The Unseen Hero: Why Sam's Journey in Death Stranding 2 Falls Short

Death Stranding 2 is a game that's hard to love, but it's easy to appreciate. The core gameplay is simple: you play as Sam, a delivery guy who carries packages across a vast, open world. It's not the most exciting premise, but there's something oddly satisfying about it. The game's unique mechanics and beautiful landscapes make it a relaxing experience, like listening to a podcast while taking a walk. But then, there are the other characters. They have superpowers, they fight, they save the day. And what does Sam do? He watches. He's the guy in the background, the one who's not quite as cool as everyone else. It's not that Sam is weak or unskilled. It's just that he's not as interesting as the other characters. He's the sidekick, not the hero. This becomes especially clear during the game's action sequences. One moment, Elle Fanning is teleporting and defeating enemies with a single touch. The next, Sam is standing there, holding a 3D-printed airgun. It's a stark contrast, and it's hard not to feel a little left out. The game's story is filled with these moments. There's a super-samurai, a kung-fu pizza man, a woman who can control time, and even a character who can reverse gravity. And then there's Sam, who's just trying to deliver his packages. It's a bit like watching a Street Fighter game and being Jimmy Olsen, the guy who's always in the background but never in the fight. Now, it's not that Sam can't be interesting. He can. But he's not given the chance to shine in Death Stranding 2. He's always one step behind the other characters, always watching from the sidelines. It's a shame, because Sam could be a great protagonist. He just needs a chance to prove it.