Death Stranding 2: On the Beach — Kojima’s Surprising Sequel

When Hideo Kojima first dropped Death Stranding, it was as divisive as it was memorable-a post-apocalyptic “walking simulator” to some, a meditative odyssey to others. Now, with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach set for PS5, the legendary designer aims to unite both camps. We spent 30 hours with the first half of the game in an exclusive French preview, and it’s clear: This sequel is not just retracing old footsteps, but charting bold new paths.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – Kojima’s Evolution of the Strand Genre

• We played 30 hours of Death Stranding 2’s first half on PS5, experiencing major gameplay shifts.
• The game draws clear inspiration from Metal Gear Solid V in its structure and design philosophy.
• Kojima Productions is aiming to appeal to both fans and detractors of the original.
• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches June 18 on PlayStation 5.

If you loved-or loathed—the first Death Stranding, this sequel is determined to win you over. Kojima Productions has clearly internalized both the criticism and the cult praise, promising to “bridge the divide” that defined the original’s reception. Gone are the days of simply hauling cargo across bleak vistas; this time, the world is more interactive, and your role as Sam Porter Bridges feels even more consequential.

What immediately stands out is the shift in design direction. Drawing inspiration from Metal Gear Solid V, Death Stranding 2 amps up its open-world systems. Expect more freedom in how you approach objectives, with player agency and tactical improvisation brought to the forefront. Encounters are no longer just about traversing terrain—they’re about smart planning and adapting to unpredictable events, pushing the boundaries of the so-called “strand genre.”

Even with these enhancements, Kojima hasn’t abandoned his signature touch. The world remains serenely desolate—sometimes beautiful, sometimes oppressive. Traversal is still central, but the repetition that turned off some players in the original is now punctuated by dynamic obstacles, narrative surprises, and expanded social features. There’s an unmistakable sense that every journey matters, and every risk is meaningful.

But with innovation comes uncertainty. After 30 hours, the sheer ambition of the interconnected systems is impressive, but it raises questions. Will the second half of the story maintain this momentum, or will the gameplay loop fall back into the repetition some found tiresome before? Kojima’s penchant for audacious, sometimes polarizing storytelling also looms overhead—will it unify players, or spark new debates?

For now, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is shaping up to be one of 2024’s most intriguing releases—an evolution that’s both familiar and daringly new. If Kojima sticks the landing, this sequel could redefine not just its own universe, but the conversation around what makes a journey memorable in games.

TL;DR: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach offers a fresh take on the original’s divisive formula, blending open-world freedom and Metal Gear Solid V-inspired design. After 30 hours, it promises a more dynamic and accessible experience for both old fans and newcomers, launching June 18 exclusively on PS5.

Source: Kojima Productions via GamesPress