Death Stranding is still one of the strangest games I’ve ever played, and that says a lot considering the amount of bizarre games I’ve tackled. Developed by Kojima Productions and directed by Hideo Kojima, the original was best described as part UPS simulator and part Metal Gear Solid fever dream. Despite the weirdness, it did well enough to warrant a sequel—enter Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.

Is this sequel another win for Kojima or should Sam have just retired and become the father he was meant to be? Let’s find out in my review of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach for the PS5!

Gameplay

*Deep breath*—explaining Death Stranding 2 is no easy feat. Even though the core gameplay is relatively simple, describing it can get tricky. If you’ve played the first game, some of this will sound familiar. If not, brace yourself for a wild ride.

In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, you once again step into the boots of Sam Porter Bridges, the legendary porter who helped rebuild America through the Chiral Network. Now, after seemingly vanishing, Sam is pulled back into action by Fragile to help bring Mexico into the network—while leaving his daughter Lou in her care.

The gameplay remains true to the original: deliver packages across treacherous terrain while battling both the environment and supernatural threats. This time, however, the journey expands beyond North America to Australia, giving the game a welcome change of scenery. Whether trekking through mountains, navigating BT-infested zones, or crafting helpful tools, survival is key.

Thankfully, many mechanics have been streamlined. Crafting tools, managing cargo, and traversing terrain all feel smoother and less cumbersome. The online system returns too, letting players share structures like bridges and charging stations that truly help during rough treks. I loved how these shared elements built a real sense of community, even in this desolate world.

Combat also returns with improvements. Rogue porters, thieves, and towering BTs provide challenges, but here lies one of the game’s flaws: it’s often too easy. Sam’s unique repatriate ability means death isn’t permanent, and I rarely faced real consequences. Even major boss fights felt less punishing than they should have been.

Overall, the gameplay is tighter and more engaging than the original, but the abundance of menus and reduced challenge hold it back slightly.

Graphics

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is visually stunning. Running on the Decima engine, every environment—from rain-soaked valleys to futuristic cityscapes—looks breathtaking. On the PS5 Pro, the game reaches new heights of realism that sometimes made me stop just to soak in the view.

Character models, weather effects, and lighting are all top-tier, making this one of the best-looking games on the console.

Sound

I can’t say enough about the incredible soundtrack. From haunting orchestral scores to serene folk-inspired melodies, every piece of music is memorable. I’m genuinely considering buying the OST.

The voice acting is equally stellar. Norman Reedus, Lea Seydoux, Troy Baker, and even Guillermo del Toro return, each delivering powerful performances. Every conversation feels genuine, and the emotional weight of their performances kept me hooked throughout.

Story

The story in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach remains weird, complex, and oddly beautiful. Once again, Sam must traverse a broken world to reconnect humanity, but this time the game leans even harder into its surrealism—something I actually appreciated.

The sequel feels more self-aware and thematic, exploring ideas of death, acceptance, and perseverance. A helpful recap eases new players in, though the sheer volume of terminology and lore can still overwhelm. That said, I found myself wanting to understand the world more deeply, which speaks to how engaging the narrative is despite its eccentricities.

Conclusion

I’m happy to say that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a great sequel that showcases why Hideo Kojima remains one of gaming’s most creative minds. The gameplay has been refined, the visuals are breathtaking, and the story—while still weird—is emotionally resonant and more accessible than before.

Even if the first game wasn’t your favorite, I genuinely think Death Stranding 2 is worth trying. Kojima’s vision shines brighter than ever, and I honestly hope we get a third entry someday. For now, I’m still trekking through the world of Death Stranding 2—and loving every minute of it.

ーAaron