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

Kojima Productions has some thrilling projects on the horizon, and among them, Physint stands out as the most enigmatic. While there’s been chatter about how OD and the much-anticipated Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will unfold, Physint remains shrouded in mystery. Yet, the buzz surrounding its potential hints at a remarkable comeback for Hideo Kojima.

For years, Kojima’s fans have been clamoring for a revival of the Metal Gear series. Though he no longer steers the Metal Gear ship after his break with Konami, the inspiration behind Physint seems to stem from that iconic spy thriller vibe. There’s speculation it might also draw from Kojima Productions’ inaugural franchise, Death Stranding, which Kojima uniquely dubbed a “strand-type game.” If Physint does embrace this genre, it opens a Pandora’s box of possibilities worth pondering.

### Physint Carrying the Strand-Type Torch is a Risky Move

#### What is a Strand-Type Game?
A strand-type game emphasizes connectivity while keeping a solo gaming experience intact. In Death Stranding, players stumble upon traces left by others—structures aiding movement, worn paths, even lost cargo. Such elements weave a sense of unity amidst solitude, cleverly uniting players whether they drop ladders, ropes, or little gifts. It’s Kojima’s inventive take on what the Dark Souls franchise initiated.

#### The Case For Physint Being a Strand-Type Game
Extending the connective thread could become a hallmark for future Kojima Productions games. The real charm of making Physint a strand-type game lies in continuing the subtle community interaction Death Stranding pioneered. While Dark Souls laid the groundwork for single-player cooperation, strand-type elements are woven into Death Stranding’s core identity. Even if Physint stands alone, maintaining these features could grant Kojima Productions a distinct mark.

#### The Case Against Physint Being a Strand-Type Game
Adapting Death Stranding’s open world to a spy thriller presents challenges. If Physint leans on Metal Gear’s glory days, it needs sharper, more linear storytelling than Death Stranding. Crafting a dense, suspenseful spy tale is tough in an expansive setting, and strand-type mechanics hinge on open-world exploration. A tighter narrative in a defined world could better deliver heart-pounding stealth scenes.

Also, envisioning a spy thriller deeply anchored to connection themes—as Death Stranding does—feels odd. Kojima might surprise with a fresh spin on espionage, but if the strand-like mechanics seem mismatched, they could disrupt the immersion.

### Physint News May Arrive This Year
As for when Kojima plans to spill more details, it’s anyone’s guess. However, with casting for Physint delayed by the SAG-AFTRA strike—now resolved—it’s likely an announcement about the cast might surface soon. As the year unfolds and Death Stranding 2 makes its entrance, there’s eager anticipation about when Kojima might divulge more about Physint’s secrets.