This Death Stranding stop-motion film is so awesome it should make Kojima proud

News
By published

Naked Norman Reedus figures would sell like hotcakes

Death Stranding's weirdness is sure to inspire creators for years to come, and already we have an incredible stop-motion animated film so bonkers it should make Kojima proud. Matthew Lai, known on YouTube as SpartanUruk, is responsible for these roughly four minutes of glorious Death Stranding-inspired action, featuring some lovely rain effects, beached crustaceans, and plenty of naked Norman Reedus.

Watching this is both a treat for Death Stranding fans and an astonishing show of animating prowess and dedication. Lai uses real-life models, which he made himself, and repositions them with every frame to create the illusion of fluid movement. The hard work that undoubtedly went into making this thing can't be understated, but the result is a gorgeous work of animation more than deserving of your four minutes.

Probably the most fascinating aspect of Lai's work are the models, which are so detailed and accurate that I paused the video several times just to appreciate the work. Lai documented some of the process on Twitter, where you can see some behind-the-scenes images of the many different models still being made. Lai says the 1:6 scale figures are made from clay, plastic, and fabric and painted to perfection. BB is illuminated using a small LED light. I only hope the models are displayed proudly in a glass case now that the project is complete.

Death Stranding certainly has its fans, Lai clearly being one of them, but reviews in general have been mixed. Kojima himself speculates that it's being criticized most heavily in the US because it's "a difficult game to understand for a certain type of critic and audience".

Mixed reviews aside, Death Stranding is a beautiful game to look at, especially with a big ol' 4K TV. Keep up with the best Black Friday TV deals to score a deal on a new set this year.

Jordan Gerblick
Jordan Gerblick
Staff Writer

After earning an English degree from ASU, I worked as a corporate copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. I got my big break here in 2019 with a freelance news gig, and I was hired on as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer in 2021. That means I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my home office, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.