Death Stranding is my favorite game

My Patreon is nearly halfway to it's goal, at which I'll stop running ads on future videos! Patrons see all my videos a week early. / leadheadyt
Second Channel: / porkbrain
Discord: / discord
The music in this video is from the Death Stranding OST by Ludvig Forssell
(PS, sorry the music is so loud during the ending patron read. I didn't realize during editing, and I stupidly deleted my project files before I noticed. This vid really took a lot out of me lol)

[@tru_spartan_117]

When it came out and it was largely disliked, I was sooooo confused because I loved it. I feel like Kojima games always age gracefully and become much appreciated over time.

[@GuilhermeSantos-sd5uw]

honestly, I find it pretty mediocre- only stayed because of the overall storry. It's an amazing and brilliant game on paper, but the execution was horrid imo; the gameplay was something you wrestled against most of the time, and the dialogues were very weird with odd story beats. It was like Kojima didn't know what direction to take the game, it was either taking itself serious half the time, or doing dumb too-self-aware stuff. Idunno. Wish it was executed better.

[@mirfalltnixein.1]

@@GuilhermeSantos-sd5uw switching between self-serious and silly is what his games have always been like.

[@juanmanikings]

@@GuilhermeSantos-sd5uw LOL no the excution it's amazing whatever people like it or not Kojima it's a genious when it comes to game design

[@GuilhermeSantos-sd5uw]

@@juanmanikings no.

[@juanmanikings]

@@GuilhermeSantos-sd5uw Yes it is whatever you like it or not Kojima is a genius game designer with some of the best games of all time under his belt like MGS2 and MGS3

[@rocket_hops]

god that "i thought you were gonna be in your cave all day" hits me so hard, i hated leaving my room even more after that

[@EricLeafericson]

Loads of parents never ask why, do they? They just can't recognize an obvious red flag like voluntary social isolation. Or deliberately avoiding a parent. Or pulling away when they hug you.

[@rocket_hops]

@@EricLeafericson yeah they seem super arrogant like "it must be something else because im not bad" levels of delusion

[@zacharyburns5017]

True return to form. Love these longform videos.

[@Leadhead]

Ahhhh "return to form" is such a great thing to hear! Imposter syndrome really hits hard sometimes when you do KZbin full time. Thank you

[@LordMarlle]

@@Leadhead I like all your stuff, and while this wasn't the deepest deconstruction, it felt very personal, which I'm thankful for Keep doing what you do, you are an important voice in the games as art sphere of youtube

[@49Jkenny]

This is the game that helped me come to grips with my Depression and be able to perfectly explain and demonstrate what it is like. Feeling like I'm always carrying a weight, feeling isolated from everyone, finding it easier to treat and look after others than myself and underestimating the connections I had with people in my life and how important talking to easy other and helping both ways is to better ourselves. Whenever I couldn't sleep or felt particularly down, I would just load it up, take a long distance delivery and than walk a scenic route on foot, literally playing to reflect what I was doing so I could make the right choices and make things easier in my life by going to the support I had instead of bottling and letting my depression consume me.

[@lorenzop.8249]

Well damn son

[@MaxCady7.62]

Boohoo

[@rando1471]

Bitch it’s a fedex simulator with some shitty characters and a war vet’s ghost, it just kojima on drugs like regular. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like it but holy shit

[@EndermanImcool]

underrated comment

[@Rad-Dude63andathird]

@@MaxCady7.62 So we know that "D" is short for "Dickface"... Edit: Of course you changed your username now that you got called out.

[@majorghoul9017]

This video made me realize that Death Stranding is all about love and collaboration whilst still being as lonely as it is and that's beautiful. If my computer could handle this game I would absolutely give it a shot

[@uzeahos]

Jacob Geller video and then a leadhead one. pretty cool day

[@Armund_Wolffe]

right?!? so hype

[@DisgruntledPeasant]

Death stranding had a similar affect on me too. It reminded me that no matter how alone I feel, there are uncountable numbers of other people out there who are alone too. This is why I love your content, you remind me that people like me are 'out there' and we are all leaving footprints for one another.

[@henrybuehler7585]

Based Death Stranding enjoyer Absolutely loved the atmosphere, concept, and overall experience. Calling it a "walking sim" is such a disservice.

[@demen9497]

Mailman sim

[@parchemiarz]

i mean it technically is walking simulator walking simulators are fucking badass tho

[@LordMarlle]

@@parchemiarz Yes, walking sim was originally meant as a derogatory term just like pc master race was. DS is a walking sim, and a game that challenges what a video game is

[@EXTENDEDWARRANT]

best walking simulator ever I mean he made just walking feel so good. I remember playing DS for a long time then playing mgs5 and the walking just felt so stiff and lifeless

[@jakespacepiratee3740]

@@parchemiarz not this one.

[@Harmony_FM]

The audio production quality is excellent the sound mixing was done really well, it really ties the whole video together. You've convinced me my next big gaming purchase will be a PS4 and this game.

[@NarsMcain]

It's on PC too! Or ps5

[@demen9497]

Its going onto xbox gamepass

[@Zatsuiki]

You don't need a PS4 for to play it nowadays but a used PS4 (I recommend at least a slim) is still a good investment). Especially one with an old firmware so u can install homebrews! It's tons of fun!

[@leoh2251]

It's on PC too. Definitely not worth pirating, buy it when it's on sale so you get the full online "connected" experience. Crucial to the design

[@josefelfinito6925]

@@Zatsuiki I'm keeping my jailbroken ps4 slim. A jailbroken ps4 feels like a next gen console. So many things it can do 😊

[@PenelopeNaomi]

This was a great video Penelope. Please keep up what you're doing.

[@Bri-Sci]

After playing this game not even a month later I decided to make a trip across America barely even exploring my home city. For the ones who find this game enjoyable I feel like it had a positive impact on allot of people.

[@edatthegovernance]

Wow. Nothing like a good essay backed by good production.

[@Teej_0]

Playing this gaming in 2020 through 2021 really hit me. Trying to reconnect America while also finding ways to reconnect with my friends and family honestly had me in tears at a point.

[@dariuskikstra3994]

I’m so fucking pissed that KZbin stopped giving me leadhead recommends after you came out.

[@MG-mh8xp]

yeah, it's wild, it's almost as if the narrative that conservatives are censored is completely false, and is in fact, the opposite where left leaning people and trans people tend to get shut down and shadow banned.

[@monkey_eyes3334]

Hey Leadhead. I'd for you too know that you've been a big inspiration for me as an artist and as I grow and mature. I absolutely love your writing, editing, and subject matter. I know when I click a Leadhead video, I know I getting that 5 star meal! You've gotten me interested in so much stuff I couldn't thank you enough. Like Metal gear solid, MF DOOM, True RPG's, and just writing in general and having a beautiful understanding and view of art as a whole. Basically all I wanted to say was Thank you!! : )

[@curtisatterberry6196]

w

[@_laryssa]

Seeing how you look after transitioning and that you had the courage to come out to THE GAMING COMMUNITY makes me hopeful and a little teary

[@CaymenLeP]

You probably don’t care, but you look really good girl! You’ve got great legs:) I’m happy you transitioned to showing yourself in your videos. I’m so glad that you can be happy in your skin.

[@casedistorted]

My dad liked this game when I showed him last time he visited me in Jan 2021. He passed last weekend but he did buy this game to play it. He also bought red dead redemption 2 but only got 8 hours into it before he left this world :(

[@josefelfinito6925]

Sorry for your loss. My condolence

[@cosseybomb]

Just finished my second playthrough of RDR2 he would've loved it! May he rest in peace! Keep your head up!

[@MeatMonger_]

Babe wake up new Leadhead upload

[@bobbyblitz2294]

Great job on the green screen work shit looks great

[@june1884]

This was an absolutely astounding video. I’m so jealous of how well you can form your thoughts into words :)

[@erin9377]

This is beautiful. I've never played Death Stranding and now I'm tempted to get it. But mainly though, I really resonated with the joy of small interactions with other people. As I've come more out of my shell I find that giving someone a small compliment or having a little positive exchange is one of the most fulfilling things there is. Bringing happiness to someone else, helping them somehow, even in a tiny way, is a beautiful thing.

[@nathan.dunahoo]

I adore Death Stranding, I've been looking so forward to this!! Thx Lead!

[@ImpaledKorez]

I started playing this game two days ago. It’s and interesting experience like playing a show. My favorite part of the game is the online features. How players help each other through making structure and delivery someone’s lost cargo. Even when you shout and get a response, that with the story gives me a theme of how when connected people can help one another. Also I like trying to deliver as much cargo as possible every trip.

[@Arrowtomahknee]

This is going to be great!

[@chance4775]

Thank you for making these deep dives, they make a day so much more interesting overall!

[@mxknifefight]

what a beautiful video. i really can’t find any other word for it. i’ve saved it to a playlist of mine for all time favourite video essays and immediately subscribed. the gentle care and emotion of your script paired with your visuals and sound design and voice perfectly. very excited to see what you make in the future 💗💗

[@razputinepanzerfaust]

That was such a beautiful video. I’m so glad I joined your patreon. (Hiding under a different name.) keep up the amazing work. You’re doing so well~

[@MrMoman7]

13:39 - that little glance downward got me good... u are such a lovable person - hope ur getting hugged good regularly:)

[@barateza16]

good to see you are feeling well and able to post long-form videos. thank you for another great experience with this video - death stranding me affected me in so many positive ways.

[@TheYumelunarose]

I love you so much!! I love your content, and your brain and your style and I relate to your struggles you've complained about. I truly am comforted by you

[@davidnoahperkins]

I’m appreciative that you held out for another video game video. I respect creative decisions of creators, but this is a good, personally connected topic

[@321gametime5]

The upload of this video was perfect timing for me. I just got all the achievements on the Director's Cut a couple days ago. I'm so happy to see someone else who loves this game just as much as I do, maybe even more. I cried like a baby at the end of the game, the first time any work of fiction has made me do so.

[@JustLilGecko]

I have to say I'm with you on this one. Death Stranding moved me in a way no other game has. The story and gameplay also just came together in a way I've never seen before. Ludo-narrative resonance I guess. Phenomenal. Therapeutic, almost zen like experience to play.

[@cavey1082]

this was a really great video!

[@nanth6480]

Amazing video, as always

[@lyricbot8513]

Leadhead, thank you so much for making these videos. I don't game much; I prefer strategy games and adventure games and tend to watch youtube playthroughs for anything with a linear narrative, but hearing you talk so passionately about things you love is always such a comfort to me.

[@thefiend3078]

Your hair is so nice :)

[@omgzpeanutbutter9482]

Sitting in the diegetic backgrounds of the game youre talking about is one of my favorite little touches you've ever added to any videos

[@emmavoid]

Seeing you had put this video out finally gave me the push I needed to play the game, and I've spent the last week completely absorbed by it! This truly is the most Kojima of games, and I'm really glad to have experienced it

[@Proctor_Conley]

This is great & the greenscreen is amazing! Bravo!

[@PerErikSoderberg]

This is a beautiful video, I can relate to so many of your thoughts and feelings about this game. I really need to play it again. Thank you, I hope all is well with you!

[@whoopsthatsasinisntit]

You look really cool

[@STANI420]

super cool

[@midasdagonovich657]

yep facts

[@jindrichjochec296]

Im getting used to it too. What I really like is the background in this video. Makes it look cozy.

[@SaadTheGlad]

No

[@QuintonMurdock]

@@SaadTheGlad 🤡

[@visnelivodkasuyu3117]

you sound nicer and nicer every video

[@trout7115]

Amazing video essay. Great editing. Awesome take on the game. Really enjoyed this.

[@lukasderrusse3963]

Now with a fancy backgrounds, very cool

[@Ramsker]

a well and articulate video! You brought a new perspective to DS that I never thought about before, how much of the game is a reflection of kojima and what lessons are to be adopted, bless

[@AmataTai]

This video essay is super moving 💙🌸

[@julesinspaaace]

That was such a beautiful video

[@xabigv00]

Those shots of you talking with a background from the game look really good honestly. That's a detail that probably took a lot of planning and effort and it shows the level of care you put into these videos

[@c0l370]

This video really made me examine my own journey through learning how to make connections and letting people in, im still really bad at it, but i've come a long way and this really clicked with me (maybe i even cried a bit while watching), thanks Penelope :)

[@doobiedancer1292]

Exquisite video! Death stranding is a game that puts fills my heart a little more everytime I play it! Keep up the amazing work! So glad to see you uploading again!

[@mattymcfabb]

I feel so validated and less alone finding this video. I can’t express what Death Stranding has meant to me and how much it has inspired me and I’m so happy to see that others feel the same way.

[@thesoulsender]

I absolutely love this game. I’m a huge fan of anything anomalous or just weird, and seeing a full triple A game have some of the weirdest content is just incredible. The atmosphere is one of the best in games I’ve ever played, up there with DayZ and Subnautica because of how purely isolated you feel, sneaking past BTs, stumbling over mountains, just to get to that final checkpoint looming over the hill.

[@gierasole]

Hey, I figure if this is your love letter to Kojima, this is my love letter to you. This is the best death stranding video I’ve seen. You put better into words the way I’ve experienced every game I’ve ever played than I could myself. So thanks, leafhead

[@nadaroule]

Guurrl it has been a while since I've seen you on my recommended I'm so glad you popped up!!!!

[@Staphylokocke]

It's so sad, I can never watch your videos to the end. You make the games sound so exiting that I must play them myself and can not afford any spoilers :D

[@deinehundin5384]

Thank god that u are still uploading. The last notification I got from ur channel was ur l4d video, normally I always check up on you every other week but the last 4 months where quite trouble some for me so I'm glad that u still upload. I always enjoyed your content, since I got introduced to you by your I'm proud to be human hl2 video. Keep up the good work! ;)

[@safi.uh_]

this is the channel i’ve been looking for

[@fckSashka]

how do you constantly make videos about stuff In currently thinking about, it’s getting scary lol. great video as always

[@fafal9836]

You are one of 2 ytubers that are actualy important to me. Thank for poger content

[@thelegalsystem]

When you mentioned the right-side up rainbow I SCREAMED

[@Resil27021]

keep up the good work!

[@lewislabuff8862]

This is probably my favorite game of all time, but the only thing holding it back is the fact I can't put on Spotify on my PS4 while playing

[@crazyguy492]

One of the best videos on your channel

[@theinternetpolice2078]

World's first strand type essay

[@Tourettes42069]

Yooo u got the baby in the tube let’s goooo!!!

[@Itstwistedroots]

This video was perfect, and I am grateful you took the time to share your journey and love of this game. Thank you, friend.

[@MrSlosh]

As a fellow violently anti-social oddball this game always looked interesting but I could never get around to it. Now I'm worried that between responsibilities as a new parent and having an outdated PC I'll miss the window to play it before they shut down the online community features.

[@trotr42069]

Fastest 40 minutes of my life. Having never played any of Kojima's previous games, and playing DS twice, I never knew about the backstory to its development. Knowing that gives me a greatly deeper appreciation for what the game does, beyond the somewhat surface level "cool" strand type social aspects and confusing yet interesting story. Seeing the many direct parallels between the in game features and Kojima's real world experiences with his artwork gives DS a much richer subtext I didn't know I needed

[@aaaddddaaaammmm]

I'm thankful that you explained some of the story. I absolutely adore Death Stranding but when I played it, I mostly engaged with the overall world and the moment to moment experiences. I lost the plot and I lost the patience to figure things out. I also really appreciate your personal takeaways from you experience with the game, I had a lot of the same kinds of thoughts. This is one of my favourite videos of yours now.

[@mentallyderangeddoggirl]

Hi! I just finished this game, and I loved it. Also, haven't watched you in a long time, good to see you, you look great

[@kuwakay]

Initially didn't understand the game (have since bought it 3 times). Gave it a chance at a time where i was my most isolated and found so much comfort in the story. Spent so many hours building the road just thinking about how many people would be able to traverse the game easier. ty for your video it was great

[@Argacyan]

27:09 The feeling that I get when hearing about players helping each others without knowing each other is something I immediately connect to moments like back when I played FPS games on multiplayer more often & I would sometimes forge incidental squads with random team mates helping each other & keeping each other alive. Often without any direct ingame text or voice chat saying so, just behaviour alone. From CoD5 to stuff like Planetside 2.

[@Silentasylums05]

another leadhead banger

[@quicklyfun]

this is going to be the video i send to anyone that asks me why i love death stranding now. amazingly well written, just everything i felt for the game inself put into words :)

[@danieldevito6380]

I'm currently on my 5th playthrough of Death Stranding (1-PS4, 1-PS4 Pro, 2-PS5, 1-PC) and have watched COUNTLESS "explanation videos", but this is one of the best one's I've come across. I always tell people that Death Stranding isn't a video game, it's an experience, and one that doesn't come around often.

[@josefelfinito6925]

So unique. So different. This is how other developers should be thinking

[@Steppa_61]

The change is crazy for real, very cool.

[@shlup6239]

death stranding is also my favorite game of all time, im obsessed with this game, so glad you made this video

[@PlayGameplays]

I have been waiting so long for this video. Death Stranding could be one of the greatest games I've ever played, and knowing it was from Kojima, I REALLY wanted to see your inputs on the game. When I first for to the end of the game, all I wanted was to hear your take on the game, and it never disappoints. Thanks Lead!

[@val26874]

I'm still in the middle of this game - I've had it on hiatus for at least a year now. Think I'll pick it back up again soon. Gonna have to put this vid on hiatus though.

[@mattchalk4579]

My wife got me a ps4 for this game. I was completely sucked in by the trailers. I loved it - still up there as one of the best games for me.

[@kaneqost172]

Beautiful Video

[@jysprk7395]

LONGFORM LEADHEAD VIDEO LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@citrine5140]

i can't BEAR to watch this for fear of even the most mild spoilers, but its worth liking and commenting so i can come back after beating this behemoth

[@DTyrannosaurus]

I am about 100 hours in and still want more. Your experience and explanations are so in touch with mine! I never play multiplayer games because…well I’m afraid of the other players. And I was so suspicious of even the NPCs in this game because they were so positive and I waited for them to turn on me for the longest time. But in this game, just like you’re saying, I would get so happy seeing traces of others. The first thing I did when I completed the story was go back in and spend all my time personally completing all the pavement, just for the players behind me, and madly Liking everything I passed. This could be the future of gaming…at least for me.

[@idknemore525]

Death Stranding is potentially my favorite video game ever. And after almost a decade of struggling to get a degree, the last 2 big papers I wrote before graduation were about Death Stranding.

[@esesel7831]

beautiful video... made me weep uncontrolably

[@dwfc775]

I love the quality of your videos. You have increased the design and creativity of your videos ten fold. The videos aren't the only thing that have changed, you have changed too. I'm happy to see you become who you want to be, and I have to say, you are so fucking pretty. Love your videos, love to see you're more comfortable in your skin, and I'd love to see what video you do next!

[@omensoffate]

Calm down

[@fiszu457]

Death Stranding is one of my faves, played it this year. Great video!

[@Iamhannah129]

Whenever my depression hits extra hard, I'll replay this game. It's my comfort game and makes me feel like I'm worth something.

[@Moto_Medics]

I wanna see the data on the different routes ppl took over time and how it evolved like using fungus to map out your subway I’d imagine it would be neat to see

[@error.418]

"it's the tightest example of ludonarrative synchronicity" is the tightest example of invoking Clint Hocking I've ever seen

[@ReysaAdam]

It feels good to see that this game gets more recognition, this has been my fav game since it's launch, didn't mean to be rude to other AAA games but after playing some of them the only one game that gave me a " fresh " experience and feeling was when i played Death Stranding. untill now, this game still stuck with me and i love every second of it.

[@blackfrost9011]

I’m sure they take a ton of time and effort to make, but for the record I adore the more long form typa content like this

[@awkward_bomb]

How have I never thought about using a climbing anchor to cross currents... her genius never ceases to amaze me lol

[@Churro_Douglas]

This game reminded me how good it feels to walk places. Like, I live in the middle of the suburbs and it takes 45 minutes to walk to the grocery store and an hour to walk to work. To most people that would be a chore, but to me, it’s a strand-type mission. Keep on keeping on!

[@romanglinnik8073]

I played it right away after it got released, this game goes beyond a piece of entertainment for me. Kojima hit my emotions with this masterpiece, it is my all time favourite.

[@yayeet9643]

Best christmas present ever

[@Mekose]

I'm certain this video essay is amazing and thoughtful but first I have to say you look incredible and I'm jealous.