contributed motion capture work for Bakir, one of the game’s antagonists. His involvement adds a layer of realism to combat, with a focus on weight and impact in every strike.
Rebel Wolves also detailed multiple editions of the game. Alongside the standard digital version and retail Day One Edition, players can opt for the Eclipse Edition, which includes bonuses like a world compendium, soundtrack, and comic book. A Collector’s Edition will also be available in limited quantities.
Official PC system requirements were likewise shared during the event, giving players a clearer idea of what hardware they’ll need to run the game.
A dark fantasy journey shaped by choice
Set in 14th-century Europe during a time of war and plague, The Blood of Dawnwalker follows Coen’s struggle against Brencis, a powerful vampire lord ruling over Vale Sangora. As a Dawnwalker, Coen walks a fine line between two worlds, gaining unique abilities while dealing with the cost that comes with them.
Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game emphasizes player agency, blending open-world exploration with branching narrative paths. Whether forming alliances or facing off against enemies, every decision feeds back into how the story unfolds.
The Blood of Dawnwalker launches September 3 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is making its way to more players, and you can jump in right now.
Square Enix has released a free playable demo for the acclaimed RPG on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC. Better yet, your progress carries over to the full game when it launches on June 3, 2026.
The demo includes Chapters 1 and 2, giving players a substantial slice of the experience right from the start.
A look at the opening chapters
Chapter 1 revisits one of the most pivotal moments in the story — the Nibelheim incident. You take control of a younger Cloud alongside Sephiroth as they investigate a mysterious outbreak of monsters. It’s a story beat longtime fans will recognize, but still hits hard with its modern presentation.
Chapter 2 opens things up. Cloud and the crew step into the Grasslands, where the game starts to flex its scale. Expect a mix of combat encounters, exploration, side activities, and even the in-game card battler Queen’s Blood.
Combat blends real-time action with command-based strategy, now enhanced with Synergy Abilities. The demo also introduces “Streamlined Progression” options like unlimited HP/MP and faster ability unlocks, letting players focus more on the story if they choose.
Pre-orders and physical bonuses
Pre-orders are now open across platforms, with a 20% discount available until June 10, 2026.
Digital editions come with in-game bonuses like Summoning Materia, armor sets, and accessories. Meanwhile, early buyers of the Nintendo Switch 2 physical edition get a little extra — a collectible Magic: The Gathering–Final Fantasy Zack Fair card featuring variant art by Tetsuya Nomura, available while supplies last.
Preparing for the final chapter
Set beyond Midgar, Rebirth follows Cloud and his allies — including Tifa, Barret, Aerith, and Red XIII — as they pursue Sephiroth across a wider world. New companions like Yuffie and Cait Sith join the journey, adding more personality and dynamics to the party.
Already released on PlayStation 5 and PC, the game has racked up over 125 perfect review scores and more than 40 Game of the Year awards. With its arrival on Switch 2 and Xbox, the remake trilogy is now nearly fully playable across modern platforms.
That puts more players in position for what’s next: the third and final installment, which is currently in development.
Gaming
Level Infinite launches Gangstar Mirage City exclusively in PH
A blend of high-speed street racing, exploration, more
Level Infinite has launched a brand new mobile title exclusively available in the Philippines: Gangstar Mirage City.
Players can enjoy a blend of freedom, action, and dynamic gameplay in the free-to-play multiplayer open-world mobile game.
It is set in a near-future metropolis of Rooklyn, where thrilling action, player choice, and unpredictable moments collide.
Mirage City is the latest chapter in Gameloft’s renowned Gangstar franchise, with more than 250 million registered users.
It brings an expansive open-world gameplay to mobile, powered by high-fidelity graphics and detailed environments tailored for mobile play.
At its core, Mirage City is about freedom. As such, players can alternate between story-driven content and free-form exploration. They can navigate the city, build an empire, and define a personal journey.
There’s high-speed street racing, explosive encounters, and dynamic city events. Moreover, there is deep customization across vehicles, properties, and lifestyle, plus a wide range of activities in-game.
Being a Philippines-exclusive, title, the open-world RPG supports Tagalog text as well to bring the experience closer to its audience.
For now, the game is available for download via Google Play for Android devices.
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