Over the weekend, fans of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach were treated to a new trailer that not only revealed the game's release date but also showcased its collector's edition, box art, and more. As enthusiasts delved into these details, a fascinating connection to director Hideo Kojima's previous work, Metal Gear Solid 2, was spotted. The box art for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features Sam "Porter" Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus, holding the child "Lou," a character familiar to players of the original game. A Reddit user, ReverseTheFlash, pointed out this connection with the post "He did it again," displaying the box art next to a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase that shares a similar motif.
The Metal Gear Solid 2 promotional material features Japanese singer Gackt holding a child in a composition that, while not identical, bears a striking resemblance to the Death Stranding 2 cover. This observation serves as a fun nod to the similarities between the two artworks and highlights an intriguing piece of Metal Gear Solid's out-of-universe history.
In the lead-up to Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty's release, Gackt was prominently featured in various promotional campaigns. This included special slip-covers for the game in certain regions, which have since become a source of curiosity and confusion among fans. Kojima himself explained Gackt's involvement in a 2013 statement, noting that while "MGS1" was themed around DNA, "MGS2" focused on MEME. He playfully pointed out that DNA consists of 'AGTC,' and adding 'K' for KOJIMA results in 'GACKT,' thus justifying Gackt's role in the marketing.
With the new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach displaying evident Metal Gear vibes, it's no wonder fans are drawing connections. While these similarities might simply reflect recurring themes across Kojima's oeuvre, they certainly fuel speculation and nostalgia, particularly when revisiting the iconic promotional cover featuring Gackt.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.
