Hideo Kojima says Death Stranding 2 is more of a return to Metal Gear Solid V than even he expected it to be

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The eagerly awaited Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is nearly upon us, delivering another captivating cinematic journey from Hideo Kojima on PlayStation 5. Set six years after the first game’s release, this sequel transports players to Australia for a unique narrative and markedly distinct gameplay.

In a conversation with EDGE Magazine as reported by GamesRadar, Kojima has shared that the game is shaping up to be more of a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain than initially anticipated. This video game creator expressed his surprise in the likenesses between the two games, stating “During testing, I found myself feeling the same way as well.

Death Stranding 2 is closer to Metal Gear Solid V

In contrast to the previous Death Stranding game, the upcoming sequel is shifting towards an action-stealth style, reminiscent of how Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty was more action-oriented than its precursor. Just as Kojima sought to advance the delivery genre with a more cinematic approach in MGS2, he aims to do the same for Death Stranding by introducing a more blockbuster feel.

The director mentioned that since there aren’t many games centered around delivery, initially we needed to familiarize people with this concept. For the next installment, our goal is to offer a more open environment for those who prefer combat to engage in battles more freely.

From a fan’s perspective, when considering the similarities between Metal Gear Solid (MGS) and Death Stranding 2, the sequel introduces a variety of VR tasks for players that bear striking resemblances to the director’s past VR missions within MGS. Moreover, the Magellan’s base in Death Stranding 2 has been significantly expanded, making it reminiscent of returning to base in The Phantom Pain.

In explaining his design, the renowned game creator mentioned that getting back to your sleeping quarters on the Magellan is reminiscent of going back to the plant in Metal Gear Solid V.

In my gaming world, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach feels like a unique creature, yet it seems that Hideo Kojima is eagerly adding a taste of his Metal Gear Solid past to this sequel. As we prepare for another immersive journey with Physint, it looks like the follow-up will strike a balance between the familiar and the new – a blend of the stealth genre and the open-world exploration that made the original so captivating.

In addition to Physint, Kojima is also developing the experimental horror game OD together with Jordan Peele, who is famously known for directing the film “Nope”. The cast includes Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and Udo Kier. Details about the upcoming video game are scarce, but it promises an engaging experience where players will interact with characters immersed in a strange, sterile, and frequently malfunctioning world.

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2025-05-19 12:40