Death Stranding 2: Early Reviews Hint at a More Universally Loved Sequel, But Will Kojima Embrace the Mainstream?

Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind the wildly divisive Death Stranding, claims early test reviews for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach are overwhelmingly positive. But is this a good thing for a creator who prides himself on pushing boundaries and defying expectations?

The original Death Stranding sparked intense debate, with critics and players sharply divided on its unique gameplay loop and unconventional narrative. Some hailed it as a masterpiece of world-building and atmosphere, while others found it tedious and bewildering. Now, with the sequel on the horizon, indications suggest Kojima Productions might be aiming for a broader appeal.

According to Kojima, internal playtests show a much higher approval rating for On the Beach. "In fact, I did a lot of monitoring tests for the original Death Stranding. I’d find that four out of ten people would love the game, but six would say it was a terrible game. For me, I think that’s a good balance. But with the playtests for Death Standing 2: On the Beach, everyone seems to be positive.” He revealed to Edge Magazine that Sony is pleased, but he himself is conflicted, wishing the sequel were "a bit more controversial."

This suggests a shift in direction, perhaps towards a more action-oriented experience. Indeed, first-hand impressions from recent previews support this theory.

A recent hands-on report detailed a faster-paced narrative, earlier access to equipment, and more diverse gameplay mechanics. The report emphasizes the enhanced visuals leveraging the PS5's capabilities, allowing for a striking depiction of nature from the rugged deserts of Mexico to the lush animal sanctuaries of Australia. One notable aspect is the increased freedom and strategic opportunities it gives the player.

The player is given a wide variety of equipment and structures early on, which gradually grow as the game progresses. There are also several new natural disasters that will affect player strategy. One example is that during an earthquake players may lose balance due to tremors and falling rocks. As such a good idea would be to reduce load if around the mountains.

There are also several new weapons to use, as well as a newly released type of BT called the watcher which detects and attacks Sam through sight.

The original Death Stranding asked players to reconnect a fractured America. In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Sam Bridges finds himself in Mexico and eventually tasked with traversing Australia to once again unite a fragmented society. He will also be taking on otherworldly enemies and obstacles to save humanity from extinction. This time around the gameplay is also enhanced and the cutscenes are shorter making time spent in the game itself much more plentiful.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will release for PlayStation 5 on June 26, with early access available on June 24. Will the sequel retain the soul of its predecessor while appealing to a wider audience, or will it sacrifice its unique identity in pursuit of mainstream success? Only time will tell.

What do you think? Are you excited for a potentially more accessible Death Stranding experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

• Death Stranding
• Kojima Productions
• PlayStation 5

Related issues news

Where is Death Stranding 2 set?

The combat was frequently likened to Kojima's previous work Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. The game was revealed to take place primarily in Mexico and Australia. On May 9th, 2025, it was announced the game has gone gold, signifying that development has completed.

How long will Death Stranding 2 be?

This means the game could last as much as 75 hours, nearly double the average playtime of the previous installment (40 hours). It's not too surprising when you consider that the first game was the debut project of a brand new studio.