Years after its release, Death Stranding continues to ignite passionate discussions in the gaming community. Since Hideo Kojima launched the game back in 2019, players have shared an array of opinions—some rave about its innovative mechanics, while others criticize its pacing. Personally, when I first encountered the game, I was unaware of its creator’s legacy; Norman Reedus caught my attention due to my love for The Walking Dead. Avoiding the launch was a blessing, as my younger self would likely have struggled with the patience needed to embrace Kojima’s original vision.
Now, with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach on the horizon, I couldn’t hold off diving into the world of delivery missions any longer. After investing countless hours in the original, I finally completed the Director’s Cut, and it quickly became a favorite of mine. Thanks to Sony, I received an early copy of the sequel, so after exploring new regions and forging connections with the UCA for over 60 hours, here’s my spoiler-free review of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.
An Unforgettable Continuation of Sam’s Journey
For those unfamiliar, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach continues Sam’s saga, set eleven months after the original game. After successfully connecting America and establishing the UCA, Sam retreats to Mexico where he lives under the radar with his BB, Lou. His isolation is disrupted when Fragile, an old friend, seeks his help to unify Mexico and Australia through the UCA.
The sequel’s narrative captivates, offering a substantial follow-up that expands on the complexities of the original universe. It opens with significant events and sets the stage for Sam’s next chapter. While some might find echoes of the first game, On the Beach provides a more cohesive story with improved pacing—making the walking aspects both purposeful and rewarding.
Death Stranding 2 remains powerfully emotional, ambiguous, wacky, and mysterious.
The storytelling builds steadily, avoiding convoluted narratives and refusing to bore players with excessive exposition. While some surprises might be predictable early on, the twists in the latter half will challenge even the most astute observer.
Memorable Characters Brought to Life by a Stellar Cast
The original Death Stranding featured an impressive cast, and the sequel only builds on that. Returning favorites such as Léa Seydoux (Fragile), Guillermo Del Toro (Deadman), and Nicolas Winding Refn (Heartman) resume their roles, while new characters like George Miller (Tarman) and Elle Fanning (Tomorrow) introduce fresh narratives that seamlessly weave into the overall theme of connection.
Even familiar foes like Higgs, portrayed by Troy Baker, return with more depth, challenging Sam in captivating ways. New characters such as Neil and Lucy also offer their unique perspectives, enriching the vibrant tapestry of the game’s world.
Thanks to advancements in facial recognition and motion capture, characters come alive in a manner that enhances the storytelling experience. This immersive detail is matched by stellar voice performances that evoke genuine emotion throughout the game.
Awe-Inspiring Next-Gen Visuals
There’s no denying that the visuals of Death Stranding set unprecedented standards for the PS4, and the sequel elevates this experience further. From the stunning opening sequence to traversing diverse terrains in Mexico and Australia, every detail is breathtaking. The world you explore is both vast and visually striking, characterized by intricate biomes and haunting landscapes.
The game utilizes the powerful Decima Engine, pushing visual fidelity to new heights, and delivering an otherworldly experience. Characters appear hyper-realistic, and environments are crafted with meticulous care, immersing players in a stunning world.
Death Stranding 2 Gameplay: The Ka and the Ha
At its core, Death Stranding 2 stays true to delivering cargo and connecting regions, but it introduces exciting enhancements that expand player freedom. Major gameplay elements have been revamped, making mission completion feel more rewarding and accessible.
Traversal: The Easiest It’s Ever Been
Please note that much of your time in Death Stranding 2 will involve traversing its expansive world. Walking mechanics have been fine-tuned, featuring new equipment such as skeletons, ladders, and climbing aids to assist you along the way. As you progress, you’ll unlock various vehicles that make ease of travel a priority.
A standout addition is the new monorail system, simplifying the transportation of goods. Vehicles have improved handling, ensuring you won’t find yourself stuck or immobilized often. Upgraded ziplines further enhance navigation, allowing for swift movement across challenging landscapes.
New Day/Night Cycle and Dynamic Weather Add More Realism
Death Stranding 2 introduces a realistic day and night cycle along with a dynamic weather system, elevating the immersion for cargo deliveries. You can plan your trips around the clock; daylight is ideal for visibility, while nighttime allows for stealthy approaches to missions.
Dynamic weather impacts gameplay too. Natural disasters like flash floods, earthquakes, and sandstorms demand players remain vigilant and adapt their strategies on the fly. I vividly recall a sandstorm that made a mission challenging and thrilling—truly testing my skills as I navigated treacherous terrain.
Delivery Cargos 2.0: Improved Mission and Level Design
The sequel unveils a vast open world, divided into sprawling regions, exploring the complexities of connecting shattered societies. As Sam, you’re responsible for delivering essential cargo to preppers while forging meaningful connections.
Progression unlocks new paths, encouraging exploration and strategic planning with an upgraded map system. Main missions evolve beyond standard deliveries to include tasks like clearing out enemy camps or rescuing lost individuals.
The gameplay loop of DS2 continues to be one of the most rewarding experiences.
As you advance, your connection with NPCs improves, unlocking better gear and customization options. The sense of accomplishment in making deliveries and helping fellow porters reinforces the satisfaction integral to the gameplay.
Combat Upgraded to Deliver Non-Stop Action
Combat was a sticking point in the original, and the team took feedback seriously. In Death Stranding 2, weapons and gear options have multiplied, offering various approaches to challenges.
From ranged to close-combat options, players can tailor their gameplay experience significantly. New gadgets—ranging from stealth grenades to comforting allies—allow for diverse strategies that enhance engagement.
Kojima and his team heard the feedback loud and clear and brought in tons of weapons and equipment.
Combat improvements added substantial depth, embracing tactics while enhancing accessibility. You’ll also find a refined training room where you can polish your skills and experiment with new gear.
Social Strand Enhanced to Bring More Porters Together
The asynchronistic multiplayer element, termed Social Strand, remains central to gameplay. This innovative approach allows players to connect and assist one another throughout their journeys, emphasizing community in a desolate world.
With a refined system, you can now share structures, gather resources, and view interactions with fellow players, enhancing the spirit of collaboration. Seeing how your efforts benefit others fosters a sense of accomplishment and belonging.
The new Social Strand Service resembles a social media platform, allowing NPCs to share updates and news, keeping players engaged with the evolving world.
Difficulty: A Steady Challenge to Keep You Invested
Having completed the game at the second-highest difficulty level, I can confirm that the traversal improvements made gameplay smoother without compromising the challenge. The variety of human factions and enemy types adds layers of difficulty, ensuring that battles remain captivating.
Boss fights are thrilling in their intensity, particularly against BTs and mech soldiers. However, feedback suggests a deeper mix of mechs could elevate these encounters, offering an even greater challenge.
New Character Progression and Skill Tree
The addition of a skill tree enhances character progression significantly. As you complete deliveries, your rating with preppers increases, allowing for strategic growth in combat, stealth, and other areas. This flexibility encourages players to develop their preferred styles throughout the captivating journey.
The revamped UI and equipment menus enhance accessibility, making the overall experience much smoother compared to its predecessor—a significant improvement that keeps players engaged.
Atmospheric Soundtrack Uplifting Your Journeys
In my opinion, the music in Death Stranding 2 is not merely an element; it enriches the entire experience. Collaborations with renowned artists like Woodkid and Ludvig Forssell craft a soundtrack that resonates deeply during Sam’s journeys.
The soundtrack enhances gameplay, and the inclusion of procedural music—where the score adapts based on your actions—brings a unique flavor that is best experienced firsthand. A music player system also allows you to revisit your favorite tracks whenever you wish.
The simple act of delivering cargo feels less like a chore with Death Stranding 2’s impeccable musical score.
Whether it’s the thrill of a boss battle or the calm of quiet exploration, the score elevates your experience, reinforcing the emotional depth throughout.
Death Stranding 2 Performance on PS5
On performance, Death Stranding 2 runs seamlessly on the PS5 thanks to the Decima engine. You can choose between fidelity mode for stunning visuals or performance mode for smoother gameplay. During my playthrough, performance mode provided a delightful balance, with graphics remaining sharp.
While minor visual anomalies may occur (light flickering or texture blurs), these are likely to be polished before the final release. Overall, the gameplay experience is robust and rewarding.
Verdict: Is It Worth Buying Death Stranding On the Beach?
The original Death Stranding was a bold, experimental title, and while it garnered mixed reactions, it undeniably struck a chord with a dedicated audience. Many players found its pacing and unique concepts engaging, and I am proud to count myself among them.
The sequel shifts to a more grounded approach, blending expectations with Kojima’s trademark creativity. Death Stranding: On the Beach is an exceptional follow-up, refining gameplay and expanding on its engaging story, encouraging new players to embark on this unique journey.
Every aspect—from refined combat and traversal to emotional storytelling—makes this experience more accessible and enjoyable. With its masterful exploration of connection and human emotion, you owe it to yourself to join Sam on this heartfelt adventure.
This journey isn’t merely about delivering cargo; it’s about connectedness. Overall, Death Stranding 2 is a worthy addition to any gamer’s library. If you have yet to dive into this world, now is the perfect time to explore what makes it truly special. Discover more at Moyens I/O.