Death Stranding 2 Review: Norman Reedus Leads Incredible Sequel

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2019’s Death Stranding garnered unexpected acclaim, attracting over 20 million players globally. It was no shock that a Hideo Kojima (Metal Gear) production excelled critically, but its daring originality – with hours upon hours of cargo transportation to link a post-apocalyptic universe and a distinctly peculiar theme – even surpassed the norm for Kojima. The franchise is now set to return with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, offering additional depth to its innovative open-world gameplay and presenting a thoughtful new narrative that delves into themes of connection, loss, and other profound topics.

The game “On the Beach” (a likely reference to the 1959 apocalyptic film, not Neil Young’s album) continues a year after the initial storyline. Players take on the character of Sam Porter Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus, who is now caring for the lovable baby Lou and has journeyed south of the border. However, his peaceful life is disrupted when he’s given a new task: to establish a connection between Mexico and Australia on the Chiral Network, similar to how he connected America in the first game.

Kojima has consistently demonstrated his exceptional storytelling abilities, and Death Stranding 2 promises to be his most daring narrative yet. Cinema enthusiasts will recognize stars like Elle Fanning, George Miller (depicted visually), and Léa Seydoux reprising her role, all of whom are skillfully integrated into the game. Unlike its predecessor, which emphasized the significance of connectivity, this sequel delves into the ambiguous gray area, suggesting that it’s not always a positive concept. The first game foreshadowed many aspects of our current world, being released before the COVID pandemic, and these themes are thoughtfully addressed in this installment: Can we truly recover from such devastation? This game delves deep into concepts like loneliness, communication, and media, and while it could easily become overwhelming in less capable hands, Kojima’s unwavering earnestness effectively brings these complex ideas to life.

In terms of gameplay, Death Stranding 2 shares many similarities with its predecessor (though some control adjustments might take getting used to if you’re switching directly from the first game). The focus remains on managing equipment and supplies as you embark on lengthy journeys to transport goods through a world in recovery. Throughout your travels, you’ll need to adapt and make choices based on the ever-changing landscape and weather conditions, such as flooding or earthquakes. All in all, it effectively expands upon the original’s fundamental mechanics while improving most aspects, save for novelty.

The game boasts breathtaking beauty at certain moments, with an exceptional visual design that leaves you awestruck. As you journey through different landscapes – from deserts in Mexico (perilous due to sandstorms) to forests, mountains, and wastelands – the variety is striking. Atop a mountain peak, you might find yourself lost in the vast horizon, marveling at its splendor, for this game stands among the most visually stunning titles on the PlayStation 5 thus far. It’s not just visually appealing but thematically profound as well.

Death Stranding 2 Review: Final Verdict

Death Stranding 2: On the Shore continues the impressive work of one gaming’s brilliant visionaries. The entire team at Kojima Productions has crafted an incredible project that expands upon the foundations of the original in creative manners. Don’t miss out on this adventure if you own a PS5; it promises to be a memorable experience you won’t want to miss.

SCORE: 9.5/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 9.5 means “Excellent.” Such entertainment stands out as the best in its category, setting the bar high for all creators to strive towards, embodying the ultimate standard of excellence.

Note: For our Death Stranding 2 review, we received a complimentary PlayStation 5 version (version 1.003.000).

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2025-06-23 15:11