Death Stranding

Released: 2020 — API: DirectX 12 — Engine: Decima Engine

Death Stranding, by Hideo Kojima, is a story-driven action RPG with character talent lent by Hollywood heavyweights. The objective is to transport physical objects between locations in a post-apocalyptic world that's been overrun by supernatural monsters. There are several physical hurdles and puzzles to traverse. Of course, there's a lot more to it, including an elaborate storyline that's exciting to peel through. An interesting concept introduced is that the physical load you carry affects your gait.

Based on the Decima Engine co-developed by Kojima Productions on the PC platform, Death Stranding takes advantage of the DirectX 12 API and supports quite a few PC-exclusive features, including NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FidelityFX. Since much of its development is centered on Kojima's traditional stomping grounds, the PlayStation platform, the game is moderately taxing on today's gaming PCs.