Examining the Pros and Cons of Classifying Physint as a Strand-Type Game

Among the intriguing projects emerging from Kojima Productions, Physint stands out as particularly enigmatic. Unlike its companions, OD and the eagerly awaited Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, not a single clue or teaser for Physint has been revealed, heightening its allure. The buzz around it is mainly because it signifies a promising throwback to the genius of Hideo Kojima.

Fans have longed for a new Metal Gear installment, prompting Kojima to draw inspiration from this legacy while conceptualizing Physint. Although he’s no longer the architect of Metal Gear, owing to his departure from Konami, the prospect of Physint channeling those iconic spy-thriller vibes is thrilling for longtime enthusiasts. Moreover, Physint might also weave in elements from Kojima’s first independent venture, Death Stranding. Dubbed by Kojima as a “strand-type game,” such an approach could offer fresh gameplay experiences, though it comes with its own set of challenges and advantages.

Now, what exactly is a strand-type game? At its core, it thrives on fostering connections within a solo gameplay setting. Take Death Stranding, for instance. Players encounter remnants of others who’ve trod the same path—like infrastructure they’ve erected, paths they’ve worn, or even lost cargo. These interactions stir a shared experience, despite the solitary journey. From leaving behind tools like ladders to gifting items to fellow players, Kojima’s strand concept pushes the envelope of the cooperative gameplay pioneered by the Dark Souls series.

In fact, with Death Stranding 2 slated for release this year but still awaiting an exact launch date, anticipation is already bubbling.

When considering whether Physint should be a strand-type game, there’s much to weigh. One compelling argument is that it could perpetuate the unique player connectivity that Death Stranding introduced. While cooperative elements aren’t novel, Kojima’s treatment of them as central narrative pillars in Death Stranding sets a unique precedent. Even if Physint stands as a separate entity, embedding strand-type mechanics could gradually become a hallmark of Kojima Productions’ identity.

However, not everyone agrees this is the right path for Physint. The profound sense of immersion in Death Stranding’s expansive landscapes might be difficult to replicate if Physint aligns more closely with the linear, suspenseful nature of a classic espionage tale, reminiscent of Metal Gear. Such a structure demands focused storytelling, which might not be achievable in an exploratory, open-world format that strand-type games typically advocate. Moreover, it’s difficult to envision a spy thriller thriving on the strand core themes of connection without risking breaking immersion if such elements feel misplaced.

Kojima’s other active project, OD, is carving a place in the horror genre for Xbox, adding another layer of excitement for fans.

As for Physint, news and details remain tantalizingly out of reach, though that may soon change. With the SAG-AFTRA strike resolved, casting progress could lead to announcements in the near future. As we await the arrival of Death Stranding 2, anticipation is high for Kojima to shed more light on what Physint truly has in store.