Death Stranding 2 review: Hideo Kojima’s vision executed without compromise

From the very start of Death Stranding 2, it’s clear that you’re in for a unique experience. The follow-up to Kojima’s 2019 game offers an immersive visual and auditory showcase across its more than 50 hours of storyline and an endgame that invites endless replayability.

The captivating storyline features an outstanding ensemble whose performances could be their best yet, leaving you guessing what’s coming next at every twist and turn. Ranging from grandiose visuals to intimate scenes between dialogue exchanges, the pacing is spot-on and significantly elevates this sequel above its predecessor.

The exciting plot with a top-notch cast giving what could be their best performances ever keeps you guessing what’s next. Whether it’s big action scenes or quiet moments, the pace is just right and makes this sequel much better than the first one.

Despite facing challenging circumstances during its creation, it’s impressive that the game was completed. Fortunately, Kojima persisted instead of abandoning the project.

Death Stranding 2 screenshots

1 of 8

What is Death Stranding 2 about?

After the conclusion of Death Stranding, Sam Porter and Lou ventured into the sunset, successfully rescuing the Bridge Baby from its fate. They’ve managed to find a sense of tranquility in their simple lifestyle, but the world remains chaotic due to the Death Stranding incident. However, this peace is fleeting – there’s an exciting storyline ahead for us to explore!

In the same vein as the initial match, your role will be that of a seasoned courier, tasked with restoring communication between different parts of Australia. This involves traversing the vast landscape on foot and various modes of transport, while carrying a mix of essential supplies, ultimately delivering them to those who require them most.

If you’re considering diving into Death Stranding 2, it’s essential to note that this sequel builds upon the narrative established in its predecessor. It’s a game where prior knowledge significantly enhances your experience. While there’s a recap in the main menu, key storylines and character appearances might seem puzzling if you’re new to the universe. Even the mastermind behind it, Kojima, includes some intricate references and nods to the original game that only dedicated fans with over 100 hours of playtime would recognize.

Sublime storytelling

In simple terms, Death Stranding 2’s presentation is top-notch, boasting visuals that rank among the best I’ve ever encountered. I completed the game using a standard PlayStation 5 console. Kojima Productions stands shoulder to shoulder with Naughty Dog, demonstrating the peak of what video games can achieve in terms of graphics, audio, and overall experience.

The highly intricate motion-capture technique adds depth to the compelling acting, which I found impressive. In the initial game, Norman Reedus was good, but his portrayal seemed a touch generic. Interestingly, Reedus himself has admitted that he wasn’t entirely clear about the plot of the first game.

His control over the storyline is evident everywhere, yet it seems particularly strong here. He pours every ounce of effort into each scene, whether they evoke sadness or joy, skillfully expressing a wide range of emotions.

The way he handles the plot is clear all throughout, but it’s especially impressive in this part. His dedication shines through in both somber and uplifting moments, showcasing an incredible ability to convey various feelings.

In this production, Troy Baker reprises his chilling role as the monstrous Higgs, delivering what appears to be his finest performance thus far. On the other hand, we have Neil, brilliantly portrayed by French actor Luca Marinelli. His debut is truly captivating.

This masterpiece truly showcases the meticulous craftsmanship involved. The script, acting, visual effects, lighting, character design, and set details are all handled with an exceptional attention to detail. It’s a game that draws you in completely, making it hard to tell reality from fiction.

Improved gameplay

After completing the story on the challenging difficulty level, it’s evident that the gameplay has been refined to minimize instances where things feel annoying or unjust. You are equipped with all the necessary tools. If mistakes occur, they’re typically your own doing. Unlike the initial game, you often found yourself battling against technical glitches alongside other challenges.

Regardless of how great Death Stranding 2 might be, it won’t win over those who weren’t fond of the original game. That’s because, at its core, the game remains essentially the same. Most of your playtime is dedicated to traversing the terrain, punctuated by occasional dialogues, gathering items for delivery, or engaging in battles against BTs (the spirits of the dead), robots, or other players.

In comparison to before, the use of firearms has significantly evolved in this game. Previously, handling automatic weapons seemed somewhat delicate, as if they were only to be used as a last resort or under duress in specific areas with Cliff. Sam was unfamiliar with using a machine gun at that time. However, now, these weapons are much more manageable and there’s an expanded selection of firearms available – from shotguns and grenade launchers to snipers, handguns, assault rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, and many more, which I won’t reveal to avoid spoilers.

The thrill of stealth is even greater when executed successfully, but achieving this isn’t always straightforward. Before approaching an adversary’s base, it’s crucial to gather intelligence first. It’s not just about counting the targets, but also understanding their layout and arrangement. Adopting a tactful approach and selecting appropriate gear can allow you to eliminate over a dozen foes undetected.

In the original game, the BT (Bridge Troll) encounters were a major source of aggravation. However, they were given more distance in the sequel. Although their eerie presence remains unsettling, avoiding them has become much simpler.

This version aims to convey the same information with a natural and easy-to-understand language style.

In case you end up in combat, expect an exciting mix of distinct enemy types known as BTs. These range from large to small, and each demands specific strategies and often unique equipment. There’s no universal solution here; using the wrong gear for a BT fight high above when you’re equipped for a close-range stealth mission could lead to some serious trouble.

As a dedicated gamer, I must admit that one aspect that hasn’t evolved as much as I’d like is the end-of-mission music. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the effort put into choosing these tracks, but the repetitive use of the effect Kojima is aiming for leaves me yearning for a bit more variety.

In Death Stranding, there was an extraordinary sense of accomplishment whenever you conquered difficult challenges, caught sight of a sanctuary in the distance, and then Low Roar’s poignant music filled your earphones.

In the sequel, they’re still part of the ensemble, joined by around a dozen more artists. However, when almost every critical mission concludes with a new tune, it misses an opportunity to create something truly unique.

In the endgame

As a dedicated Death Stranding player, the true excitement kicks off when I reach the game’s climax. The challenge lies in strategically planning the most efficient routes between facilities, ensuring that my deliveries arrive undamaged and on schedule.

Your aim is to achieve the S-Tier ranking among Legends in multiple deliveries. Before embarking on your journey, it’s crucial to survey the area, identify potential dangers, plan zipline routes, and familiarize yourself with the best route from one point to another for a smooth navigation process.

Here’s just as much fun as before, if not more, with an array of fresh features and updated versions of tools from the original game, it offers endless entertainment.

After 100 hours, I’ve barely reached the midpoint in mastering each delivery perfectly. Even with the social reputation system, it would take playing Death Stranding 2 exclusively for a full year to uncover all its content.

Verdict

Death Stranding 2 is exceptional, standing out as one of Hideo Kojima’s finest creations. Its appeal isn’t confined to its compelling storyline; it’s the virtually endless array of gameplay possibilities that truly sets it apart.

Although this could potentially be the last installment in the series under Kojima’s leadership, let’s cross our fingers that another creator carries on the tradition, expanding upon one of gaming’s most distinctive journeys. After all, what brought us together was more than just a game, right?

2025-06-23 15:19