Death Stranding 2 Review: Reflections on the Original Game

Let’s begin with the narrative—the heart and soul of *Death Stranding*, and arguably its most polarizing element. For me, this was the highlight. I fully immersed myself in its ever-expanding lexicon of futuristic sci-fi concepts and grew genuinely attached to its central characters. It's the kind of story that rewards investment, and although it can feel slow and opaque during the early stages, by the final act, I was completely hooked. Sam’s emotional bond with Lou, and the evolving relationship between Cliff Unger and Die-Hardman particularly stood out. Tommie Earl Jenkins’ performance in Die-Hardman’s final scene ranks among the most powerful acting moments I’ve encountered in gaming. And the rest of the cast? Phenomenal across the board—from Margaret Qualley’s dual roles to Lea Seydoux’s complex portrayal of Fragile. I’m especially excited to see new additions like Elle Fanning’s mysterious Tomorrow enter the fold—though I’ll go ahead and say it: I already don’t trust her one bit.

Yes, the stakes are massive—world-ending events, towering oil beasts—but this is exactly the type of sci-fi storytelling that resonates with me. Think grand, global narratives grounded in intimate human experiences, much like Arrival or The Road. Death Stranding masterfully blends awe-inspiring visuals and haunting encounters with deeply personal conversations that root its epic scale in relatable emotion. Themes of life, death, hope, and loss shine through even amid waves of unfamiliar terminology, making for a narrative journey that spans nearly 40 hours but never feels hollow.

“In terms of gameplay, previews suggest we’re in for more MGS-style tactical espionage action in Death Stranding 2, which excites me greatly. Because while I loved the original’s story, I won’t pretend the gameplay didn’t drag at times. In fact, that’s what originally turned me off the game back in 2019. My first attempt lasted only a few hours before I gave up—there was just too much walking. The repetitive rhythm of setting out on long hikes, crossing rivers and climbing mountains, only to arrive at yet another mundane delivery point quickly became exhausting, especially during the grueling third chapter.

However, I’m glad I revisited it years later via the Director’s Cut, where my experience improved dramatically. The addition of enhanced combat mechanics and tools like the robot companion and catapult brought much-needed variety. The presence of pre-built highways, ladders, and bridges—courtesy of the online Chiral network—also made traversal far smoother than it was at launch. As I progressed and unlocked more gear, the game started to click. I zipped around on motorcycles, set up ziplines, and finally found joy in the world I had grown to love. I’m hopeful these conveniences will be available from the start in Death Stranding 2.

While exploring *Death Stranding*’s world eventually became rewarding, I never quite connected with its combat systems. Sure, chucking blood bombs at oily beasts had its absurd charm, but BT encounters often felt tedious. I avoided conflict whenever possible—a valid strategy, though one that made rainy weather especially frustrating. Human enemies in yellow hazmat suits usually meant drawn-out stealth sections, which I tended to skip entirely. That said, early looks at *Death Stranding 2* suggest a more action-focused direction, with expanded arsenals and dynamic ways to handle threats. I’m not expecting Sam to become an action hero, but I’m eager to have more firepower and options this time around instead of constantly evading combat.

In short, I deeply appreciated Death Stranding’s world and characters, but the gameplay wasn’t consistently engaging enough to make me fall in love. Still, I’m thrilled to return for Death Stranding 2. Based on what we’ve seen so far, the story promises to be just as rich and intriguing, filled with the cinematic spectacle Kojima Productions is known for. I’m just hoping the gameplay delivers enough excitement between those meticulously crafted cutscenes to keep the momentum flowing. Stay tuned—my full review drops on June 23rd.