Death Stranding 2 has score on Metacritic 90/100

Hideo Kojima’s new game – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – received an average score of 90 out of 100 on Metacritic. At the time of publication, there were 98 reviews, of which 90 were positive. The game is already available in early access for owners of the Digital Deluxe edition.

Critics mostly note improvements compared to the first part: more intense gameplay, a clear narrative structure, a variety of enemies and a reduced amount of “meditative walking”. However, the basic concept has remained unchanged, and the project is still described as niche.

Plot, characters and game structure

GamersRD (90/100) and TechRadar Gaming (100/100) emphasize that the second part emphasizes the disclosure of characters. The plot is more focused on personal stories and dialogues than on a global linear structure. According to reviewers, this makes the game more personal, but at the same time indicates Kojima’s authorial style, which critics call “self-confident”.

The Dexerto review (100/100) calls the project one of the developer’s strongest works both in terms of narrative and in terms of game mechanics. At the same time, XGN (90/100) emphasizes that the changes are not radical: the gameplay is more refined than reworked. The game has more combat situations, added infrastructure elements and some RPG elements, but the basis has remained unchanged.

Eurogamer (80/100) notes that the game, as before, can be called a “walking simulator”, but without a pronounced monotony. New gameplay elements help to diversify the process, but for some players the basic formula may remain controversial.

Context and additional projects in the universe

The events of Death Stranding 2 take place 11 months after the end of the original game. Among the new elements are a base ship, various biomes and the character Dolmen, whose appearance resembles a doll. One of the main plot issues remains the motivation of Sam, who returns to the role of a courier.

The game allows you to avoid boss fights – this does not affect the development of the plot. Previously, the developers confirmed that the emphasis in the game is on exploring the world and interacting with characters.

The official release of the game is scheduled for June 26. The regular edition in the Ukrainian region costs ₴2199, the Digital Deluxe version – ₴2399. The latter provides early access 48 hours before the official release, as well as bonuses in the form of game items.

It is also known that the Death Stranding universe will expand beyond the video games. The A24 studio is working on a film adaptation, but the participation of Norman Reedus, who played the role of Sam, has not yet been confirmed. In parallel, an animation project is being developed, the actions of which will unfold in the game universe.