Kojima Says Death Stranding 2 Is Missing One Thing: Controversy

by

For Hideo Kojima and Death Stranding, receiving predominantly favorable feedback before launch wasn’t a cause for celebration; instead, it presented a unique challenge to be met.

With June 26 drawing closer, early reviews of “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” are overflowing with accolades, leaving Hideo Kojima wishing for a bit more debate and criticism. Players and critics alike admire the sequel’s enhanced combat, mechanics, and world design, but Kojima yearns for a reaction that is more divisive and controversial.

This perspective isn’t unfamiliar to him. When Kojima’s Death Stranding debuted in 2019, it sparked a divide among its audience. Some praised it for being innovative and daring, while others criticized it as a slow, puzzling “walking game.” Yet, Kojima saw the debate as a creative triumph.

He shared that four out of every ten players favored the initial version, but six rejected it. This mix of appreciation and criticism made him feel he had produced something thought-provoking. In contrast, early testing for the follow-up indicated almost unanimous approval, which Kojima interprets as a possible indication that the game could be too conventional or widely accepted.

Yet, unlike many sequels, Death Stranding 2 manages to break free from typical sequel pitfalls by expanding upon the foundational ideas of its predecessor with significant enhancements. The landscape becomes increasingly volatile, introducing novel perils like sandstorms and earthquakes.

Currently, players can traverse long distances using monorails, ride animals, and choose from numerous combat weapons. Subtleties such as setting Sam’s backpack down while in stealth mode hint at a growing emphasis on player autonomy and interactive scenarios.

Kojima is adapting certain aspects of the game according to player suggestions, yet these alterations must align with his initial vision. For Kojima, the essence of the storyline and its themes should stay consistent. In a series of recent interviews, he expressed that he’s not focused on creating something universally appealing, and this sentiment is reflected in his design approach.

As a die-hard fan, I admire Kojima’s unwavering commitment to originality in his games. While they may sometimes confound or frustrate players, their unique qualities linger long after gameplay. However, I understand that financial stability is crucial for Kojima Productions. Despite the acceptance of controversy, failure is not an option for him. The success of the sequel is essential to ensure the team’s continued employment and the studio’s survival.

Death Stranding 2 aims to find the right blend of novelty and approachability to keep players engaged without overwhelming them. Despite Kojima’s penchant for stirring up debates, he remains committed to grand ambitions. With a reported playtime of approximately 75 hours, innovative traversal methods, refundable skill points, and an improved combat system, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is gearing up to be Kojima’s most intricate game yet.

The game has reached its final production stage and a global tour is scheduled for its launch. This time around, there might be more consensus among fans and critics, but Kojima is determined to surprise us again. He isn’t aiming for a familiar experience with Death Stranding 2; instead, he wants it to be an extraordinary journey. If stirring up some controversy along the way is necessary, so be it.

Read More

2025-05-16 09:42