Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – 15 Incredible Examples of Attention to Detail

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Six years following the initial release, players can now enjoy Kojima Productions’ “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” on their PS5 systems. This highly anticipated sequel has already received numerous praises from critics, placing it among the top-rated games of the year, a significant achievement given the fierce competition. The game offers an array of delightful aspects, such as its engaging combat and exploration, captivating storyline, and well-developed characters. Moreover, the sequel boasts numerous quality-of-life enhancements and improvements over the original. As with any Hideo Kojima production, there’s plenty to discover in terms of hidden details.

Some subtleties aren’t immediately noticeable, even after playing for several hours. However, there are also delightful small aspects, both visually and in the gameplay. Let me share with you 15 remarkable instances of careful craftsmanship found in Death Stranding 2.

Insane Load Times

When you exit and re-enter the game, you might have noticed an unusual lack of load times – if not, it’s worth a try next time! From the Main Menu, simply choose ‘Load Game’, select your saved file, and voila! It appears instantly. The lightning-fast loading speed is remarkable, even outshining games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Ghost of Tsushima. It’s hard to believe, but it’s a truly satisfying experience.

Camera Collision

As you move through your surroundings, you might have observed certain bushes and shrubs seemingly moving even when Sam is not very near. This happens because the camera collides with these objects, creating the illusion of movement. In a way reminiscent of Super Mario 64, where Lakitu was always filming from above, this camera technique adds a unique touch to the scene.

Character Models

In our side-by-side review, it was evident that Death Stranding 2’s character models underwent a significant enhancement compared to the original Death Stranding. This upgrade was particularly noticeable during the initial hour as you navigated the mountain range and returned to Sam’s hideout. However, it became even more apparent when Sam discarded all his porter equipment. The higher polygon count, improved skin tones, advanced eye rendering, and intricate facial animations and expressions – everything seemed incredibly cutting-edge, and this was particularly notable when contrasted with the first game. To put it plainly, Death Stranding 2 showcases the true potential of the PS5 as an exclusive title.

Hair Animations

In addition, you’ll find enhanced hair animations. While they were quite impressive in the original ‘Death Stranding’, the sequel takes it a step further with greater detail. You’ll notice that Sam’s hair moves realistically with wind gusts, enhancing the immersive experience and making those sandstorms feel even more authentic.

Topography Details

Absolutely, it’s impossible to overlook the stunning beauty of our planet and its diverse environments. This time around, Kojima Productions seems to have really focused on elevation, with Australia’s mountains serving as a pinnacle (no pun intended) in terms of exploration and detail for the franchise. The varied ridges and slopes were remarkably lifelike. As you traverse the world, you’ll find yourself immersed in dense forests and vast grasslands that teem with life in their unique ways, making this an ideal destination for avid video game photographers.

Dustborn

Although the characters seem authentic, they become truly lifelike during their encounters with weather or when traversing through a sandstorm. This scenario will leave Sam’s face, goggles, belongings, clothing, and even his beard caked in dust. Remnants of this dust can also be spotted on nearby vehicles and structures. Poor Odradek doesn’t escape unscathed either.

Realistic Sand Washing

As I splash my way through rivers and other water bodies, it’s like nature’s own spa day for me. What truly amps up the fun is that only the submerged parts get cleaned. If my head stays above water, the dirt clings on, creating a funny juxtaposition with the rest of me, all drenched and shiny clean!

Sunburns

A fascinating aspect to note is that prolonged sun exposure can lead to Sam developing sunburns, which are more pronounced on his face, specifically the forehead and cheeks. It’s not a new concept in realistic game settings; for instance, it was depicted in the game Death Stranding 1, where characters could suffer from frostbite.

Particle Effects Bonanza

In a setting reminiscent of Mexico’s Day of the Dead festival, we’ve witnessed a fierce battle involving Neil and his companions, taking place in an otherworldly landscape. The visual effects, particularly the particles, are nothing short of astonishing. Moreover, you might not have noticed this detail in earlier footage, but these particles not only descend upon Neil and his group, they also shimmer in nearby puddles as they traverse the streets. It’s remarkable that such an effect was achieved without ray tracing technology, given all the factors involved.

Dollman’s Rage

One way to gather information in a realistic manner is for Sam to use Dollman by throwing it and noting the positions of enemies, followed by a tactical recovery and capture. However, if he’s carelessly dropped onto the ground too many times, this method will no longer be accessible as Dollman will be annoyed with you (and may even plead not to be thrown again).

Birthday Surprise

In the spirit of Hideo Kojima’s previous works, birthday themes persist in Death Stranding 2. The DHV Magellan crew will ambush you with poppers and a cake, albeit one swiftly spoiled by Charlie. Even more unexpected is Higgs’ appearance bearing a pizza, which seems to be met without much surprise. Despite being presented as one of many dreams, Sam can still consume that solitary slice of pizza. Another charming touch is the in-game characters wishing you a happy birthday during calls. Cheers to Kojima!

Dreaming of Lou

Sam experiences quite unusual dreams during sleep, some of which can be peculiar (keep an eye out for the Elder figure), but also heartwarming. When Sam dozes off, Lou appears, flitting about with tiny wings, suggesting that he’s thinking about and longing for her. Another sweet detail is added when he murmurs about being home alone. However, be cautious to ensure there are no impending dust storms or threats lurking nearby.

Woe, Pizza Upon Ye

Pizza isn’t merely a fascination for Higgs; instead, you can acquire it as a weapon within the game. During battles, it functions as an item that can be hurled to knock down opponents. It resembles raw dough without any toppings, but the sight of Sam spinning it before throwing it is amusing (and surprisingly useful if you’re aiming for stealth).

Dollman’s Dance

If you’re among those who might have forgotten the spectacular spectacle at Tokyo Game Show 2024, let me remind you that Dollman possesses some quite impressive dance moves. By donning Daichi Miura’s Horizon Dreamer and interacting with him, the camera will pan to an empty desk, and magically, five Dollmans will bust a move, dismantling it. Eventually, Miura himself emerges to join in on the fun. The performance, enriched by the participation of professional dancers like Shingo Okamoto, only amplifies its charm (and absurdity).

Tying Packages

The Strand tool serves multiple purposes: it can help fend off opponents or defend against their attacks, but it’s also useful for securing your cargo. By doing so, your items won’t scatter when you accidentally fall, making them easier to gather afterwards. To use the Strand, simply remove your cargo, attach it, and then press R2 to secure it. This feature is particularly beneficial for porters who frequently experience falls or mishaps.

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2025-06-30 15:41