Is Death Stranding 2 good? A gameplay review of Death Stranding 2: The Shore Beyond

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (Death Stranding 2) as another masterpiece by Hideo Kojima following the previous work, many friends want to know if Death Stranding 2 is fun. This work can be said to continue its unique artistic style and philosophical narrative, while significantly upgrading in gameplay, technology, and narrative depth. The following is a comprehensive analysis from multiple aspects to help friends judge whether it is fun.

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I. Gameplay Innovation and Immersion

Dynamic Environment and Survival Challenges

The game stage has expanded to Mexico this time, with some real-time terrain changes such as floods, landslides, and forest fires. Players need to adjust their strategies dynamically according to the environment. For example, floods will change the path of the terrain, fires may lead to shortages of supplies, and the day-night cycle affects the frequency of supernatural entities (BT). This design greatly enhances strategy and immersion.

Non-combat Completion Options

New accessibility features allow players to skip boss battles through a visual novel-like format, preserving the story experience. This design not only lowers the threshold for action games but also meets the needs of narrative-first players.

Revolutionary Design of Photo Mode

Different from traditional photo modes, players need to take polaroid photos of characters (such as "Tomorrow," "Fragile") in dynamic scenes, where the characters will change poses in real-time. This mode may even affect the story's ending, with Hideo Kojima warning, "Better take good photos," hinting at its narrative relevance.

II. Narrative and Thematic Depth

Continuation of Philosophical Core

The subtitle "On the Beach" is taken from the apocalyptic novel by Nevil Shute (Nobel Prize winner in Literature), continuing to explore the contradictions of human civilization, loneliness, and connection. The line "We should not have connected" in the trailer suggests a reflection and subversion of the themes of the previous work.

Character Development and Cast

New characters like Elle Fanning's "Tomorrow" are introduced, along with the star-studded cast from the previous work (such as Norman Reedus as Sam). Character backgrounds are more complex; for example, "Tomorrow" is set as a mysterious being emerging from a cocoon, and her interactions with Higgs may reveal more secrets about the world.

Meta-Narrative and Real-World Connection

Hideo Kojima revealed in an interview that part of the game's inspiration comes from his lonely experiences after leaving Konami, emphasizing that "connection" is not just a game mechanic but also a carrier of emotional resonance.

III. Technology and Artistic Expression

Pursuit of Visual and Audio Excellence

The moon scene, created in collaboration with NASA, is rich in detail and a highlight of the trailer; dynamic lighting and weather systems further enhance the apocalyptic atmosphere. The soundtrack continues the collaboration with the Icelandic band Low Roar, creating an ethereal and lonely auditory experience.

Breakthrough in Cinematic Storytelling

The editing is inspired by musical rhythms, using an "intuitive and logical fusion" of audio-visual language to transform everyday actions like flying and commuting into part of the narrative rhythm. For example, the synchronized design of vehicle movement and camera transitions in the trailer has been called by players "blurring the lines between games and movies."

IV. Polarized Player Experiences

Controversial Core Gameplay

The previous work received polarized reviews due to the "delivery simulator" label. The sequel, while adding more combat and exploration elements (such as stealth, diverse vehicles), still revolves around "connection." Mechanisms like road construction and cable car building require players to invest time in planning, which may bore some players who prefer fast-paced gameplay.

Upgrade in Mature Content

The Korean 19+ rating discloses that the game includes more direct violence, vulgar language, and depictions of addictive behaviors (such as smoking and alcoholism), reinforcing the cruelty of post-apocalyptic survival, but may also limit some audiences.

Community Interaction and Loneliness

Continuing the asynchronous online mechanism from the previous work (such as ladder and signpost likes), players feel the presence of others during their lonely journey. This "Chain of Pain" spirit is likened to the community culture of Dark Souls, attracting hardcore players but not necessarily suitable for the general public.

V. Market Positioning and Competitiveness

Strategic Significance of Summer Release

Avoiding the competition of end-of-year AAA titles, the release date is set for June 26, 2025, taking advantage of the relatively idle summer market to attract core players and leave room for long-term word-of-mouth development.

Comparison with Domestic Games

Kojima Productions competes with industrial production through personal artistic expression, contrasting with domestic works like Black Myth: Wukong. The latter, while catching up technologically, is still in the early stages of brand appeal and narrative depth.

Based on the above analysis, it is speculated that this work is suitable for the following players to try: "Kojima scholars" who enjoy philosophical narratives and art film-like experiences; those who enjoy slow-paced strategy and community interaction; and hardcore players pursuing audio-visual immersion and technological innovation. Conversely, users who prefer fast-paced combat and clear goal-oriented gameplay; those sensitive to mature content; and players expecting traditional open-world or linear narratives may need to be cautious.

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In summary, Death Stranding 2 continues Hideo Kojima's pursuit of "games as art," with both innovation and controversy. If you are willing to embark on a non-traditional, solitary journey, it may bring an unprecedented experience; if you seek a sense of satisfaction or clear narrative, then choose carefully.