As a longtime fan of Hideo Kojima's work, I was beyond hyped for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach—after all, his sequels like Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty were revolutionary masterpieces that redefined gaming. 😮 But diving into this 2025 release, I couldn't help but feel a crushing sense of déjà vu. For the first two-thirds of the game, it was like playing a polished but uninspired expansion of the original Death Stranding, complete with all its frustrating flaws. Sure, the visuals are jaw-dropping—Kojima Productions nailed the photorealism—but where was that signature Kojima twist, that bold risk-taking? Instead, I found myself mindlessly grinding in the Pickup Off-Roader truck for hours, wondering if this was really from the genius behind MGS2. Honestly, it felt like a betrayal of what makes his games special, and I spent most of those early chapters bored out of my mind, longing for the innovation I expected.

The Shockingly Safe Gameplay Loop

I mean, come on—Death Stranding 2 doesn't just resemble its predecessor; it practically clones it! 😩 For starters, the core mechanics are identical: you're still hauling cargo across treacherous terrain, dealing with BTs and human enemies. But here's the kicker: Kojima didn't fix the biggest issue from the first game—the dominance of one overpowered strategy. In my playthrough, I spent 90% of my time in that darn Pickup Off-Roader truck because it's still the most efficient way to get around. Driving through BTs? No problem now—just floor it and they can't touch you! It's ridiculously unbalanced, and I never felt pressured to switch tactics.

• Why this sucks: In games like Ninja Gaiden Black, higher difficulties force you out of comfort zones, but DS2 lacks that depth. Human enemies? They're still pushovers, with no cool mechanics like hacking from Cyberpunk 2077 to spice things up.

• My frustration: As I grinded to max out all 42 facilities, I kept asking, "Where's the innovation?" It's like Kojima played it safe to avoid controversy, but that's not the man I admire. 😠

A Pale Shadow of Metal Gear Solid 2

Now, let's talk about Metal Gear Solid 2—that game was a lightning bolt of creativity! ⚡️ I replay it every few years, and it still blows me away with its audacity. Remember how Kojima flipped the script by swapping Snake for Raiden? Or how the story tackled AI and censorship years before they became mainstream fears? That ending—pure mind-melting genius! But more than that, the gameplay evolved massively. Sneaking with radar off, using sound and first-person view? It demanded skill and felt rewarding.

Playing MGS2 on Extreme difficulty to earn the Big Boss rating? That was a grueling, exhilarating challenge. In contrast, Death Stranding 2 just doesn't measure up—it's like Kojima lost his edge. 😔 And don't get me started on the lack of those curveball moments; I kept waiting for a twist, but nada until late in the game.

The Glimmer of Hope in the Final Act

Okay, I'll admit—not all is lost. Around chapter nine, Death Stranding 2 finally wakes up and delivers that Kojima magic. 🤯 The pacing tightens, the plot revelations hit hard, and the action ramps up into an explosive finale. It's a massive improvement over the slog of DS1's ending, with set pieces that scream "Kojima!" I went from bored to hooked, racing through to the credits. But here's the rub: why did it take so long?

• The good: Stunning visuals, emotional depth in cutscenes, and that finale—pure adrenaline!

• The bad: It's buried under hours of monotony, making it feel like a wasted opportunity.

As I grind for the Platinum trophy now, I'm torn. The last third saved it for me, but overall, it's a letdown. Where are the mind-blowing elements that defined Policenauts or MGS2? Mostly absent.

Final Thoughts and Your Turn

In all honesty, Death Stranding 2 is a visually gorgeous but creatively timid sequel. It lacks the fearless innovation that made Kojima a legend, especially when stacked against Metal Gear Solid 2. Sure, it has its moments—especially late-game—but they're too little, too late. For a 2025 release, it feels outdated, playing it safe instead of pushing boundaries. If you're a die-hard fan, give it a shot for the ending, but temper your expectations.

What about you? Have you played it yet? Share your thoughts below—I'm curious if others felt this disappointment or if it's just me! Let's discuss what makes a great Kojima game. 🎮💬