Death Stranding 2 Needs a Perfect Balance of Highs and Lows in Gameplay

Sony’s lineup for 2025 appears somewhat sparse in terms of exclusive first-party titles; however, there are a few promising releases worth mentioning. Among them is Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, developed by Kojima Productions and published by PlayStation Studios. This sequel builds upon the unique and, at times, polarizing experience of the original Death Stranding, which first launched on PlayStation 4 in 2019 before expanding to various platforms. Notably, this marks Kojima Productions’ second endeavor as an independent studio following its much-publicized separation from Konami. The game is set to be exclusive to PlayStation 5, generating considerable anticipation within the gaming community.

Initially unveiled during The Game Awards 2022, Death Stranding 2 re-emerged at the early 2024 PlayStation State of Play event. This latest trailer boasted nearly ten minutes of extended gameplay footage, a hallmark of Kojima’s storytelling style. Although many aspects of the game remain confidential, the glimpses offered thus far imply a substantial expansion in gameplay mechanics and environmental diversity compared to its predecessor. Enthusiasts are particularly excited about the game’s potential to explore more varied and imaginative settings.

Exploring New and Unique Environments in Death Stranding 2

Underwater Exploration: A Distinctive Feature for DS2

While the original Death Stranding garnered acclaim for its aesthetic appeal, it was often critiqued for its limited biomes, predominantly featuring open grasslands and frigid mountains. Expanding on this, Kojima Productions seems poised to enrich the gameplay experience in Death Stranding 2 by incorporating more varied and distinctive environments, such as oceans and lakes. Imagine the thrill of navigating a boat or a submarine to transport packages through marine terrains—this addition alone could significantly elevate the immersive nature of the game. The prospect of battling BTs (beach things) underwater is exhilarating just to imagine.

Though official details surrounding underwater exploration remain unconfirmed, early indicators suggest it is a strong possibility. Observant fans have noted the presence of aquatic themes within the game’s visual design, particularly an amphibious vehicle featured in the first trailer, which resembles marine life with its gill- and baleen-like aesthetics. Moreover, rumors point to an internal codename for the game being “Ocean,”which could hint at the oceanic elements playing a pivotal role in the gameplay narrative.

Visiting Alien Planets: A Bold Idea for DS2

Another fascinating possibility for Death Stranding 2 is the inclusion of outer space environments. Although integrating space travel into the established narrative may seem far-fetched, Kojima’s unique storytelling often defies conventional limits. One striking scene from the second trailer features Sam Porter Bridges traversing a desolate landscape under the gaze of a giant moon. This setting could suggest an alien world or an alternate reality—a testament to Kojima’s penchant for the surreal and unexpected.

Additionally, the concept of a space-themed environment could harmonize with Ludens, the iconic mascot of Kojima Productions, who is often linked with space themes. In the introductory trailer of the original Death Stranding, Ludens is depicted planting a flag on the moon, accompanied by a holographic whale in the background. While Hideo Kojima has previously asserted that Ludens does not exist within the DS universe, a subtle easter egg referencing the character could enrich the lore, especially if alien planets feature prominently in Death Stranding 2.

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