Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Graphical Analysis – A New Dawn for Decima

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In an unexpected and innovative fashion, Kojima Productions might outdo itself with the sequel to Death Stranding titled “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach“. It boasts elements that Hideo Kojima’s fans would relish – Luca Marinelli resembling Solid Snake and the DHV Magellan merging with a colossal B.T. to create a character reminiscent of Metal Gear, named Magellan Man. What stands out most, however, is its confirmed release date – June 26th for PS5, with pre-orders beginning on March 17th.

Bypassing any similarities to the “Metal Gear” series, the recently released 10-minute trailer is filled with peculiar events. It skillfully blends hints of spoilers with a mysterious absence of background information. The trailer showcases more of Fragile’s attempt to flee with Lou, however, it doesn’t reveal what ultimately became of Lou or how Sam will eventually reconnect with her.

At some point, Tarman seems to lack a hand, causing questions about whether he’s more Tar or more Man. The next day appears to interact strangely with Higgs in an unexplained way, possibly suggesting her DOOMS state. A mannequin named Charlie comes to life, and there’s also the enigmatic Red Samurai (whose identity is unknown). Doctor seems to be the only character who regularly appears, but upon closer inspection, she has two right hands.

Without a doubt, not a fraction of its visual appeal was covered by my previous statement. Death Stranding, launched in 2019 for the PS4, was exceptionally beautiful, and it’s remarkable how much better it looks now, thanks to the Decima Engine’s scalability on the PS5 and PC. However, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach takes visual fidelity to a whole new level.

Despite the project being ongoing, with potential major adjustments in performance and resolution (particularly as graphic details are yet to be disclosed), the trailer offers a stunning collection of visually appealing moments and scenes. The lighting and shadows from the opening sequence appear spectacular, and ambient occlusion is evident throughout the preview.

Stepping beyond UCA’s boundaries, the follow-up showcases a wider array of captivating landscapes. In one scene, Sam strolls along the edge of a serene lake as the sun dips, casting dancing reflections on its surface through the gentle ebb and flow of waves. The water’s behavior in another sequence is particularly noteworthy, where a muddy river merges with a cleaner body of water, creating an authentic blending effect. During confrontations with B.T.’s, the varying viscosity of tar adds intensity to certain scenes, offering a satisfying contrast.

As I step out of the DHV Magellan at approximately two minutes and 38 seconds, I’m greeted by a lush landscape dotted with various types of vegetation – from the tall grasses to vibrant weeds and patches of verdant greenery. The foliage seems to part slightly as I walk through it, creating a subtle yet immersive effect. Even though my body often phases right through a significant amount of it, the delicate movement of the leaves adds life to what would otherwise be a solitary environment. And let me tell you, the gentle rustle of grass swaying in the wind is quite soothing.

In addition, there’s a forest setting that provides an abundance of diverse vegetation through its towering trees and shedding foliage. The ambiance is equally captivating, featuring authentic visuals such as the aurora borealis, unlike the chiralium-inundated versions seen in the initial game. Another intriguing aspect is the depiction of fire, which not only generates lifelike embers but also subtly alters the environment. You’ll notice a tree ablaze, gradually deteriorating and eventually collapsing.

As a captivated spectator, I can’t help but marvel at the stunning display of particle effects that unfold as the dust storm approaches. The gradual transformation is breathtaking, and before I know it, I’m almost getting hit by a barrage of shards and dust particles. Even the lightning striking the car seems sharp and intense, causing sparks to fly in a fleeting yet brilliant flash. It’s an exhilarating sight that truly highlights the raw power and beauty of nature.

In this scene, there are a few inconsistencies in the visuals that need addressing prior to launch. For example, while the vehicles appear dusty, their textures seem somewhat blurry when viewed up close. Additionally, Sam’s reflection is not visible on the car windows, which could be due to camera angle, window dust, or both. Furthermore, you might notice some per-object motion blur during fast-moving vehicle scenes.

In a different phrasing: While Death Stranding 2 appears to deliver stunning reflections as demonstrated in the reflection scene of Neil’s face on the glass, it is unclear if these effects will be as pronounced during gameplay. Additionally, neither Kojima Productions nor Sony has confirmed whether ray tracing technology is being used. The trailer does not clearly show any instances of ray tracing, particularly with regards to ambient occlusion and reflections.

Although the trailer appears very polished, it doesn’t necessarily mean that ray tracing is already integrated into the game as it’s still under development. It could possibly be a separate graphical mode that will be unveiled later on. Since modern titles like Horizon Forbidden West don’t showcase ray-traced reflections, whether or not this feature will be included in the final version is yet to be determined.

Despite anything else, the stunning visual realism and increased scope are truly awe-inspiring. Among all scenes, the one that stands out most to me is where two colossal B.T.s engage in combat while Sam fires at one from the ground. The muzzle flashes stand out strikingly against the darker setting, and the punch impacts, particularly an uppercut, produce a splash of liquids. There’s also the scene on the highway around the 4 minutes and 55 seconds mark, where Sam shoots an adversary on his reverse trike. This scene serves as a remarkable demonstration of ambient occlusion, shadows, and atmospheric effects like rain.

It’s no wonder that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach looks as impressive as it does, given how meticulously crafted its prequel was. The level of detail in every scene is truly a sight to behold, particularly in the character cutscenes. The cinematography is commendable, but even small details like bruises and sweat are rendered so convincingly that it feels almost real. This extends to the facial expressions and character movements as well.

The sequel to “Death Stranding,” tentatively titled so, is not due for a few more months yet, with minor details possibly undergoing modifications (even enhancements). However, regarding the grand artistic vision and visual quality that Kojima Productions aims to achieve, it seems poised to rival the most visually stunning games of this generation, potentially even establishing new standards in aesthetics. Only time will reveal the specific technical requirements for all this splendor. We eagerly anticipate the final results.

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2025-03-13 16:10