The gameplay sneak peeks for Death Stranding continued today at TGS 2019! We spent much time hovering around Norman Reedus’ character, Sam, in a safe house. Here’s where players would spend time between missions, a private spot to rest.
You don’t control Sam, per se. You control a “soul” that commands his actions. You have free reign over the camera, so you can spin it around and admire Sam, or his surroundings. Kojima likens this to a “bishojo game”, where you interact with the characters on the screen. Sam points to places he wants to go to; gesturing to the showers to clean up the dirt on him, for example.
Zooming in to check out Sam is perfectly within your ability, and Sam will react to it. Check out his crotch one too many times, and he’ll pick up the camera to punch it when he loses his cool. The camera lens even cracks from the force of the punch!
In the mean time, Sam does get his shower. For those used to Kojima games, it might not surprise you that biological fluids from said shower has gameplay implications. It applies even beyond the safe room. Pee, poop, blood and sweat can all be converted into crystals that power weapons. Quite the handy recycling method!
Sam can also interact with BB. Tapping on the glass will get you responses from BB. It seems the baby might even be able to break through the glass casing it, though it turns out to be some daydream.
Players will be allowed to return to the world after the credits. Once out in the world again, you can drop helpful things to aid others. As mentioned in the first gameplay showcase, you can give them likes.
Customization is shown off. Get a cap and recolour it, and see it worn on Sam’s head. Maybe be more practical and sort your backpack instead. Attach pouches and batteries as you need them, but remember that inventory is limited.
A holographic map on the wall will provide various information. Check on missions or important mail that can provide hints, requests or just correspondence. A data archive is also available. The player will be able to refer to it to learn about the world and story.
There’s plenty of neat little things in the demo too. Music selection, drinking beer with others in another dimension… even if we’re not sure what the world of Death Stranding holds yet, it’s surely coming to life.
via Gamespot