According to legendary game creator Hideo Kojima, players already likeDeath Stranding 2: On the Beachmore than its predecessor.Death Stranding 2had a massive preview event recently, with select media outlets playing dozens of hours of the game. The previews were almost universally positive, with previewers making particular note of the game’s improved combat mechanics, high-fidelity graphics, story, production value, and soundtrack. Based on Kojima’s latest statement, it seems fans are likely going to echo that sentiment.
In an interview withEdge Magazinefor its latest issue (paywalled), Kojima stated thatDeath Stranding 2is scoring better with internal testers than the first game did. Sony is also reportedly"pleased"with the current reception (viaVGC). Unexpectedly (well, not for Kojima), he also stated he wished the game was currently more controversial, so he could listen to select gameplay feedback, saying:“I do listen to criticism, if the controls need tweaking or if a camera pan is too slow or too fast. But I don’t alter themes or story based on feedback.”
Kojima Wishes DS2 Was More Divisive
The First Game Certainly Saw Its Fair Share Of Criticism
ThefirstDeath Strandingwas a polarizing title, to put it simply. Some fans praised the unique world, story, and gameplay loop, while others harshly criticized the delivery mechanics and its “walking simulator” feel. Kojima has stated that he has no intention of makingDeath Strandinghave widespread appeal, saying:“I’m not interested in making something that appeals to everyone.” Death Stranding 2introduces some unorthodox ideas, like being able toskip boss battlescompletely, which is almost expected from a Kojima game nowadays.
ForDeath Stranding 2: On the Beach, it seems like Kojima and the team have taken the gameplay criticisms of the first title to heart and havere-evaluated their approach for the sequel. The game will offer players more tactical flexibility for combat, new weapons, a new monorail system, animals for easier transportation acrossan unrecognizable Americaand other countries, the ability to refund skill points, and much more. The game is also reportedly much longer than the first one, estimated by some previews to be around 75 hours long.
Is DS2 Friendlier To General Audiences?
It’s Hard To Tell If This Game Will Be A Good Entry Point For Kojima Novices
Kojima games are known for being wacky, regarding both story and gameplay. Even some of the marketing for the game is odd, withKojima going on a world tourto promote the game after its release, and of course, the aforementioned 30 hours that previewers got to play. Kojima is one of the best video game designers in history, willing to take a lot of risks to push the entertainment medium forward. However, his games have always hada barrier of entry for some playersdue to complex plots, gameplay choices, or a strange premise.
The firstDeath Strandingwas, at its core, a narrative-driven package delivery game with light combat mechanics, which was not what most people were probably expecting from the then-new IP. It’s commendable that Kojima is willing to go against trends, but it is at the risk of alienating some prospective players. WithDeath Stranding 2: On the Beachbeing a sequel to an already complex story-driven game, it’s probably not the best entry point for new players, but Kojima fans are probably going to enjoy its wild ride.
