I can’t remember a new game from a new series that is riding on the pedigree of its creator more than Death Stranding.

I’m late to the party on this trailer that released last week, but it looks like I didn’t miss much, because I’m still no closer to understanding what kind of game Death Stranding is supposed to be after watching it.

This is called a “gameplay trailer”, but most of it is still cutscenes. Hideo Kojima needs to make up his mind whether he’s a video game creator or a film director. If Kojima’s name wasn’t attached to this project, it wouldn’t even be on my radar.

Strictly judging from what I’ve seen of Death Stranding thus far, it feels like he’s trying too hard. I imagine he wants it be good, even amazing, it being his first game after his big breakup with Konami. We all want it to be great too.

I want to believe, but gameplay is what counts, and I haven’t seen that from Death Stranding yet.