Death Stranding 2 Might Deliver the Metal Gear Feel I’ve Been Waiting for All These Years

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Legendary game designer Hideo Kojima is gearing up to unveil what could potentially be his crowning achievement – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. This upcoming title serves as a testament to Kojima’s lifelong commitment to genre-bending, as it seamlessly integrates decades of innovation in gameplay mechanics and storytelling. From the sci-fi cop drama Policenauts, the interstellar mech-battler Zone of the Enders, to the unique sunlight-sensing mechanic of Boktai: The Sun is in Your Hand for Game Boy Advance, Kojima’s games consistently incorporate groundbreaking elements, be it narratively, mechanically, or both.

The Metal Gear series has been instrumental in establishing Hideo Kojima’s reputation. By pioneering and perhaps popularizing stealth-action gameplay, it stands out not just for its innovative game mechanics but also for delving into profound and philosophical themes. These themes often revolve around the ethical implications of war and the intricate nature of human morality, portrayed through a cast of emotionally nuanced characters.

In 2019, the game “Death Stranding” was released – marking Hideo Kojima’s initial project after his contentious departure from Konami and establishing his own production company. With grand narrative elements and unconventional gameplay that may have been polarizing, it significantly boosted Kojima’s reputation. If one were to compare “Death Stranding” to Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi horror film “Alien,” then the upcoming sequel “Death Stranding 2” would be akin to “Aliens” – a comparison made by Kojima himself in his recent interview with Edge magazine.

In that interview, Hideo suggests that the frightening aspects of the 1979 movie “Alien” come from its enigmatic nature. Later, James Cameron’s sequel revived the sense of unknown by shifting genres to action. As Kojima mentions, this approach served as inspiration for the path taken by “Death Stranding” and its sequel. However, unlike the original game where BTs were shrouded in mystery, they are now a known element in the series. To reintroduce an air of unfamiliarity, “Death Stranding 2” is broadening the variety of combat options for players, similar to how “Aliens” increased the range of targets for the aggressive Xenomorphs.

Titled “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach,” this sequel brings back main characters Sam Porter Bridges and Fragile, along with new additions like Rainy and Dollman, whose names are quite figurative. Similar to its predecessor, gameplay centers around forming connections rather than conflict and separation. In the story, Sam journeys across Mexico and Australia, linking dry continents to expand the Chiral Network. However, a concerning element emerging in the sequel’s promotion is the query of where we should have linked in the first place, suggesting a more somber tone and increased intrigue compared to the original. This could also imply advancements in the social strand system and potential improvements for multiplayer functionality.

A significant aspect: freedom. For Kojima, this sequel emphasizes freedom – the liberty to decide how to handle situations, the ability to innovatively apply the game’s mechanics to devise clever resolutions for challenges. As stated by Hiroaki Yoshiike, Lead Level Designer at Kojima Productions, Death Stranding 2 offers players a three-tiered approach: they can opt for head-on combat with guns blazing, use stealth and deception, or circumvent encounters altogether, usually necessitating a lengthy trek across rugged landscapes to discover new routes.

In Yoshiike’s explanation, all decisions made by players in Death Stranding 2 are valid, as enemies will adapt their behavior based on player choices and the environment where encounters take place. Essentially, opponents won’t always pursue you; they’ll respond to their surroundings just as much as you do. Yoshiike also pointed out that enemies in Death Stranding served to hinder the primary objective of transporting packages from one location to another. In Death Stranding 2, Kojima and his team are creating a more dynamic and spontaneous experience for enemy interactions, similar to the stealth sandbox found in Metal Gear Solid V. For those eagerly anticipating the remake of Metal Gear Solid 3, this news is terrific.

Similar to Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Death Stranding 2’s main character Sam may wear various types of camouflage, but unlike Naked Snake’s methods in the Cold War era, it seems unlikely that new camouflage outfits will be acquired by defeating bosses without using lethal force as a result of the fantastical nature of the battles showcased so far.

Sam can use his environment to conceal his approach, utilizing shadows, tall grass, and other cover. However, he should be careful to keep his loaded backpack hidden or ensure it’s not visible through the grass. Additionally, Dollman, a small companion character and new addition for the sequel, can aid during stealthy sections with abilities such as scanning surroundings, tagging enemies, and keeping watch over Sam in open areas. As for whether the assortment of tools and gadgets available in Death Stranding 2 matches that of Snake from Metal Gear remains to be seen, but both games do share many similar mechanics.

Exploration through Death Stranding 2’s expansive open world persists, leading character Sam on journeys to Mexico and Australia, where he encounters barren deserts carved by dust and verdant jungles. These settings are interspersed with enemy strongholds that Sam can sneak into or choose to clear using weapons from a diverse collection, designed to take down numerous guards.

In Death Stranding 2, you’ll continue exploring the wide-open world, visiting places like Mexico and Australia. These areas have dusty deserts and lush jungles, with enemy bases hidden here and there. You can either sneak into these bases or use weapons from a large collection to defeat multiple guards.

This version maintains the original’s essence but is more accessible for readers who may not be familiar with certain terms used in the first sentence.

In summary, Hiroaki Yoshiike asserts that any method for interacting with the game can lead to its completion. However, bypassing enemy camps could mean missing chances to experiment with weapon combinations, generate ideas, and stretch the game’s mechanics. Engaging enemies, on the other hand, provides Sam with the chance to use the novel weapons in Death Stranding 2, such as the electrified pole for surprise attacks or holographic grenades that mimic a BT, which should scare humans into fleeing like frightened rabbits.

In the preview video for pre-orders of “Death Stranding 2”, there are clear references to the style reminiscent of “Metal Gear”. Some might argue that Hideo Kojima is revisiting familiar territory, or even that he’s unable to move on from a past relationship. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this visual aesthetic is deeply ingrained in Kojima’s creative identity. It would be unfair to dispute otherwise. Moreover, with “Death Stranding 2”, Kojima appears to be free from the constraints of Konami, enabling him to fully realize his creative vision. Perhaps some of the concepts in “Death Stranding 2” are lingering ideas, or maybe, as suggested earlier, Kojima is still drawn to “Metal Gear” and intends to carry on its legacy according to his own plans.

Without a doubt, the character Neil introduced in this context is an extremely obvious reference to the Metal Gear series. This newcomer, who’s confirmed to take over from Cliff from Death Stranding 1, carries a heavy burden of love and past regrets that transform him into an antagonist reminiscent of BT. Remarkably, the actor portraying Neil, Luca Marinelli, bears a striking resemblance to Snake, and his appearance donning a bandana before commanding a quartet of eerie soldiers at the end of the 10-minute trailer strongly suggests he’ll play a role similar to Solid Snake.

Snake Eater. However, considering what has been revealed about Death Stranding 2, it’s possible that you might rate it higher once you’ve played both games.

Please keep in mind that all the facts presented in this piece originate from official disclosures. It’s important to note that the opinions shared here belong solely to the author and may not reflect the views of GamingBolt as a whole.

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2025-06-20 10:41