Hideo Kojima Personally Cuts the Epic Final Trailer for Death Stranding 2, Revealing New Details and Star Ensemble

Death Stranding 2 Launches with a Personal Touch from Hideo Kojima

On June 26th, the highly anticipated release of Death Stranding 2 took place, positioning itself once again as a strong contender for “Game of the Year.” To celebrate this milestone, legendary game designer Hideo Kojima unveiled a comprehensive six-minute trailer, which he personally edited to ensure it captured the game’s essence without revealing major plot twists.

A Trailer Crafted to Tease, Not Spoil

Kojima emphasized that his goal with this trailer was to evoke the game’s atmosphere while avoiding spoilers. By focusing on mood and visuals rather than story revelations, he created a preview that fans can enjoy without fearing the spoiler alert. This approach allows players to get a taste of the game’s tone and artistic style, building anticipation for the full experience.

Introducing a Star-Studded Cast

In addition to showcasing the game’s environment, Kojima introduced players to an impressive ensemble cast. Alongside familiar faces from the original game, new cast members include actress Elle Fanning, actor Luca Marinelli, Siori Kutsuna, and George Miller—famous for directing the “Mad Max” series. This diverse lineup hints at the rich character interactions awaiting players in the sequel.

Critical Reception and Player Feedback

Currently, Death Stranding 2 holds an impressive score of 90 out of 100 on Metacritic, with critics labeling it an “essential game to play.” Reviews praise Kojima for once again delivering a profound, human story, while also improving gameplay mechanics established in the first installment. The technical execution has also garnered widespread acclaim, highlighting the game’s visual and sound design.

However, not all reviews are glowing. IGN France awarded the game only 60 points, noting that while visually stunning, the core gameplay remains largely unchanged from the original. If players were not fans of the courier mechanics before, they may find little new to enjoy here.

Storyline and Setting

Set 11 months after the events of the first game, Death Stranding 2 follows protagonist Sam Porter Bridges as he travels across different continents aboard the ship Magellan. His mission is to prevent humanity’s extinction—a threat that, although postponed, still looms large over the world. The game promises a mix of exploration, storytelling, and innovative gameplay designed to engage both new and returning players.

Pricing and Special Editions

The standard digital edition of Death Stranding 2 is priced at around $80. For collectors and dedicated fans, an extended edition is available for approximately $90, offering additional in-game content. The most exclusive collector’s package, costing $230, includes a handwritten letter from Hideo Kojima, collectible cards, and a 14-inch figurine of one of the game’s monsters.

Hideo Kojima’s Favorite Trailer

In a recent interview, Kojima revealed which of his created trailers holds a special place in his heart. Surprisingly, he expressed a strong fondness for the trailer he made for the Metal Gear series, showcasing his deep connection to his early work and the stories that shaped his career.

What’s Next for Fans

Fans are eagerly awaiting more updates, with recent news highlighting the game’s impressive launch engagement. Within just six days, the player community for Rematch reached three million, demonstrating the franchise’s growing popularity. Additionally, the gaming community continues to explore new mods, such as a recent modding kit for STALKER 2, which is four times larger than the game itself, promising exciting possibilities for customization and extended gameplay.

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.