The latest trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach unveiled over the weekend not only showcased a release date, collector's edition, and box art but also sparked a wave of excitement among fans. Amidst the fervor, a keen-eyed fan discovered a delightful nod to director Hideo Kojima's earlier 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 child "Lou," a character familiar to players of the first game. Reddit user ReverseTheFlash highlighted this connection with the post "He did it again," juxtaposing the box art with a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase that showcases a similar motif.
He did it again
byu/ReverseTheFlash inDeathStranding
The Metal Gear Solid 2 promotional material features Japanese singer Gackt in a pose strikingly reminiscent of the Death Stranding 2 cover, although not an exact match. This parallel serves as a fun Easter egg for fans and a nod to a curious slice of Metal Gear Solid history.
Leading up to its release, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty featured Gackt prominently in its promotional campaign, including special slip-covers in certain regions. These have become intriguing relics over the years, sparking curiosity and confusion among fans.
For those curious about Gackt's involvement, Hideo Kojima provided clarity in 2013. He explained that Gackt was chosen for Metal Gear Solid 2's TV commercials because "'MGS1' was about DNA & 'MGS2' MEME. DNA consists of 'AGTC', adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT.'"
Given the strong Metal Gear vibes in Death Stranding 2's new trailer, it's no wonder fans are making these connections. While I believe any similarities are more about recurring themes in Kojima's work than direct references, it's always enjoyable to speculate and reminisce, especially over a promotional cover featuring Gackt.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.
