Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – An Unforgettable Sequel

A Surreal Yet Masterful Creation

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach delivers a wildly imaginative experience that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling and gameplay. From bizarre imagery like a giant, oily skull to talking crash test dummies and puppets soaking in hot springs, the game’s visuals are as strange as they are mesmerizing. Norman Reedus’ character, Sam Porter Bridges, makes his return, navigating a world filled with surreal and often grotesque sights. Far from mere eccentricity, these elements exemplify Hideo Kojima’s fearless approach to game design—celebrating creativity and challenging players’ perceptions of reality.

While the game is undeniably eccentric, it’s crucial to recognize the brilliance behind its weirdness. Kojima crafts an intricate universe where sci-fi storytelling intertwines with stealth-action mechanics, creating a compelling blend that elevates the original game’s experimental roots. Visually stunning, emotionally nuanced, and packed with thrilling gameplay moments, Death Stranding 2 is everything I hoped for—and more. It’s a true testament to what a visionary developer can achieve when daring to think outside the box.

Refined Gameplay and Focused Storytelling

The original Death Stranding was alluring but uneven, a puzzle waiting to be fully solved. On the Beach addresses this by delivering a more confident, polished experience that streamlines systems and enhances storytelling. The game now features a more focused narrative that expands the mythos of its post-apocalyptic world, making it more emotionally impactful. If you weren’t a fan of the first installment, it’s unlikely to suddenly convert you; however, those on the fence may find themselves captivated this time around.

Expect familiar gameplay rhythms: as Sam, you deliver cargo across treacherous landscapes, facing threats both human and supernatural. Preparation is key—study your map, pack the right gear, and adapt to obstacles like deep rivers, sandstorms, or earth-shaking quakes. The roughly 35-hour main story offers a satisfying loop of planning, overcoming challenges, and reaching your destination, with each mission feeling meaningful and rewarding.

Exploring a Dynamic Australian Wilderness

The game begins with a tutorial in Mexico before shifting focus to Australia, where Sam’s mission is to connect the continent to the Chiral Network—an interconnected system designed to rebuild civilization. Unlike previous journeys, Australia’s terrain is highly variable, shifting in appearance and challenge. Sandstorms reduce visibility, earth tremors destabilize your footing, and rising rivers complicate navigation, creating a constant battle against nature. The Earth itself seems to resist humanity’s digital ambitions, emphasizing the game’s theme of ecological conflict and technological hubris.

Throughout this journey, the influence of cinematic classics is unmistakable. The stark landscapes evoke imagery from “Interstellar,” while the tense atmosphere calls to mind “Sorcerer.” Kojima’s dedication to cinematic storytelling shines through, blending visual artistry with gameplay to craft a truly immersive experience. Action sequences are inspired by films like “The Road Warrior,” with George Miller’s influence evident in the gritty, survivalist tone and high-octane encounters.

Innovative Stealth and Combat Mechanics

Layers of Stealth and Strategy

What begins as simple stealth—crouching and silent takedowns—quickly unfolds into a multifaceted approach. The introduction of tools like a tranquilizer sniper rifle adds depth and satisfaction to combat encounters. While it may not reach the creative heights of titles like “Metal Gear Solid V,” Death Stranding 2 offers a much more flexible and engaging combat system than its predecessor. You’ll need to adapt your tactics, as confrontation is unavoidable, and enemies are becoming more sophisticated.

Deploying your drone companion, Dollman, to scout enemy positions adds a playful dynamic, making stealth feel more strategic and less frustrating. As enemies evolve, so do your options—knowing which foes are armored or vulnerable, selecting appropriate ammunition, and leveraging environmental advantages become essential. Whether you’re picking off enemies from afar or engaging in chaotic firefights, the game balances tension and fun beautifully.

Playfulness and Power Fantasy

The combat system introduces a sense of joy and experimentation absent in the first game. Perfectly executed stealth attacks are rewarding, yet the thrill of chaos—scrambling to reload or switching weapons mid-fight—keeps gameplay lively. Vehicles like off-roaders and offbeat gadgets such as coffin hoverboards and mechanical dogs with homing missiles further enhance this playful combat experience. The AI may occasionally disappoint, but the overall feeling of control and creativity makes encounters exciting.

On the normal difficulty setting, enemies rarely pose a true challenge, allowing you to feel increasingly powerful. The game encourages a fluid playstyle, where boss fights—such as battling a giant tentacle mech—are spectacular spectacles that can sometimes be skipped, though I’d recommend experiencing them to appreciate their visual grandeur. These moments exemplify Kojima’s mastery of blending cinematic spectacle with gameplay.

Rich Character Interactions and Emotional Depth

Neil, voiced by Luca Marinelli, is a standout character who adds tension and gravitas to the story’s action scenes. The game’s cinematography shines in beautifully crafted shootouts amidst fiery landscapes, where slowing down time enhances the sense of style. The cast, including Norman Reedus as Sam and Lea Seydoux as Fragile, delivers nuanced performances that breathe life into their complex personalities. Cutting-edge motion capture technology ensures that every facial twitch and subtle gesture adds emotional depth, making the characters feel real and relatable.

Hideo Kojima’s signature storytelling shines through in the cast’s interactions, with Troy Baker’s return as Higgs providing a sinister operatic presence. The game’s diverse arsenal, including inventive gadgets like blood boomerangs, complements the narrative’s escalating tension. As the story progresses, the emotional weight of the characters’ journeys becomes increasingly palpable, culminating in a climax that is both shocking and profound.

An Ambitious and Thought-Provoking Narrative

Set 11 months after the original, On the Beach explores themes of connection, memory, and the scars of the past. Sam’s attempt at a quiet life with baby Lou is disrupted, plunging him into a series of unpredictable twists. The narrative is dense with symbolism—tar, blood, oil—and tackles multifaceted issues such as the impact of technology on human intimacy and societal obsession with weaponry. Kojima’s commentary on modern life remains painfully relevant, examining how digital existence can erode our humanity and how art and individual expression resist artificial intelligence’s encroachment.

The story also reflects on geopolitical issues, echoing Kojima’s longstanding critique of militarism and weapon culture. The game’s introspective moments delve into personal loss and the importance of confronting one’s past. The recurring motif of connection links the game’s various themes—whether connecting people, places, or memories—forming a tapestry that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.

The Artistic and Technical Triumph

Visually, the game transports players to a surreal Australia, where alien moons and Martian landscapes evoke a sense of otherworldliness. Driving across this landscape offers moments of tranquility and reflection, emphasizing the journey’s meditative quality. The soundtrack complements this atmosphere perfectly—haunting vocals, poignant instrumentals, and evocative songs deepen the emotional impact.

Behind the scenes, Kojima Productions, along with Guerrilla Games and the Decima Engine, has achieved a technical marvel. The game runs smoothly on the PlayStation 5 Pro, showcasing stunning art direction, immersive sound design, and fluid performance. This technical excellence ensures that every visual and auditory detail enhances the narrative experience, making Death Stranding 2 not just a game but a work of art.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.