The excitement around the new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has been palpable, especially with the reveal of its release date, collector's edition, box art, and more. Amidst the buzz, eagle-eyed fans have spotted a delightful nod to director Hideo Kojima's previous work, Metal Gear Solid 2.
The box art for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features Sam "Porter" Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, cradling the infant "Lou," a familiar sight for fans of the original game. This image has sparked discussions on platforms like Reddit, where user ReverseTheFlash highlighted a striking resemblance to a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase. The latter showcases Japanese singer Gackt in a similar pose, holding a child. While not an exact replica, the parallels are evident and offer a fun Easter egg for fans.
The connection to Metal Gear Solid 2 goes deeper. During the game's promotional campaign, Gackt was prominently featured in various advertisements, including special slip-covers in certain regions. This has led to a collection of intriguing MGS memorabilia over the years. Kojima himself explained Gackt's involvement in 2013, tying it to the game's themes: "'MGS1' was about DNA & 'MGS2' MEME. DNA consists 'AGTC', adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT.'"
With the new trailer for Death Stranding 2 echoing some of the vibes from Metal Gear, it's no wonder fans are drawing connections. These similarities might simply reflect recurring themes in Kojima's work, yet they provide an enjoyable opportunity for fans to speculate and reminisce about past promotional materials, especially those featuring Gackt.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5, promising more intriguing connections and innovative gameplay for fans to explore.
