Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Review – Hideo Kojima’s Bold Masterpiece
June 24, 2025, 11:49 AM ET
In the realm of video gaming, few names provoke as much intrigue and debate as Hideo Kojima. With his latest offering, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, he pushes the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay in ways that are both absurdly enchanting and profoundly reflective. This sequel may be Kojima’s most self-indulgent project yet, but it simultaneously stands as his best work in over a decade.
A Journey Like No Other
At its core, Death Stranding 2 retains its predecessor’s essence as a delivery game. You step into the shoes of Sam Porter Bridges, a courageous figure navigating a devastated world. Faced with a post-apocalyptic landscape, Sam’s primary mission is to connect the last bastions of humanity scattered across an unforgiving terrain.
Vast and Diverse Landscapes
The game begins in Mexico, before unfolding across Australia—its environment, a testament to the catastrophic event known as the Death Stranding. The once-familiar highways are now relics of the past; instead of simply driving down Highway 1, players are tasked with rebuilding it.
Chiralium, a game-changing element introduced in this new reality, allows you to utilize chiral printing technology. Tackle obstacles like imposing rivers or time-afflicted challenges by constructing bridges or generating power sources on-the-fly.
Preparation: The Heart of the Game
In Death Stranding 2, preparation is your greatest ally. Sam has an array of tools at his disposal, but you must remain vigilant. For instance, Sandalweed leaves can patch up worn footwear, but carrying extra pairs is the wiser choice. Miscalculating can lead to abandoned cargo and missed deliveries—pushing players to strategize and adapt at every turn.
Community Connection
One of the most innovative aspects of Death Stranding 2 is its persistent online features. Every time you construct a ladder or bridge, these contributions are accessible to fellow players. After overcoming the lonely aspects of the initial game, the sense of community this fosters is remarkable. Players leave markers of their journeys, reminding you that you’re part of a supportive network rather than a solitary traveler.
Exploration and Distractions
The open world of DS2 is a sprawling canvas begging to be explored. No two journeys are alike; even with aids like bridges and zip lines, the terrain’s ruggedness forces players into diversions. Whether it’s rescuing lost packages or restoring a monorail, the freedom to orchestrate your own tasks is engaging and rewarding.
Kojima excels in crafting obsession-inducing gameplay mechanics reminiscent of his past works. The desire to prioritize, detour, and discover becomes almost irresistible. You find yourself strategizing how best to optimize routes and manage your deliveries—each decision adding layers to the narrative and personal gameplay.
Engaging Combat Mechanics
While DS2 has retained its delivery roots, it introduces significantly more combat scenarios than its predecessor. Armed camps are prevalent and force players into confrontations, testing their combat skills. The game invites you to approach these moments strategically, examining if stealth or an all-out assault would yield better outcomes.
A Visual Spectacle
Hideo Kojima has once again raised the bar for graphical fidelity. Death Stranding 2, building on the strengths of the PS5 Pro, is arguably one of the best-looking console games to date. Every scene brims with detail—from the intricate textures of clothing to the breathtaking vistas that stretch for miles, making exploration an auditory and visual treat.
Narrative Depth
What truly binds this experience together is its narrative complexity. Kojima’s storytelling prowess shines through, intertwining mixed metaphors and cultural references that challenge the player. The voice acting from a star-studded cast—including Léa Seydoux, Norman Reedus, and Elle Fanning—elevates these stories to cinematic levels, drawing players into a world where every moment feels urgent and necessary.
Revelations come swiftly, and the tonal shifts can leave you audibly gasping or laughing at unexpected moments. Each cutscene is a work of art, inviting players to absorb every detail instead of succumbing to distractions.
Conclusion: A Must-Play Experience
In summary, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is not just a game; it is an experience that redefines what it means to journey within a video game. For fans of the genre or newcomers curious about Kojima’s genius, this title is nothing short of essential.
With its breathtaking landscapes, compelling narrative, and intricate mechanics, Death Stranding 2 will leave players reflecting on the journey long after the screen turns black. If you’ve ever found intrigue in Kojima’s previous works, now is the time to dive into this pioneering masterpiece.
