Death Stranding took the world by storm when it was released back in 2019. It was the first project by Hideo Kojima after leaving Konami and the Metal Gear Solid series, and he had the responsibility to prove he could create a new franchise from scratch that would attract fans.
Needless to say, he succeeded massively, but at the same time caused a huge divide among players.
Many simply could not understand what he wanted from them, with a confusing story that only becomes clear after many hours into the game.
But players who persevered through the first hours and immersed themselves in the “walking simulator” received an exceptional experience that left a mark even years after its release. Six years later, we now have Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. It will probably cause the same level of division, but it also knows what the weaknesses of its predecessor were and builds on them to create the game many hoped it would be.
Get ready for confusion
Similar to the first game, Sam is once again tasked with connecting an entire continent to the Chiral Network, a network linking different regions across the world that ensures humanity’s survival. By making deliveries from bases spread across the map, Sam meets other survivors and connects them to the network while encountering familiar and new faces. As before, the story is the game’s strength. Yes, it is confusing, sometimes frustrating, but with enough time, explanations come, everything becomes clear, and the player remains amazed. Kojima, as usual, provides cutscenes on par with Hollywood movies, full of action, drama, and emotion, executed at the highest level. Even when most scenes are just people standing in a room talking, Kojima manages to keep your attention on every word. And when the scenes go beyond that, it is a completely different level.
Of course, Norman Reedus stars as Sam, continuing his excellent work with the character who has a mysterious past and a bond with the baby he carried for what felt like more than nine months in the first game. Familiar faces return and new characters join, including a character named Dollman, whose soul is trapped inside a doll, adding humor and helpful tips during the journey. Dollman’s lighthearted vibe contrasts with the serious and isolated tone of the game in a way that works well, breaking monotony with funny and enjoyable dialogue.
While the returning cast shines, new team members feel less interesting than the veterans, to the point that the game somewhat ignores them until late in the story. They still appear in certain scenes, sometimes important, sometimes just to make you smile, but unlike the first game where characters gradually gained importance, here it takes much longer. This slows the connection with the new characters.
Lessons learned
Kojima learned from the first game and moves things along much faster this time. He relies on players who have played the first game and know the world, while new or returning players can catch up through optional dialogue or files summarizing the first game. The first hours are free of long exposition, allowing you to continue Sam’s journey through the familiar gameplay loop.
This game is a matter of taste, of course. If you did not enjoy Death Stranding, there is no reason to play the second game. It is the same formula: make deliveries, walk to your destination, deal with obstacles like mountains and rivers, and if you misstep, Sam falls. Packages can fall, break, or be eaten by robotic dogs, and the mission fails. Players of the first game know what to expect, but progress feels faster here.
Early in the game, you already face combat, and after a few hours you have most equipment that took longer to acquire in the first game, like battery-powered vehicles or bridges to cross rivers. It resembles the gameplay loop of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, with many options for equipment creation and movement, and greater flexibility in combat and stealth. There is a bigger focus on action and fighting, welcomed by players who missed it in the first game.
The game also punishes players less, which I appreciate. Weapons are still separated into lethal and non-lethal, but mistakes are less penalized than before. Kojima understood what frustrated players in the first game and now focuses on letting players enjoy the experience.
Visual and audio delight
Side missions follow the same formula as main missions but reward new equipment or upgrades, making them worthwhile. The game map is stunning, full of variety, keeping the experience fresh even after many hours. You travel through deserts, forests, snowy mountains, and occasionally witness events like earthquakes, avalanches, or meteor showers. These events feel scripted but add excitement.
Not only the environments are high quality, but character models are detailed, telling a story through clothing or armor. Enemy designs are varied and visually interesting, far beyond generic bandits.
The soundtrack continues Kojima’s signature style, with songs enhancing the atmosphere and connecting directly to the story. Tracks include original music and licensed songs, contributing to the immersive experience.
The bottom line
Saying Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is just more of the same is easy, but it is true. Every element from the first game is improved, with a story that delves deeper into the strange and elevates the world to new heights. Fans of the first game will find much to love, and it may even attract those who were less engaged the first time. One of the most detailed and lovingly crafted games of the year, and one that will stay with me for a long time.