Death Stranding 2 Even Roger Ebert Would Cry at This Game!

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a Touching Story About Love and Loss

Back in 2019, video game auteur Hideo Kojima and his studio, Kojima Productions, unleashed "Death Stranding," a title that polarized players and critics alike. Some hailed its innovative sci-fi universe, while others dismissed its gameplay as a glorified "delivery simulator." Love it or hate it, "Death Stranding" was undeniably unique, showcasing Kojima's audacity to challenge players with its laborious mechanics.

Now, we have "Death Stranding 2: On the Beach," and it appears to be cut from the same cloth. The sequel expands upon the post-apocalyptic setting, offering a touching narrative centered around protagonist Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) as he grapples with themes of love and loss. Furthermore, it introduces gameplay enhancements designed to make cargo transportation a smoother experience than its predecessor.

To fully appreciate the game, it's essential to revisit the lore:

• The Death Stranding Event: A cataclysmic event blurred the lines between the living and the dead, triggering devastating explosions that ravaged the environment and shattered modern society.
• Isolated Existence: Survivors now reside in isolated underground bunkers, minimizing human contact to avoid the dangers of the outside world.
• The Chiral Network: "Death Stranding 2" unfolds 11 months after Sam successfully connected North America to the Chiral Network – a vital system linking bunkers, facilitating data transfer, and fostering reconnection among its inhabitants.

This time, Sam journeys to Australia, undertaking a similar mission to integrate the country into the global Chiral Network. However, the stakes are even higher, as Sam must prevent another extinction event. While the core plot mirrors the first game, "Death Stranding 2" delves deeper into the origins of Lou, Sam's adopted baby. This exploration adds a profoundly personal dimension to Sam's journey, shedding light on Lou's mysterious past and her bond with Sam.

The gameplay remains centered around delivering cargo across a vast open world fraught with natural obstacles. Here's what you can expect:

• Strategic Cargo Management: Sam's carrying capacity is limited, requiring players to carefully balance weight and dimensions. Optimizing space becomes a puzzle in itself.
• Terrain Awareness: Navigating treacherous terrain demands caution to prevent slips, falls, and potential cargo damage.
• Suit and Boot Selection: Choosing the right attire, from camouflage suits to specialized boots that protect against foot injuries, is crucial for survival.

The satisfaction of completing a challenging delivery, especially after traversing mountainous landscapes, is immensely rewarding. Each delivery feels unique, maintaining a sense of novelty despite the repetitive nature of the core task.

Building structures, such as roads and ziplines, significantly enhances the delivery experience. Establishing a vast network connecting different cities is incredibly fulfilling, allowing Sam to traverse previously arduous terrain with ease. "Death Stranding 2" introduces new structures, including an instantaneous transporter for fast travel (though your cargo remains behind, maintaining the need for manual deliveries). These subtle additions provide a welcome sense of evolution to the gameplay.

"Death Stranding 2" ups the ante with more action-packed and cinematic sequences. Sam now wields an array of weapons to fend off hostile cargo thieves and BTs (Beached Things) – shadowy supernatural entities. BT encounters demand stealth, as contact can result in cargo damage within pools of tar. These combat scenarios offer moments of adrenaline and tension, breaking up the monotony of delivery tasks.

However, the shooting controls feel somewhat clunky. Equipping weapons can be cumbersome, and aiming down sights can be unresponsive at times. Unfortunately, these issues, present in the first game, persist in the sequel. On a brighter note, the game leverages the DualSense controller's haptic feedback to great effect. Players can feel the subtle taps of Timefall (rain that rapidly ages anything it touches) through the controller's speakers and sense the rocky terrain as Sam trudges onward. This immersive feedback enhances the atmosphere of the post-apocalyptic world, strengthening the connection to its sci-fi elements.

In conclusion, "Death Stranding 2: On the Beach" offers more of the same – a divisive experience that will likely resonate with fans of the original while potentially alienating newcomers. While the storytelling and atmosphere remain unparalleled, and improvements address some gameplay frustrations, the combat can still feel stale. It's a game that demands patience and investment to reap its rewards. However, those who approach it with an open mind will discover one of the most unique and thought-provoking sci-fi universes ever conceived.

Note: A review copy of "Death Stranding 2: On the Beach" was provided by the publisher. It is exclusively available for the PS5.

Tags: Death Stranding, Hideo Kojima, Kojima Productions, Death Stranding 2, Norman Reedus, video game, sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, Sam Porter Bridges, gaming, PlayStation 5, open world, action game

Source: https://www.rogerebert.com/video-games/death-stranding-2-on-the-beach-video-game-review