Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – A Journey Through the Impossible
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach takes players on a surreal journey across a barren and hostile world, challenging them to carry out impossible tasks while grappling with strange concepts, eerie antagonists, and captivating visuals. This time, the focus shifts to Sam Porter Bridges, who’s forced out of retirement to embark on a dangerous mission. After years of settling into life with his family, he’s called back to duty to build out the Chiral Network-a post-internet communication system that allows the transfer of resources and knowledge across vast distances.
The game’s narrative kicks off with a familiar trope: a retired protagonist pulled into one last adventure. However, as the story unfolds, players are pulled into the mysterious world of The Beach, a metaphysical realm where the dead await passage to the afterlife. It’s here that Kojima Productions pushes the boundaries of science fiction, mixing real-world physics with bizarre supernatural forces. The introduction of bridge babies (BBs) and a bizarre network of characters is just the beginning of what’s to come.
As a player, you’ll spend a significant portion of your time hauling cargo across vast landscapes-an aspect that many may find tedious but still rewarding in its own right. The game’s reliance on building infrastructure, including constructing highways and establishing connections with other players, sets it apart from traditional action games. Though combat is more refined compared to the first title, many still find it cumbersome and unfulfilling, particularly when engaging in boss fights or attempting close-quarters combat with MULEs.
Despite its repetitive nature, the game remains captivating due to its attention to detail. The environmental storytelling and world-building are top-notch, with every area offering new challenges and surprises. From traversing through Australia’s harsh landscapes to uncovering hidden locations like hot springs or wildlife sanctuaries, Death Stranding 2 offers a fresh perspective on the walking-simulator genre.
While the game still leans heavily on its predecessor’s formula, Death Stranding 2 introduces a host of new systems and mechanics to keep players on their toes. Whether it’s the thrill of saving endangered species or the ever-present pressure of maintaining the Chiral Network, the game constantly evolves, ensuring that the journey never gets stale.
Ultimately, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a paradox-a blend of the familiar and the foreign. It challenges players to rethink what a video game can be while delivering on the strange, often baffling storytelling Kojima is known for. For those willing to embrace its oddities, it promises an experience like no other.