Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Reviews Spark Buzz for Kojima’s Bold Sequel

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Reviews are flooding the internet, and Hideo Kojima’s latest masterpiece is making waves as a bold, divisive, and visually stunning sequel.

Released on June 26, 2025, for the PlayStation 5, this action-adventure game builds on the original’s unique delivery-driven gameplay while diving deeper into a post-apocalyptic world of connection and survival.

Critics and players alike are praising its cinematic ambition, improved mechanics, and emotional depth, though some note its dense narrative and accessibility challenges.

Here’s everything you need to know about the game’s reception and why it’s a must-play for fans of Kojima’s visionary style.

What Makes Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Stand Out?

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is a triumph of creativity, blending a surreal sci-fi narrative with enhanced gameplay mechanics. Critics highlight its breathtaking visuals, powered by the Decima engine, and its sprawling open world set in post-apocalyptic Mexico and Australia.

IGN calls it “a triumphant sequel that emphatically delivers on the promise of its original,” praising its evolved stealth-action and flexible combat. The game’s core loop—delivering packages to connect survivors—remains, but new tools like monorails and vehicles make traversal more dynamic. Kotaku notes its “bigger, zanier” scope, though it warns that the game assumes familiarity with the first title.

The cast, featuring Norman Reedus as Sam Porter Bridges, Léa Seydoux as Fragile, and newcomers like Elle Fanning and George Miller, delivers stellar performances. TechRadar lauds Reedus for his “best acting performance” across any medium, emphasizing the character-driven story. Social media integration, where players share structures and “likes,” adds a unique community feel, with The Guardian calling it a “biting piece of lockdown satire.”

How Have Critics Rated Death Stranding 2: On The Beach?

The game has earned “universal acclaim” on Metacritic, boasting a score of 90 from 103 reviews, with 97% of critics recommending it on OpenCritic. Standout scores include 10/10 from Press Start Australia and Push Square, which calls it “a profound achievement of design, gameplay, narrative, and visuals.”

However, not all reviews are glowing. GameSpot gave it a 7/10, critiquing its reliance on familiar story beats and reduced narrative novelty compared to the original. Eurogamer notes it’s “less daring” in design but still “beautifully odd” for a AAA title.

Player reactions on X are equally polarized.

@RinoTheBouncer hailed it as “the first truly ‘next gen’ game,” while others debate its slow pacing. Kojima’s reported mid-development changes to avoid a “mainstream” feel—after playtests were “too good”—have fueled discussions about its uncompromising vision.

What Are the Gameplay Improvements in Death Stranding 2?

Critics universally praise the sequel’s refined mechanics. The traversal system, the heart of the game, is enhanced with new vehicles, monorails, and gadgets like blood-powered boomerangs for stealth takedowns.

IGN India highlights the diverse biomes—mountains, deserts, and snow-covered peaks—adding variety to deliveries. Combat is more engaging, with non-lethal weapons and new enemies like Chiral Creatures, though GameSpot notes early access to high-end tech reduces some tension.

The game’s 50-hour campaign offers more choice, with side missions and infrastructure-building that foster a sense of community. ScreenRant emphasizes the rewarding “Likes” system, where players bond over shared structures. However, Kotaku warns that combat and stealth can feel disconnected from the delivery focus, a sentiment echoed by some players on X.

Why Is the Narrative Both Praised and Criticized?

The story, set 11 months after the original, follows Sam’s mission to connect Mexico and Australia via the Chiral Network while grappling with personal grief.

TechRadar praises its “character-driven” approach and “phenomenal final third act,” but GameSpot argues it lacks the first game’s emotional impact.

The Guardian notes its thematic ambition—touching on climate change, automation, and isolation—but finds it less precise than the original’s COVID-era resonance.

Kojima’s signature weirdness, from talking puppets to tar-soaked creatures, is a highlight. IGN celebrates its “wild creativity,” but Game Informer critiques moments that feel “weird for the sake of being weird.” X users are split, with some loving the esoteric plot and others finding it overwhelming.

Is Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Worth Playing?

For fans of the original, Death Stranding 2 is a no-brainer, offering a bigger, more polished experience. Its stunning visuals, heartfelt story, and innovative gameplay make it a Game of the Year contender, as IGN India suggests.

However, its dense narrative and slow pace may deter newcomers. The Verge notes it’s more accessible but still demands familiarity with the first game’s lore. At $69.99 for the standard edition, it’s a hefty but worthwhile investment for those who love Kojima’s bold vision.

Highlights of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach  

• Release Date: June 26, 2025, for PlayStation 5.

• Metacritic Score: 90/100, with 97% critic recommendation on OpenCritic.

• Key Cast: Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, Elle Fanning, George Miller.

• Gameplay: Enhanced delivery mechanics, new vehicles, and non-lethal combat.

• Setting: Post-apocalyptic Mexico and Australia.

• Price: $69.99 (Standard), $79.99 (Deluxe with early access).

• Themes: Connection, grief, climate change, and automation.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is a polarizing yet unforgettable journey, cementing Hideo Kojima’s status as gaming’s boldest auteur. Its stunning visuals, refined gameplay, and emotional depth have critics and players buzzing, even if its dense narrative divides opinions.

Whether you’re a fan of the original or a curious newcomer, this sequel is a testament to the power of creative risk-taking.

Dive into the reviews, join the conversation on X, and experience this unique adventure for yourself.