Death Stranding 2 Review: More Metal Gear Solid, Still Wonderfully Weird
▼ Summary
– Death Stranding 2 reviews praise Kojima’s ability to deliver a maximalist, thought-provoking experience blending spirituality, connection, and logistics.
– Critics highlight the game’s expanded mechanics and arsenal, with some noting its resemblance to Metal Gear Solid in combat and open-world design.
– The sequel improves on performances and storytelling, with Norman Reedus delivering a more emotionally nuanced portrayal of Sam.
– While gameplay is refined, some reviewers feel the story lacks surprise and the fetch-quest core can still feel frustrating at times.
– Death Stranding 2 balances absurdity and depth, offering a mix of societal reflection and streamlined gameplay, though some argue it loses a bit of the original’s unique slow-paced vibe.
Death Stranding 2 has arrived, and early reviews confirm it’s every bit as ambitious and bizarre as fans hoped. Hideo Kojima’s latest delivers a sprawling mix of sci-fi storytelling, stealth-action gameplay, and philosophical musings, all wrapped in a package that somehow feels both familiar and utterly unpredictable. While the sequel builds on its predecessor’s foundation, critics note it leans harder into Metal Gear Solid influences while retaining that signature Kojima strangeness.
Critics praise the expanded gameplay systems, calling Death Stranding 2 a deeper, more refined experience. GamesRadar highlights how Sam’s expanded arsenal, including suppressed rifles and tactical gadgets, transforms enemy encounters, evoking Metal Gear Solid V’s open-ended stealth approach. IGN applauds the sequel’s “playfulness,” noting how it improves upon the original’s mechanics while doubling down on its thematic weight. The story digs deeper into themes of human connection, with Norman Reedus delivering a more emotionally charged performance as Sam Bridges.
Not everyone is fully convinced, though. Game Informer acknowledges the gameplay upgrades but finds the narrative occasionally cold, with lengthy exposition dumps that don’t always land. Digital Trends captures the divisive nature of Kojima’s vision, describing it as “gonzo storytelling that’s happy to sit on the fence between brilliant and moronic.” Meanwhile, Eurogamer points out that while Death Stranding 2 smoothes out some of the first game’s rough edges, it loses a bit of its meditative, non-violent charm in the process.
Despite differing opinions on its storytelling, one thing is clear: Death Stranding 2 refuses to play it safe. Whether it’s the absurd imagery (platypus semen, anyone?) or its willingness to tackle heavy themes, Kojima’s latest is anything but conventional. For fans of the original, it’s a triumphant evolution. For newcomers, it might still be an acquired taste, but one that’s now more accessible than ever.
With its mix of deep mechanics, surreal storytelling, and that unmistakable Kojima flair, Death Stranding 2 proves that big-budget games can still take risks, and that’s something worth celebrating.
(Source: PC Gamer)
