Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Hideo Kojima has done it again. Death Stranding 2 is not just a sequel-it's a statement. A bold, introspective, and often hauntingly beautiful continuation of his vision. Kojima doesn't make games in the traditional sense; he crafts experiences that challenge the player emotionally, thematically, and philosophically. The love fans have for him stems from this very courage-to tell stories no one else dares, to push mechanics to their conceptual edge, and to trust that audiences will follow him into the unknown. DS2 expands on everything that made the original iconic: surreal landscapes, poignant solitude, and deeply human connections in an inhuman world. It's slow, strange, and utterly mesmerizing. Loving this game-and Kojima-is about embracing the weird, the profound, and the visionary in equal measure.

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.

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.

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.

I understand those who don't like this game. You can love it or hate it, but you can't deny the uniqueness of it.

I have been playing it since day one and I can't put it down. There is always something new that makes you want to keep playing. A new ability, a new weapon, a new character or a cutscene that will leave you mesmerised. It will bring the story forward by answering questions but also giving you new mysteries that you want to find out immediately.

The world is huge, versatile and looks gorgeous. Probably the most incredible looking game when it comes to graphical fidelity.

The music is going to touch your soul, and I have been listening to some the songs even when not playing the game.

(Huge addition to the game that they added a playlist function where you can create playlists and listen to music any time while exploring the world)

I could go into so much more detail but I really don't want to waste your time. I don't know if you would like this one if you hated the first one. I liked the first one. I am in love with this one.

It's a masterpiece for those of us who are into this game. I hope you guys will enjoy it as much as I do. Real unique and unforgettable masterpiece that will stay with me for sure.