Death Stranding 2: On the Beach A Near Perfect Aussie Trek

2019 saw the almost premonitive release from Hideo Kojima, Death Stranding. On its surface and reported by many as a delivery boy simulator huddled with inventory management and a mellow vibing soundtrack but at its core its depth of self was almost limitless. Touching on themes of isolation, rejection and the effects that technology can have on us and the world around us. Unbeknown to Kojima at the time the world was about to enter waves of lockdowns where the world he imagined very much became a reality, if only for a brief moment. 

Set 11 months after the conclusion of the original, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach joins Sam and baby Lou having retreated to the southern US to live a life away from the UCA. They are an adorable little daddy daughter duo happy with the life they have etched out for themselves in self-imposed exile. That is until some old friends come knocking and need Sam and his skills to help the new government push ahead into Mexico after some frightening phenomenon has begun to be witnessed. 

I don’t want to delve into the story of DS2 at all as it would be a disservice to anyone still on the fence about giving it a go. Hideo Kojima is, after all, a master storyteller whose unconventional methods present you with more layers than an unsuspecting Ogre. DS2 is a story that walks a tight and narrow path while interweaving a subplot of almost more intrigue than the main story. The premise is simple and yet so perfectly executed. Following a similar tone to the original Sam and Lou are once again tasked with connecting the many knots of the new world using virtual strands within the coral network, strengthening societies connection with each other and doing it while highlighting the positive side of human nature. 

Gameplay is once again centered around the indescribable yet gratifying task-based loop of on foot package delivery, this time though Sam is connecting the beautiful and varied scenery of my home, Australia. Australia hasn’t been spared from the Death Stranding and everyone is alone, disconnected and disillusioned with the government and each other. In your journey of reconnection you’re aided once again by those porters worldwide who have come before you, each contributing to the rebuilding of Australia's infrastructure on this vast continent. 

Unlike other sequels DS2 doesn’t resort to some left of field reasoning why all your skills are suddenly gone, not holding your hand for nearly as long as the original you’re thrown into the action relatively early. Enemies are encountered much earlier on but you’re thankfully well equipped to remove this threat, the Bola is my favourite for these many interactions. Motorised transport can now be found in the opening sequence aiding in fast tracking your journey but leave the vehicles till later in your travels, enjoy the journey and immerse yourself in the world as there are some truly magnificent moments early on that do unfortunately become a little mundane later in the game. 

These enhancements so early into your travels will be a thankful edition to those new or just wanting a story experience but do hinder some of the accomplishment derived from completing a particularly tricky delivery over some harsh terrain, through a BT infested area or silently taking down an entire base of MULEs without alerting any of them. 

Death Stranding 2’s visuals are a sight to behold. Yes, it is 2025 and every one of the biggest games to release this year looks fantastic but DS2s attention to details is what really sets it apart. The attention to detail far surpasses anything on the PS5 in the current stable, individual rocks move independently as you walk over them, a localised tremor triggers an avalanche of rocks and dirt or snow leaving visible scars in the world behind it. Dynamic weather is constantly evolving throughout your playthrough, much like the Australian weather where you can walk from a torrential downpour into a dust storm that blocks out the sun. While being brilliantly optimised for current PS5 hardware, yes I played on a day one PS5. 

Thankfully the Australian setting is more than just tokenism with Kojima and his team proving they have much love for our sunburnt land. Traversing it felt like a road trip through country that I have done many times. A land that is as harsh as it is beautiful with some of our unique wildlife on show. They’re just as much a menace too, I've hit my fair share of roos and emus that run-in front of me, if only they were edible…

Death Stranding remains to this day one of the best games and stories that I have ever experienced in my gaming life, and yet it is so hard for me to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced it why that is. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach takes everything that made the first a memorable experience and ramps it up even further yet is more accessible and action focused than the original. Returning fans might find the story a little more literal this time around and it can show its direction a little too early. Thankfully the sheer brilliance, or lunacy of Kojima depending on where you sit, creates a mysterious story that walks a fine line between groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece and fever dream. Moments will stay with you long past the credits roll and his unique take on societal issues means many moments of realisation along the way. 

It’s not perfect, but about as close as you can get.