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Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Review- Emotional Cargo in a Broken World
Key Takeaways
Death Stranding 2 is one of the highly anticipated sequels that the gaming community has been waiting for a long time.
After the massive success of Death Stranding, the expectations were high about the sequel, and Death Stranding 2 seems to fulfill everything.
From narrative to soundtrack, Kojima has set everything perfectly to portray a destroyed world where human bonds are fragile.
After leaving Konami, when Hideo Kojima introduced Death Stranding in 2019, the game took the gaming community by storm. The two primary reasons behind this massive success were its slow-paced, delivery-focused gameplay and abstract narrative. Another thing that hit more than anything else was its message of connection in a distorted world.
The craze for the sequel was normal, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has successfully continued this legacy. This time, Kojima appeared with bolder ideas, more cinematic actions, and a gameplay that shows evolution while staying familiar to its roots. Set years after its predecessor, once again, the gameplay revolves around Sam Porter Bridges, who is on his mission to save the world.
How Does Kojima Improve on the Original?
After years of waiting, it’s time to roam around Hideo Kojima’s post-apocalyptic Mexico and Australia, where players won’t only roam around, but they also overcome emotions and build new connections. While the first entry was slow and meditative, the sequel improved the pacing without compromising its soul.
The gameplay of Death Stranding 2 clearly states that Kojima Productions has considered the player feedback and implemented it. Therefore, this highly anticipated sequel wastes no time in taking players to intense narrative sequences that hook rather than confound.
One of the most important aspects of any game is its visuals. On The Beach has nailed this section with stunning graphics. It’s one of the finest-looking games released on PS5 to date. From rain-soaked cliffs to ruined cities, the game portrayed everything in great detail.
Moreover, the game has used the full potential of the Decima Engine to bring the hauntingly quiet environments to life. Coming to the narrative, the game delves deep into the themes of isolation, responsibility, and fragile human bonds.
Once dived into the game, players will find the same cast. Again, Sam Porter Bridges is played by Norman Reedus. Aside from him, familiar faces like Léa Seydoux and Troy Baker will appear during the gameplay along with some new faces like Elle Fanning and Shioli Kutsuna.
Kojima is well-known for being cinematic. However, the story here is more emotional and less abstract. The best part is each and every character is well-designed to contribute to the recurrent theme of reconnection in a fragmented world.
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Does the Gameplay Finally Live Up to Its Promise?
Death Stranding was highly criticized for its ‘walking simulator’ nature. However, Kojima didn’t abandon this mechanic in the sequel. Instead, he used it more meaningfully to blend it with the storyline. In the sequel, traversal remains a core element. This time, Kojima Productions has refined it with terrain interactions, smarter AI for enemies, and additional tools like hover carts, cable rides, and modular shelters to make the in-game journey more adventurous.
Combat is another feature that was criticized in the 2019 game for being underdeveloped. On the Beach has improved on this aspect. Now, enemy battles require strategic thinking. Players can choose between stealth, gadgets, and aggressive strategies to face an enemy.
This sequel once again places a greater emphasis on community building. This is a signature feature in Kojima games. It allows players to collaborate asynchronously to construct infrastructure like roads, ziplines, and safehouses. This has returned to Death Stranding 2 in a more polished and satisfying way than ever.
Among all these, one of the most standout features includes environmental hazards. From dynamic weather systems to sandstorms, add unpredictability to the gameplay, which may overwhelm gamers if they aren’t prepared. The tension between progress and safety is well-balanced. Above everything, Death Stranding 2 is a game for those who like methodical, introspective, and sometimes self-indulgent gameplay.
A Journey Worth Taking Again?
The straight answer to this question is yes. Death Stranding 2 is one of those bold games that challenge its own formula while keeping the features intact that made the original game special. It has refined in-game traversal, brings an emotional storyline, and expands the game world with more compelling interactions. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach may not look appealing to everyone, but it will appeal to those who believe in Kojima’s vision. This game isn’t about delivering cargo; now it delivers meaning as well.
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FAQs
1. How Many Hours is Death Stranding 2?
Ans: Death Stranding 2 is around 40-50 hours of gameplay based on the difficulty level and the skill level of a player.
2. Is Death Stranding 2 Worth Playing?
Ans: Well, Death Stranding 2 isn’t a game that everyone enjoys. It’s an experience for hardcore Kojima fans.
3. Does Death Stranding 2 Requires Death Stranding 1 Knowledge?
Ans: No. One can easily play and enjoy the story of Death Stranding 2 even if they do not know the original title.
4. Was Death Stranding A Successful Game?
Ans: It was a massively successful game, which earned US$27 million on PC in only 5 months.
5. Who Was The Main Antagonist in Death Stranding?
Ans: Higgis, portrayed by Troy Baker, served as the primary antagonist in Hideo Kojima’s 2019 blockbuster game.
