Recent reviews by sensibruh

cute game, nice mix of tactics and deckbuilding

I am sick of people choosing to hate things that are so beautiful.

Enjoyble Roguelite

wild

Peak Roguelike

Death Stranding Music Analysis

Death Stranding takes place in a beautiful open world, set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic landscape. The game's setting is further enhanced by its remarkable soundtrack, which features soft, ethereal vocal performances, innovative instrumentation, and recurring motifs that complement the visually stunning environment. The use of ethereal, ambient sounds and melodies can evoke a sense of isolation or otherworldliness, aligning with the game's post-apocalyptic setting.

The use of music inside and outside of the cutscenes is strategic. A commonly known thing about Death Stranding is that there is a lot of walking. Much of the game has no music playing in the background. Instead, music is played at critical points in your gameplay: traveling through an area for the first time or getting close to the finish line in a very long mission are some examples. The tracks that play during gameplay are dynamic: usually open with very subtle sounds to ease you into the music, such as muted percussion noises or soft vocals, then slowly transforms into a fully textured and immersive composition. Unlike many other games, these songs do not loop, and are instead meant to blend with the cinematic experience you are having as a player. I wish I could experience this game for the first time again, because these moments exemplify Kojima’s mastery of game design and his potential as a film director.

In the moments of intense action where Sam has to beat up terrorists, the music reflects the urgency and intensity of hand-to-hand combat. When spotted, a loud airhorn-like sound plays from the terrorist that spotted you, then the combat music starts. The shift in tone and pace during combat contrasts with the game's more ambient and ethereal tracks, providing a dynamic, immersive audio experience.

"Anything You Need" by Low Roar from the album “0” (2014) sticks out to me the most, mainly because of the hypnotic, unchanging melody. It captures and carries your attention for the full three minutes. Mixed with Ryan Karazija’s somber vocals, this track feels like it belongs in the game more than any other. Like Death Stranding, “Anything You Need” stands out in its medium and is avant-garde in all respects.

yes

unfortunate

yes

profound