When Sam Porter Bridges picks up a full load of packages in the video game Death Stranding, a cutscene plays where he stumbles and groans in pain as he stands up. I’m American, so I had to look up what his max of 120 kilograms is. It’s almost 265 pounds.
It’s no wonder he gains first-degree burns and scars on his shoulders as the hours go by playing the game. You can see the injuries when you enter private rooms spread throughout the game’s sprawling, Icelandic world. These temporary domiciles grant respite after arduous treks through rain, sleet, or snow; up mountains and down ravines; among supernatural and human enemies. That’s not even accounting for the precarious balancing and care of your cargo. These environmental and physical demands weigh and wear down Sam, so you’re led to care about his well-being.
