I first playedDeath Stranding, like so many people, in the winter of 2019. I began my journey across its wilderness in November, but I wouldn’t finish my playthrough until well after Christmas. You see, this wasn’t just any game. This wasthegame, my game of the year, so of course I would need to platinum it, 100% it, and complete any delivery that came my way. For me, it became the quintessential Christmas game of 2019.
RELATED:Christmas Gaming Playlist #3 - Anything Mario Or ZeldaDuring the game’s quiet moments, where it felt as if the only sounds were of Sam’s footsteps softly crunching through the snow, I would play Mannheim Steamroller’s Christmas albums. What I didn’t expect was that Death Stranding would become synonymous with Christmas for me. Every year around this time, I’m compelled to go back to Death Stranding for at least a little while, though usually it ends up becoming a long while.
On the surface, Death Stranding’s connection to Christmas is somewhat obvious. It’s so obvious that Kojima included a way for you to earn a Santa hat and a red version of your classic suit. In Death Stranding, you’re a man delivering packages to people’s homes. You’re often bringing things people have wished for, or items they may desperately need. You’re not just Sam Porter Bridges, you’re Santa Sam. And while you may not have a list of who is naughty or nice, you’re often bringing these presents to people who are deserving of some good will.
Every year, my Sam dons his Santa hat, loads himself down with packages, and sets out into the snow to bring presents to people who need them. While he doesn’t have a sled or reindeer, he has all kinds of contraptions to help him on his journey. Riding along ziplines and climbing up mountains with only a rope and some climbing gear, he ensures that (above all else) the packages arrive on time and in pristine condition. The people receiving these goods are usually grateful, treating you as a hero because the world outside is one where even the rain and snow threaten to rob you of your life. While you’re not delivering millions of toys in one night, you are doing what people perceive as the impossible.
Death Stranding, at its heart, is also a game about coming together. Santa Sam isn’t just delivering packages, he’s delivering hope. The end goal of delivering all of these packages is to get people to reconnect with one another. He’s delivering a promise that connecting with your fellow people will bring you a better life. Such an idea requires the people of this world to believe in their Santa Sam, and what’s more Christmassy than belief and coming together during a hard time?
So, now, as strange as it is, I think of Death Stranding when I hear Christmas music or open my window on a particularly cold night. I remember the snow underfoot and almost toppling over from the weight of all Sam’s packages. It’s funny what sticks with us, particularly when it comes to holidays. We all develop our odd little quirks and traditions that carry some meaning to us. Whatever your traditions, I hope you get to experience them in good health and good cheer this year. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll have a listen to Carol of the Bells and deliver some packages.
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