Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - A Deeper Look at Its Roots

Hello. I’m Simon, and I’m reviewing Death Stranding 2: On the Beach for IGN. The original Death Stranding sparked a wide range of reactions, so I’d like to share my perspective on the 2019 sci-fi epic to set the stage for my thoughts on its sequel.

I didn’t review the original Death Stranding for IGN – that was handled by the talented Tristan Ogilvie, and you can read his thoughts here. His 6.8 score wasn’t the harshest critique the game received, nor was it among the most glowing. Opinions varied widely, and I’m adding my own to the mix. Art is subjective, and while my take on Death Stranding aligns somewhat with Tristan’s, it diverges in key ways. This isn’t a re-review, so no new score here, but I’ll share what I loved and what fell short in the original.

The story was the heart of Death Stranding for me, its intricate sci-fi lexicon and compelling characters drawing me in. The more I invested in its world, the more it rewarded me. Though the early hours felt dense, by the final act, I was fully immersed. Sam’s bond with Lou and the dynamic between Cliff Unger and Die-Hardman hit me hard, with Tommie Earl Jenkins delivering a standout performance in Die-Hardman’s final scene. The entire cast shone, from Margaret Qualley’s dual roles to Lea Seydoux’s nuanced Fragile. I’m eager to see new characters like Elle Fanning’s mysterious Tomorrow join the fray, though I’ll admit I’m wary of her intentions.

The game’s epic scope, with its world-shattering stakes and towering creatures, pairs beautifully with intimate, human stories, much like Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival or Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. Death Stranding weaves awe-inspiring moments—whether facing massive threats or simply cresting a hill to Low Roar’s music—with grounded conversations that root its grandeur in universal themes of life, loss, hope, and grief. These resonated deeply, even amidst the game’s dense, alien terminology, across its roughly 40-hour narrative.

In terms of gameplay, recent previews suggest Death Stranding 2 leans into MGS-style tactical espionage action, which has me thrilled. While I loved the original’s story, its gameplay often felt like a grind. When I first played in 2019, I bounced off after a few hours, frustrated by the repetitive treks across rivers and mountains to deliver packages to unremarkable destinations, especially in the slog of the third chapter.

Revisiting the Director’s Cut a couple of years later changed my perspective. New combat depth, tools like the companion bot and catapult, and community-built structures via the Chiral network—like half-finished highways and ziplines—made the journey far more engaging. As my toolkit expanded, so did my enjoyment, from speeding across the map on a motorcycle to zipping around via ziplines. I’m hopeful Death Stranding 2 offers these streamlined options from the start.

Traversing Death Stranding’s world grew rewarding, but its combat never fully clicked for me. Hurling blood and urine grenades at a giant oily lion was amusing, but BT encounters often felt tedious, leading me to avoid them whenever possible. Rain became a groan-worthy signal of trouble, and human enemies in yellow hazmat suits meant slogging through stealth sections. I’m encouraged that Death Stranding 2 seems to embrace more dynamic action, expanding Sam’s arsenal for more engaging ways to tackle threats. I don’t need Sam to become a one-man army, but I’m excited for a bit more firepower over sneaking around.

In short, I was captivated by Death Stranding’s world and characters but found its moment-to-moment gameplay uneven. I liked it, didn’t love it. Still, I’m eager to dive into Death Stranding 2, which promises more intrigue and Kojima’s signature cinematic flair. I’m hoping its gameplay matches its storytelling ambition, making the stretches between cutscenes less of a chore. Stay tuned for my full review of Death Stranding 2 on June 23rd.