1. Introduction: The Return of the Mad Auteur
1.1. Kojima and Future Prediction
When Death Stranding was released in 2019, it depicted a world where people were trapped in their homes, their only connection to the outside world being "Porters." Months later, the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, and we all became NPCs in Kojima's game! Now, with the announcement of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, the terrifying question is: What catastrophe has Kojima predicted this time?
At Tekin Plus, we believe the sequel is no longer just about "Connection" in the simple sense; it is about the "Consequences of Connection" and the question: "Should we have connected at all?"
1.2. The Meaning of "On The Beach"
In the game's lore, the "Beach" is the limbo between the world of the living and the dead. The addition of this subtitle suggests the story will focus heavily on metaphysics, souls, and the afterlife. Will Sam have to travel to the Beach itself to save his loved ones?
2. The Story: The Puzzle of Lou, Sam, and Fragile
2.1. Sam Porter Bridges Has Aged
In the trailers, we see Norman Reedus (Sam) with white hair. He has aged, suggesting years have passed since the events of the first game. He tried to live a quiet life with "Lou" (the BB unit), but peace in Kojima's world does not last. Attacks by unknown enemies force him to don the delivery suit once again.
2.2. Fragile and the Healthy Hands
A strange detail in the trailer is the character Fragile (played by Léa Seydoux). In the first game, her body was aged rapidly by "Timefall." However, in the DS2 trailers, she has young, healthy skin! She only covers her hands with gloves. Tekin Plus Theory: Has a cure for Timefall effects been discovered? Is this Fragile a clone? Or perhaps we are witnessing a different timeline?
2.3. The Fate of Lou
In one of the trailer's most painful scenes, we see the BB pod empty and Sam crying. Is Lou dead? Strong theories suggest Lou's soul is trapped on the "Beach," and Sam's entire goal is to retrieve her. Some also believe the mysterious character played by Elle Fanning is actually an adult version of Lou.
3. New Characters & The Return of Higgs
3.1. Higgs: The Rockstar Joker
Troy Baker returns as Higgs, but crazier than ever. He now looks like a mix of "The Joker" and an 80s rock star, wielding an electric guitar that shoots lightning! Fighting Higgs, who has swapped his golden mask for a red one, will likely be one of the most epic boss fights in history. He represents chaos against Sam's order.
3.2. Elle Fanning & Shioli Kutsuna
Kojima loves Hollywood actors. Elle Fanning plays a key role that hasn't been fully revealed yet. She appears innocent yet eerie in the trailers. Shioli Kutsuna (Deadpool 2) also plays a character who is likely a member of Sam's new crew.
3.3. The Talking Puppet
And the weirdest part: A small stop-motion puppet hanging from Sam's waist that talks! It moves with jerky animation and has the voice of a grumpy old man. It seems he will play the role of "Mimir" (from God of War) for Sam; a storyteller and guide.
4. Gameplay Evolution: Beyond Being a Porter
4.1. The Magellan Ship
No more endless walking in absolute solitude. Sam is now part of a group called Drawbridge, operating from a massive flying ship named Magellan. This ship serves as your mobile base (like the Normandy in Mass Effect). You can rest, craft equipment, and talk to your companions there.
4.2. Dynamic Environmental Changes
The game engine can change the environment in Real-time. Massive floods block roads, earthquakes shift mountains, and wildfires destroy forests. You can no longer maintain a single safe route; paths change constantly. This means the challenge of "Pathfinding" has become much more complex.
4.3. More Action?
Trailers show Sam having more access to firearms. New traversal gadgets are also visible. However, Kojima has emphasized that the core of the game remains "avoiding violence." Killing people still has consequences (creating Voidouts), so you must fight smartly.
5. The World: Exiting America
5.1. Are We Going to Mexico?
The environments shown in DS2 look nothing like the lush, mountainous America of the first game. We see red deserts, structures resembling Aztec architecture, and white salt flats. Many believe the story takes place in Mexico or South America. Expanding the Chiral Network is now a global mission.
6. Technical Analysis: Power of Decima Engine
6.1. Graphics Beyond Generations
The game is built with an upgraded version of the Decima engine (the engine behind Horizon Forbidden West). The quality of character skin, fabric textures, and lighting is so high that it's hard to distinguish from live-action film. Kojima has utilized new photogrammetry and performance capture techniques.
6.2. PS5 Exclusivity
This game is a PS5 exclusive and will likely utilize the full power of the PS5 Pro. We expect the game to run at 4K 60FPS (using PSSR). The use of DualSense haptic feedback to feel the weight of cargo, rain droplets, and terrain roughness will be a masterpiece, just like the first game.
7. Tekin Plus Verdict: What to Expect?
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is another massive risk. Kojima could have repeated the successful formula, but he decided to change everything. Adding a spaceship, a talking puppet, and electric guitars might seem strange to hardcore fans of the first game.
But if there is one person who can turn this madness into a cohesive and emotional experience, it is Hideo Kojima. This game is likely to release in Late 2025 or Early 2026 and will be a prime contender for Game of the Year.
- Tekin Plus Hype Level: 10/10 (Brain explosion guaranteed!)