The excitement surrounding the release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach reached new heights over the weekend with the unveiling of a new trailer, release date, collector's edition, box art, and more. As fans dive deep into the latest details, one eagle-eyed observer pointed out a delightful nod to director Hideo Kojima's earlier work: Metal Gear Solid 2.
The box art for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features Sam "Porter" Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, cradling the child "Lou," a familiar figure to those who played the first game. Reddit user ReverseTheFlash shared their discovery with the post titled "He did it again," juxtaposing the new box art with a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase that showcases a strikingly similar motif.
He did it again
by u/ReverseTheFlash in DeathStranding
The Metal Gear Solid 2 promotional image shows Japanese singer Gackt holding a child in a composition that echoes the Death Stranding 2 box art. While not an exact replica, the similarities are undeniable and add a layer of fun for fans to explore. This connection also serves as a nostalgic reminder of a quirky aspect of Metal Gear Solid's (out-of-universe) history.
In the lead-up to the release of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Gackt was prominently featured in various promotional materials. These included unique slip-covers for the game in certain regions, which have since become intriguing and sometimes confusing pieces of MGS memorabilia.
For those curious about Gackt's specific involvement in Metal Gear Solid 2's promotional efforts, Hideo Kojima provided an explanation in 2013. He stated that the reason for featuring Gackt in the game's TV commercials was linked to the themes of the series: "'MGS1' was about DNA & 'MGS2' MEME. DNA consists 'AGTC', adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT.'" It's a clever play on words and concepts.
Given that the new trailer for Death Stranding 2 is rife with Metal Gear-like vibes, it's no wonder fans are connecting the dots between the two works. Personally, I see these similarities as a reflection of recurring themes and ideas in Kojima's creative output. However, it's always enjoyable to engage in speculation and reminisce, especially when it involves revisiting iconic promotional images featuring Gackt.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.