This Kojima Sequel With A 96 Metacritic Score Puts Death Stranding 2 To Shame

2019's Death Stranding was a groundbreaking game that marked Hideo Kojima's return to the gaming world after a long hiatus. The game's unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and action set it apart from other titles in its genre. As a result, fans were eager to see how Kojima would evolve this formula in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the latest installment in the series.

However, for those who have played both games, it's clear that Death Stranding 2 fails to live up to its predecessor. While the graphics are undoubtedly impressive, the gameplay feels overly safe and formulaic. In contrast, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is widely regarded as one of the best video game sequels of all time, and for good reason. Kojima's bold approach to game design and narrative structure set a new standard for storytelling in games.

The Lack Of Risk-Taking

Death Stranding 2 plays it too safe, relying on familiar mechanics and structures that were present in the original game. This lack of risk-taking is particularly noticeable in the way the game handles its enemies. In Cyberpunk 2077, for example, the human enemies have a range of abilities that make them formidable opponents. In contrast, the human enemies in Death Stranding 2 are still lacking in abilities, making them feel more like cardboard cutouts than fully fleshed-out characters.

Another area where Death Stranding 2 falls short is in its approach to tool usage and strategy. Kojima's games have always been known for their deep gameplay mechanics, but in Death Stranding 2, the tools at your disposal feel shallow and unbalanced. The game relies too heavily on a single strategy that trumps all others, rather than encouraging players to experiment with different approaches.

A Missed Opportunity

One of the biggest missed opportunities in Death Stranding 2 is its failure to deliver a truly memorable and impactful narrative. For fans of Kojima's work, this is particularly disappointing, as his games are always known for their shocking twists and curveballs. In Death Stranding 2, however, the story feels predictable and formulaic, lacking the surprise and excitement that made the original game so compelling.

That being said, once the game reaches its final act, it does pick up the pace and delivers an exciting conclusion that is reminiscent of Kojima's best work. However, this feels like a last-minute attempt to elevate the game, rather than a cohesive and well-executed narrative throughout.

A Conclusion That Fails To Live Up To Expectations

In contrast to Metal Gear Solid 2, which was a masterclass in storytelling and gameplay design, Death Stranding 2's conclusion feels like a letdown. The game's final act is undoubtedly action-packed and well-executed, but it fails to live up to the high expectations set by Kojima's previous work.

Ultimately, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an enjoyable game that is worth playing for fans of the series. However, it falls short of its predecessor in many key areas, particularly when it comes to risk-taking and narrative storytelling.

A Conclusion

In conclusion, while Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an impressive game with a lot to offer, it ultimately feels like a disappointment compared to Kojima's previous work. The lack of risk-taking and shallow gameplay mechanics hold it back from being a truly memorable experience.