《Death Stranding》（日文名稱：デス・ストランディング）是由小島秀夫（Hideo Kojima）於脫離Konami後創立的Kojima Productions開發，並由Sony Interactive Entertainment於2019年11月8日在PlayStation 4平台發行的開創性動作遊戲。標誌著小島在《潛龍諜影》系列之後的全新創作篇章，並以其獨特的遊戲風格與深刻的主題引發業界與玩家的廣泛討論。

世界觀設定在一個後末日的未來，人類文明因一場名為「死亡擱淺」（Death Stranding）的神祕災難而陷入崩潰。這場災變打破生死之間的界線，導致超自然存在「BTs」（Beached Things）侵入現實世界，同時死亡會引發毀滅性的虛爆（Voidout）。倖存的人類只能藏身於分散各地的城市與庇護所中，整個國土陷入斷裂與孤立之中。在這樣的背景下，主角山姆·波特·布橋斯（Sam Porter Bridges），受命穿越破碎的美國大地，將散落各地的社區重新連結進「開羅網路」（Chiral Network）之中，試圖重建社會的聯繫與秩序。

玩法上被小島稱為「Strand Game」，強調的是「連結」的概念，與傳統射擊或戰鬥導向的動作遊戲截然不同。大部分遊戲時間，在遼闊且危機四伏的自然地形中扮演送貨員，運送各種補給與科技裝置至不同地區。操作方式講究重量平衡、路徑規劃與裝備選擇，玩家需要面對河流、山嶺、風暴等地形障礙，以及BTs與掠奪者MULE的威脅。儘管聽來「送貨」過程似乎單調，但實際上透過策略性的負重管理、搭建橋樑、使用動力骨骼、繪製地圖與評估天候變化等系統，構成極為細膩且具有成就感的玩法。

主要的一大創新在於其「非同步多人互動」機制：在自己的世界中可留下建設物，例如梯子、繩索、發電站、道路，其他玩家也能在自己的遊戲世界中使用這些設施，並互相點讚支持。這種設計讓「連結」不僅限於劇情，也體現在實際的玩家行為之中，形成一種特殊的社群感與無形合作。

在劇情層面，融合哲學思辨、科幻設定與強烈的情感敘事。角色塑造極為立體，由諾曼·李杜斯（Norman Reedus）飾演的山姆是一位飽受心理創傷的送貨員，他與神秘胎兒「BB」之間建立的情感連結，成為貫穿整部作品的重要情節線索。而包括瑪德琳娜·薇瑟斯（Léa Seydoux）、麥茲·米克森（Mads Mikkelsen）與林賽·華格納（Lindsay Wagner）等演員也為角色注入深度，使整體敘事更具沉浸感。劇情不僅探討生命與死亡的界線，也呈現人類在災難中尋找希望與連結的過程，最後以帶有哲理性與情感共鳴的結局作結，留下餘韻無窮的反思空間。

市場評價方面，引發兩極化的反應。支持者認為它是一次突破傳統框架的藝術遊戲，將敘事、玩法與主題深度巧妙結合，成為全新的互動體驗。評論家讚揚其圖像品質、音樂（由Low Roar等樂團打造的原聲配樂）、演員演出與概念創意，許多國際遊戲媒體給予高分評價，甚至被提名為年度最佳遊戲。然而，也有玩家批評其節奏緩慢、玩法重複，稱其為「送貨模擬器」，不易被習慣動作導向的玩家接受。

總結而言，《Death Stranding》是打破類型框架、挑戰玩家預期的作品。拒絕將遊戲簡化為刺激與對抗，而是以孤獨、連結、勞動與救贖為主軸，講述關於人性與重生的故事。或許不是每個人都會喜歡的遊戲，但無疑是2020年代初期最具創意、最敢於實驗的代表作之一，也展現遊戲媒介作為藝術形式的廣大可能性。

Death Stranding (Japanese title: デス・ストランディング) is a groundbreaking action game developed by Kojima Productions, the studio founded by Hideo Kojima following his departure from Konami. Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, it was released on November 8, 2019, for the PlayStation 4. The game marked a new creative chapter for Kojima after the Metal Gear series and sparked widespread discussion within the gaming industry and among players for its distinctive style and profound thematic depth.

Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the world of Death Stranding has been ravaged by a mysterious phenomenon known as the “Death Stranding.” This cataclysm blurred the boundary between life and death, allowing supernatural beings known as BTs (Beached Things) to encroach upon the living world. Death itself now triggers devastating explosions called “voidouts.” The remaining humans have retreated into isolated cities and shelters, and the once-connected United States is fragmented and cut off. Against this backdrop, the protagonist, Sam Porter Bridges, is tasked with journeying across the shattered landscape to reconnect scattered communities through a digital infrastructure called the Chiral Network, aiming to restore societal bonds and order.

Kojima describes the game’s genre as a “Strand Game,” emphasizing the theme of “connection” rather than traditional combat or action. Much of the gameplay revolves around Sam delivering essential cargo and technological supplies across treacherous, expansive environments. Players must manage weight distribution, plan routes, and choose gear carefully while confronting natural obstacles like rivers, mountains, and storms, as well as threats from BTs and human raiders known as MULEs. While the act of delivery might seem monotonous at first glance, the game integrates deep systems such as load management, structure building, powered exoskeletons, terrain scanning, and weather forecasting to create a richly rewarding experience.

One of the game’s most innovative features is its asynchronous multiplayer system. Players can leave behind useful structures—ladders, ropes, generators, roads—which appear in the worlds of other players. These shared resources can be used and “liked” by others, fostering a unique sense of communal support and cooperation without direct interaction. This mechanic reinforces the game’s central message: that connection is vital, both narratively and through gameplay.

Narratively, Death Stranding blends philosophical inquiry, science fiction, and emotional storytelling. The characters are vividly portrayed, with Norman Reedus delivering a nuanced performance as Sam, a deliveryman haunted by past trauma. His bond with the mysterious baby “BB” forms an emotional thread running through the entire game. Supporting performances from Léa Seydoux, Mads Mikkelsen, and Lindsay Wagner further deepen the immersion, adding complexity and resonance to the story. The narrative explores not just the boundary between life and death but also the human need for connection, hope, and healing amidst catastrophe. It concludes with a philosophical and emotionally moving finale, inviting reflection and interpretation.

In terms of critical reception, Death Stranding provoked polarized responses. Supporters hailed it as a genre-defying artistic experience that masterfully combined storytelling, mechanics, and thematic exploration into a new form of interactive media. Critics praised the game’s visual fidelity, evocative music (notably contributed by the band Low Roar), acting performances, and inventive concept. Many international gaming outlets awarded it high scores, with several nominating it for Game of the Year. However, detractors criticized its slow pacing and repetitive gameplay loop, labeling it a “delivery simulator” that could alienate players expecting fast-paced action.

In conclusion, Death Stranding is a bold, genre-breaking title that challenges conventional expectations of what a video game can be. Rather than focusing on excitement and combat, it centers on solitude, connection, labor, and redemption, telling a story about humanity and rebirth. While it may not appeal to everyone, it undoubtedly stands as one of the most creative and daring works of the early 2020s—an emblem of the video game medium’s potential as a true form of artistic expression.