In the realm of gaming, Death Stranding 2 emerges as a compelling blend of the serious and the absurd, exemplifying Hideo Kojima’s most audacious creative impulses. Players are once again welcomed to a world rife with unexpected moments and unique storytelling elements.
Kojima is renowned for embedding self-referential quirks and delightful Easter Eggs within his creations. Some players might even find his casual inclusion of personal references somewhat off-putting. However, as he candidly stated in a past interview, “If I like something, I’ll put it in, ”reflecting his unabashed passion for incorporating his interests into gameplay, sometimes leading his team to pause in hesitation about how to align with his creative vision.
Despite potential reservations about the abundance of quirky references, Death Stranding 2 is brimming with entertaining Easter Eggs. Some may appear fleetingly within cutscenes, while others are hilariously random or require specific conditions to trigger. Prepare to leap from your chair in excitement, reminiscent of the iconic Leonardo DiCaprio meme!
It’s important to note that not all Easter Eggs will resonate immediately with players, particularly those unfamiliar with Kojima’s extensive body of work. For this reason, we will provide a ranking based on their cultural significance and recognizability.
Warning: Minor to Significant Story Spoilers Ahead!
9 Soak and Relax in the Chiral Springs
Ii Yu Da Na and Kojima Productions
Our journey begins with a subtly niche reference that may elude many unless they share a connection to Japan during its cultural heyday. This particular Easter Egg activates when Sam bathes in a hot spring at night and remains idle momentarily.
During this time, Dollman submerges and resurfaces performing as the renowned Japanese comedian Cha Kato, singing the catchy tune “Ii Yu Da Na” (Translation: “What A Nice Bath!”).Here, Sam plays the role of an enthusiastic backup dancer.
This song originally tied to a beloved nightly Japanese comedy show hitting the airwaves every evening at 8 PM — the exact time needed to trigger this whimsical Easter Egg. With its playful theme centered on enjoying hot springs, it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Death Stranding 2’s experiences.
Another significant feature while soaking in the chiral waters lies in the constellations; gaze upwards, and you might catch sight of the Kojima Productions logo, along with a nod to Hideo Kojima himself.
8 BT Battles
Ultraman and Pokémon
As the story unfolds, players will encounter a fresh gameplay mechanic — EX Capture Grenades. These handy tools allow the capture of weakened large BTs from the tar, enabling players to summon these creatures in future encounters using a small number of chiral crystals.
Initially underestimated as merely another gimmick, the utility of these grenades becomes unmistakably apparent when battling formidable waves of BT Bestias. The ability to utilize large BTs as powerful allies transforms what once felt like daunting confrontations.
In a charming homage to classic tokusatsu shows like Ultraman, this mechanic is infused with a playful atmosphere, enhanced by a campy soundtrack accompanying these epic battles reminiscent of kaiju confrontations. Fans will likely appreciate the inclusion of a three-minute showdown limit, echoing the iconic time constraints of Ultraman’s color timer.
7 Classic Literature
SparkNotes Not Needed
Kojima’s affinity for classic literature manifests prominently in Death Stranding 2. His past works, including the narratives inspired by *Moby Dick* and *Lord of the Flies*, continue to influence this installment.
For instance, Tarman’s encounter with a “chiral mammal”parallels Captain Ahab’s obsessive ties to the sea, reinforcing the nautical themes prevalent throughout both Death Stranding titles.
References to Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein* appear in multiple forms as well. Deadman, an artificial being composed of various organ donations, identifies with Frankenstein’s creature, navigating questions of identity amidst his existential journey.
Additionally, characters like Igor from the previous installment and his brother Victor Frank echo the storied duo from Shelley’s tale, expanding the narrative tapestry woven by Kojima.
Inspiration further extends to Nevil Shute’s sobering novel *On the Beach*, which presents a similarly apocalyptic viewpoint, although Death Stranding 2 ultimately offers a more optimistic take on survival and human connection.
6 Celebrating Big Days With You
Happy Birthday and Happy Holidays!
Starting with *Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain*, Kojima has established a delightful tradition of incorporating hidden cutscenes that celebrate players’ birthdays, initiated by requiring their date of birth at the game’s start.
In *Phantom Pain*, Venom Snake is surprised with a birthday gathering organized by Diamond Dogs, showcasing a touch of Kojima’s characteristic flair. Fans who played the first *Death Stranding* will remember the heartwarming scene where Mads Mikkelsen’s Cliff Unger wishes you happy birthday while you interact with the BB pod; a delightful detail as players receive a celebratory cake.
This time, *Death Stranding 2* elevates the warmth with a surprise birthday party, organized by the DHV Magellan crew, with Higgs making an unexpected entrance to deliver pizza.
During the holiday season, preppers don festive Christmas hats, while each shelter is adorned with a Christmas tree, enhancing the game’s charm and inviting spirit. Whatever your take on Kojima’s gaming style, the experience of having your birthday acknowledged in-game consistently uplifts spirits.
5 Sam’s Nightmares
Major Foreshadowing
Nightmares often provide profound insights into one’s psyche, serving as foreshadowing tools within narratives.
Sam, burdened by a tortured past and endless cycle of death and rebirth, experiences a range of unsettling dreams during his rest periods aboard the DHV Magellan. These bizarre scenarios break through his conscious mind, revealing layers of his troubled existence.
Randomly occurring while Sam sleeps, his nightmares may include eerie transformations of Dollman or even the loss of his right arm, similar to Tarman. Yet, one particular sequence serves as a significant plot revelation.
In a spine-chilling dream sequence inspired by horror cinematography, Sam encounters Charlie dancing in a terrifyingly lifelike mannequin form, hinting at looming plot twists later in the narrative.
4 Napping Brings Some Familiar Faces
Living In His Head Rent Free
While examining Sam’s sleep habits, we discover that he dreams of a couple of familiar characters during his outdoor naps, amplifying the emotional weight of his journey.
Typically, he witnesses baby Lou floating gently around him, sometimes sweetly mumbling incoherent lines in his sleep.
Another unforeseen cutscene can be triggered when Sam naps near a Coffin Board acquired after connecting The Mechanic. This hidden sequence presents a bizarre moment featuring Higgs emerging from the Coffin Board, engaging Sam in a surreal and strange embrace.
As in many of Kojima’s narratives, elements of homoerotic tension grace this encounter, showcasing the unique storytelling style that defines the developer’s work.
3 Celebrity Cameos
I Knew They Looked Familiar!
Kojima has a penchant for including celebrity cameos within his games, and *Death Stranding 2* is no exception.
Many characters share their likenesses with famous personalities from diverse fields, ensuring that players will recognize numerous faces throughout their adventure. Beyond the star-studded primary cast, the game features preppers who echo the aesthetics of renowned figures.
Here’s a glimpse at some notable celebrity appearances that catch the eye:
- VTuber Usada Pekora (The Data Scientist), among the most loved Hololive stars.
- Gen Hoshino (The Musician), who contributed to *Spy X Family*’s ending theme.
- Woodkid (The Mechanic), the composer behind *Death Stranding 2*’s soundtrack.
- S. S.Ramajouli (The Adventurer), director of the critically acclaimed movie *RRR*.
- YouTubers turned filmmakers Danny and Michael Phillipou, aka RackaRacka (Mr. Impossible), who directed the horror film *Talk to Me*.
2 You Get to Fight Mamoru Oshii
Those Who Disrespect Pizza Do Not Deserve to Live
Midway through the game, players encounter the Pizza Chef, whose aesthetics strongly resemble Mamoru Oshii, the visionary director of the iconic *Ghost in the Shell* series.
This character garners a separate entry due to his associated side quest involving pizza deliveries throughout Australia, making for a delightful gameplay experience.
Advancing through this storyline grants players a hidden cutscene featuring a creatively choreographed brawl between Sam and the Pizza Chef, reminiscent of classical Jackie Chan film aesthetics.
Beyond the cutscene, leveling up connections with the Pizza Chef unlocks powerful Pizza-do karate moves, arming Sam with impressive melee abilities as he faces his adversaries.
1 Metal Gear Franchise
Paying Homage to His Baby
Finally and unsurprisingly, *Death Stranding 2* contains numerous references to the storied Metal Gear franchise, a testament to Kojima’s unyielding affection for his original brainchild.
Much of the design work by Yoji Shinkawa can be observed in the appearance of the DHV Magellan, which echoes the famed Metal Gear REX and Sahelanthropus machines. Players will also find that climactic encounters mirror the style of previous Metal Gear confrontations.
Fans will appreciate the nostalgia woven into dialogue, as characters like Higgs deliver nostalgic lines such as “Kept you waiting, huh?” and Tarman references *Phantom Pain* in a way that perks up dedicated players.
One notable homage features Neil Vana as he prepares for every boss fight by donning a bandana, reminiscent of Solid Snake’s iconic battle-ready ritual. Such references reveal that Kojima has yet to let go of the beloved *Metal Gear* world.
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