Death Stranding 2 Review

If you ever doubted Hideo Kojima’s genius, you just need to play his latest game to understand his unique take on post-apocalyptic delivery services, which can be a mesmerizing experience. When I first entered the world of the original Death Stranding, I could never have imagined that its sequel would one day become one of the most formative gaming experiences of my life. If you recall the atmosphere surrounding its 2019 release, you’ll remember that many dismissed the game as a simple “Walking Simulator.” This time, however, the narrative is entirely different; Such opinions have all but been abolished. In this sequel, Hideo Kojima has deliberately crafted a more modern, approachable game, yet still retained the eccentricities that define his unique creative voice. Death Stranding 2 clings to the greatest of its predecessor, while wisely reigning in those divisive mechanics that alienated some players. What results is a game that’s positioned to reach a broader audience, though not without inviting the risk of polarizing longtime fans.

The story begins roughly one year after the events of the first game. The intricate, labyrinthine narrative we witnessed before now promises to become even denser and more demanding. It is strongly recommended that players get a refresher on the original’s story before diving into the sequel, since the in-game recap offers little clarity for newcomers unfamiliar with Kojima’s world. This time around, the journey unfolds alongside Sam and Lou, who is now older, as they embark on a life apart from the United Cities of America. Whereas the first installment emphasized isolation and the monumental task of reconnecting the fractured regions of the United States, Death Stranding 2 quickly transports players to new horizons, including Mexico and Australia, which must be integrated into the Chiral Network. While Sam was able to postpone humanity’s extinction in the first game, the specter of the Last Stranding is still an open threat. It can only be prevented by connecting the whole world via the Network. Sam and Lou enjoy a life of relative stability for some time—until Fragile returns, asking Sam to take on one last job. She promises that this will be his last trip, and afterward, he can finally live in peace. But as should be expected in Kojima’s world, nothing goes as expected.

When Sam becomes a part of Fragile’s new crew, which calls itself Drawbridge, the game whisks us away to Australia – a terrain that is both stunning and full of visual splendor. On this quest, we also meet some new characters, each with strange traits and intriguing backstories that are uniquely their own. As always, Kojima proves himself to be a master at crafting memorable characters. This cast includes a puppet, a tar-like cat, and a character named Tarman, played by George Miller; every one of them plays a major role in shaping the game’s narrative, and we gradually get to see their character arcs unfold as the journey continues.

The gameplay of Death Stranding 2 itself plays very much like the first game, but with subtle yet important changes that improve the experience to become more enjoyable. For example, if you remember the first game, fighting BTs was nearly impossible, and you had to avoid them at all costs. Here, however, Sam can face them from the very beginning, and weapons become available far earlier than you’d expect. This means players can choose between stealth and heavy combat right from the start, keeping missions engaging and far from repetitive.

Connecting different parts of Australia works much like it did in the first game. You’ll deliver cargo from one station to another, linking each location to the Chiral Network. Initially, this may not sound incredibly exciting, but even after forty hours of playtime, every delivery still feels fresh. That’s because unexpected challenges constantly appear along the way. Some routes are completely unsuitable for vehicles, forcing you to rely on ladders or any other tools at your disposal to cross snowy mountains. There are also many kinds of threats along the road. It’s up to players to decide whether to take a safer detour or bullhead charge through the danger.

The variety of Sam’s weapons in this sequel is far better than before. By completing different orders and side missions, you’ll unlock new gadgets and weapons that make combat against all kinds of enemies much easier. Some of these tools are designed specifically for fighting BTs, but they’re also effective against humans. Boss fights – one of the game’s most exciting elements – push players to truly understand their equipment. Choosing the right weapon for each boss is key, and this mechanic keeps every battle strategic and rewarding.

If you’re worried about long stretches of walking, I have good news: in this sequel, vehicles become available much sooner. While you’ll spend only the first few hours on foot, things change quickly once you reach Australia and the stakes rise. At that point, you unlock the ability to build a Tri-Pod bike, which lets you carry more cargo. The catch is that the vehicle needs frequent recharging, so you’ll have to construct charging stations along your route. This is where other players come in.

The core concept of Death Stranding has always been about connecting people in a bleak and hostile world. Kojima once again delivers a uniquely creative idea: encouraging players to make the experience better not only for themselves but for others as well. When you’re online and expand the Chiral Network, you’ll start to see structures built by other players appear in your world. These shared creations can be unbelievably helpful. Just when your bike’s battery is about to die, you might discover that another player has built a perfectly placed charging station. Throughout the journey, these contributions remind you that you’re never truly alone in this world; A small but powerful feeling of comfort in an otherwise unforgiving landscape.

Visually, Death Stranding 2 is not only among the most impressive releases of the year, but it also stands as one of the most stunning achievements of the entire ninth console generation. Its cutscenes are like masterclasses in direction, each one showcasing Kojima’s distinct artistic vision. He has for years discussed his desire to direct a feature film, and in many respects, Death Stranding 2 feels like that desire finally realized. Every one of the game’s environments is constructed with breathtaking attention to detail, and the animations – courtesy of the Decima engine – are the best they’ve ever been. There are moments where what’s occurring on screen is nigh on impossible to believe, and it’s not just one or two times. If you couple these visuals and world-building with the game’s soundtrack, the end product is nothing short of a masterpiece. With an even larger role from Woodkid on the score, the music in Death Stranding 2 is taken to new heights, complementing the game’s epic and cinematic moments flawlessly. It often feels similar to large blockbuster films.

When I played the original Death Stranding, I called it a double-edged sword: you’d either fall in love with it or be unable to survive even a minute. Death Stranding 2, however, moves beyond that divisive framework. It’s designed to appeal to a wider audience, yet without abandoning the core of what made the original so distinctive. By doubling down on its strengths, Kojima has delivered a richer, more entertaining experience that feels both complete and inviting to newcomers.

Score: 100/100