Over the weekend, fans of Hideo Kojima were treated to a new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, along with exciting details such as a release date, a collector's edition, box art, and more. As enthusiasts delved into the new content, one keen observer on Reddit, user ReverseTheFlash, pointed out a delightful nod to Kojima's past work, Metal Gear Solid 2.
The box art for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features Sam "Porter" Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus, cradling the child "Lou," a familiar figure to those who played the first game. ReverseTheFlash shared a side-by-side comparison on Reddit, captioned "He did it again," showcasing the Death Stranding 2 box art next to a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase. The latter features Japanese singer Gackt holding a child in a strikingly similar pose. While not an exact replica, the resemblance is unmistakable and adds a layer of fun for fans connecting the dots between Kojima's projects.
This connection also brings to mind the intriguing promotional history of Metal Gear Solid 2. Gackt was prominently featured in various promotional materials leading up to the game's release, including special slip-covers in certain regions. These have since become curious pieces of Metal Gear Solid memorabilia, sparking both interest and confusion among fans over the years.
For those curious about Gackt's involvement, Hideo Kojima provided an explanation in 2013. He stated that he chose Gackt for Metal Gear Solid 2's TV commercials because "MGS1 was about DNA & 'MGS2' MEME. DNA consists 'AGTC', adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT.'" This playful reasoning adds another layer to the fascinating world of Kojima's marketing strategies.
Given the new trailer for Death Stranding 2 exudes strong Metal Gear vibes, it's no wonder fans are drawing these connections. While I believe any similarities are likely a reflection of recurring themes in Kojima's work, it's always enjoyable to speculate and reminisce, especially with a nostalgic promotional cover featuring Gackt.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5, promising another deep dive into Kojima's unique storytelling and game design.
