Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

This is, not joking, one of the best gaming experiences I've had in the last 5 years, like the first game, the beginning had my attention engaged here and there with the story being intriguing and confusing, while being fully enthralled with the gameplay. Then you get like 4 hours in and can't stop playing, and the story goes from the most unhinged thing you can imagine to the most soul crushing moments that tear your heart out. The gameplay is even better than the last and with the added music player this easily makes the game one of my favorites of all time purely for being able to take in the scenery with amazing music. The game is truly a masterpiece worth playing as well as the first death stranding. Mr. Kojima I tip my hat to you sir, this game made me feel so much.

The best way I can describe this game is that it feels like an homage to every single genre of video game, combined into one giant experience, while also using the technology and the lore of the world to make everything fit in a story. It's pretty genius. This is what games should be. Just pure unhinged entertainment that's fun for the sake of being fun. Is it weird? Yes. Is it silly? Absolutely. But it's made by someone who doesn't care about the rules of what a video game is supposed to be and is making a game I think that it should be... fun. It's like if somebody had a fever dream of the most badass video game of all time, but couldn't remember the dream... Death Stranding 2 is that dream.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is one of the greatest games to come out this generation (so far). Its gameplay, story, and systems being its biggest strengths. There is so much going on in this game, yet it eases you into all the different gameplay mechanics in a way that makes the learning curve accessible to all. The graphics, voice acting, motion capture, and storytelling are all next level, as well. The dynamic weather system and natural disasters make the world feel like a real, living, place where anything is possible, and you never know what to expect.

There are a variety of enemies which you can combat in several different ways. You can use weapons (including long range, close range, melee, lethal, and non-lethal weapons), hand to hand combat, stealth, or avoid enemies altogether, if you so choose. There are also some very unique, epic, and heart pounding boss fights, with some of the most imaginative bosses I've seen since Elden Ring.

The systems in this game are deep, incredibly well implemented, fun, and addictive. They include crafting, upgrading, and even building various things but I won't get into the sheer depth of it all, in order to avoid spoiling things. There are even a handful of different types of vehicles you can use to your advantage. All having their own set of strengths and weaknesses, making experimenting with them a lot of fun.

This game is very well paced and always keeps you engaged. Hideo Kojima went to great lengths to improve all aspects of this game, over the first one, and he absolutely knocked it out of the park. There are a long list of innovations in this entry, and they are all implemented in ways that feel well thought out, well executed, and well balanced. While the first game was really good, this one is downright incredible.

One of this game's best aspects is its level of immersion. It is very atmospheric and its story is deep and moving. The characters in this game being incredible to the point that you genuinely care about them and what they're going through. They feel like real people in a way that you rarely get to see in video games. Very deep, complex, well acted, and all feeling unique to each other.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is one of the greatest games to come out this generation (so far). Its gameplay, story, and systems being its biggest strengths. There is so much going on in this game, yet it eases you into all the different gameplay mechanics in a way that makes the learning curve accessible to all. The graphics, voice acting, motion capture, and storytelling are all next level, as well. The dynamic weather system and natural disasters make the world feel like a real, living, place where anything is possible, and you never know what to expect.

Overall, this game is an absolute masterpiece. It is, without a doubt, the best game to come out this year (so far) and a favorite for game of the year 2025.

Many things can be said about this game. Everything though, pales in comparison with the plot, and the ending especially. Many dozens of hours of two consecutive games, culminate in the most glorious, heartfelt and tear-jerking way imaginable. I have seen so many films, watched so many series, read so many books... And I could not see it coming. In one of the most creative universes and lore ever conceived, with exceptionally dark and sad themes, the plot of this game went above and beyond. It pushed past the tremendous achievements of the first game, and completed the journey in a manner so exceptional that I am nearly at loss for words of how magnificent it is. Though throughout he game, the epic and outlandish story elements shine, in the end, it is the very human touch that prevails. What this game managed to do in its last 15 minutes, I will carry with me for many years to come. 10/10.

What an unbelievable masterpiece by Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach delivers on all levels. This is easily one of the best games I have ever played and probably contender for one of the best games ever created. Are you meant to know exactly what's going on? No. It's confusing, surreal, mesmerising and so damn outrageously beautiful that it doesn't even matter.

For anyone contemplating DS2 contemplate no more. Everything has improved since DS1. The combat is more fluid, Reedus continues his masterful performance as Sam Bridges and the graphics are truly spectacular.

What an incredible game.