Life’s a Beach
Death Stranding was one of the most unique big-budget gaming projects of the last generation. Following Hideo Kojima’s unceremonious exit from Konami, PlayStation courted him with a blank-check project. It’s hard to imagine how it could have even been pitched in the first place. A post-apocalyptic postman simulator with horror stealth sections starring a cast of Hollywood talent and the most baby-based game mechanics since Yoshi’s Island, there was nothing else like it. Though not as instantly popular as his Metal Gear games, the social assistant elements gave the game a dedicated fanbase, which perfectly fed in with its story of uniting a divided nation, especially for pandemic players. Now that the sequel is finally ready to land, how does Death Stranding 2: On The Beach build upon the foundations of the original?
Returning players will be delighted to see that the core elements they loved from the original have all been massively improved. The user interface is clearer and snappier, with so many quality of life adjustments to make Sam’s new journey much smoother. Not that it’s less challenging – new, smarter enemies, including much more dangerous B.T. opponents, will make great use of your new arsenal and gadgets. Previously, the B.T. sections were stealth-based, in part thanks to the clunky combat system, which made fighting a slog. Now, as long as you bring the right weapon, these encounters are terrific fun, the new combat is more in line with modern third-person shooters.
Walk This Way
Movement options are similarly smoothed out, vehicles being introduced far earlier and handling with greater ease. Gradually re-unlocking buildable structures while also discovering new ones is as satisfying as ever, and being able to assist players with specific item requests will add a sense of pride to your kind donations. New environmental hazards such as flash flooding and sandstorms are visually stunning, now no journey will necessarily be as easy as you may think.
The new bizarre character, Dollman, can also assist you here. By flinging him into the sky, he acts as a reconnaissance drone, helping survey terrains and threats alike. This journey begins in Mexico and introduces brand-new continents to Sam’s quest to unite the world. The range of these biomes makes for excellent new terrain to test movement gadgets and wear out your boots. Forget just paving roads – Kojima has been sold on Monorails! Maybe he’s been hoodwinked by The Simpsons, but these are a joy to create and ride.
Like the first game, there’s something truly magical in those moments during a hike where the camera pulls back and an obscure licensed song plays. The visuals are truly remarkable, showcasing the new hardware’s increased capabilities over the last-gen instalment. The environments are awe-inspiring, each new area introduced as an incredible challenge to overcome. That these run without a hitch is a real high-tech masterclass. While the digitally scanned celebrities are impressively done, they do run the risk of edging into the one territory even Sam couldn’t overcome- the Uncanny Valley. Excellent caricatures, but less believable as characters in the world. Seeing who pops up makes for an exciting meta celeb-hunt.
Beach Boys
Speaking of characters, the new ones of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach are a delight. While the original took a while to build up a posse of digital celebrities, they now come thick and fast. Heartman, Deadman and… Die-Hardman all took their time to become distinct and endearing in the original thanks to the cold, stoic tone of the first game. Like all great sequels, now that the world has been established, you can really cut loose and have some fun. Fragile is back with extra hands! Legendary director George Miller is the captain of a tar-based airship! A talking mannequin who acts like Charlie in Charlie’s Angels is named… Charlie! Dollman! This time, Sam’s gang is introduced much faster and is less separated, functioning as one postal company. Kojima Studios accomplishes some amazing cutscene work for these character backstories, now you can see the director’s Hollywood obsession really paying off. The wacky charm of Metal Gear’s colourful cast is back!
While the story for Death Stranding 2: On The Beach won’t be detailed here, this is a far more instantly emotional journey with higher, personal stakes. Thankfully, cutscenes are now a much more manageable length. Hell, pausing one now gives you an indicator of how much is left! It gets going much more efficiently and hits with a wallop to provide ample ambling motivation. Not to say it’s free from genuine silliness – the rain summoning girl named Rain says it all really. However, the silliness is so sincere, there’s not a trace of snark to betray the vision here. It’s amazing for a gaming story this unhinged to be successfully executed on such a large budget. Though it arguably falls into the “gruff dad, little kid” category that PlayStation adores, it follows expectations.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach – A Whale of a Time
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an outstanding sequel, a generational leap that improves upon its predecessor in every aspect. It may do nothing for players who hated the original. Walking about isn’t for everyone after all! For the converted, the expanded scope and overall perfection of a very specific formula is immensely gratifying. It’s been a slow console generation, but it now feels like a true blockbuster has landed. Accept the order, put on your hiking boots and head to your nearest game shop as quickly as possible. Unless you’re buying digitally, then feel free to chuck this analogy into your nearest tar pit.
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