"Death Stranding 2" In this game you hike against the end of the world
Cumbersome, monotonous, ingenious: these were frequent reactions to "Death Stranding" by Japanese cult developer Hideo Kojima. So what does the second part look like? Once again, packets are carried out and monsters are fought.
It's not just a simple shoot-em-up, but often a test of patience with familiar faces such as that of film star Norman Reedus ("The Walking Dead") or actress Léa Seydoux ("James Bond 007: No Time to Die"). The sequel "Death Stranding 2: On the Beach", released on June 26, seamlessly follows on from the game concept.
A beautiful, broken world - using Mexico and Australia as examples
Sam Porter Bridges, the hero of the first part, is caught up in his past. New dangers threaten mankind and Sam sets out once again from his self-imposed exile to fight back evil. The setting has changed: instead of North America, Sam now explores parts of Mexico and Australia.
But the problems remain the same. Just like in his first adventure, he has to cross raging rivers, rough terrain and snowstorms over seemingly insurmountable mountain ranges, while enemies lurk everywhere.
In "On the Beach", the game world is the real hero of the story. Kojima and his developers at Kojima Productions tell of a future that has been all but destroyed by the ghosts of the stranded death that gave the game its title.
In this chaos, political intrigue ensues, bandits crawl out of their holes and gruesome monsters emerge from slimy tar. Protagonist Sam, who actually just wants to deliver his parcels, ends up in the middle of it all. A somewhat different mix of genres and themes.
Parcel deliveries in a beguilingly beautiful post-apocalypse
As in the first part, Sam transports parcels through a beguilingly beautiful post-apocalypse in order to expand his network and unite the remnants of humanity. Every tour needs to be well prepared: a truck or a motorcycle for rough terrain, an exoskeleton for heavy loads or climbing hooks to abseil down a mountainside.
He uses a mobile construction kit to build roads in the middle of nowhere or bridges to cross rivers. Almost every tour is a Herculean task that can take several agonizingly long minutes.
However, it's not just snowstorms or earthquakes that provide an adrenaline rush, but also numerous enemies. Sometimes Sam has to sneak past creepy ghosts or infiltrate enemy bases. The boss battles are spectacular and a little chaotic, with huge monsters suddenly appearing.
As usual, the sequel offers a larger arsenal of weapons. Machine guns, shock bombs or a mortar for the truck help Sam in the fight against the numerous threats.
In mines, on rails and across the sea with the "Magellan"
Once Sam has successfully delivered a package, he can look forward to rewards. Grateful customers provide him with new construction plans or equipment. Sam uses experience points for helpful skills such as better shooting efficiency or a battery boost for the vehicles.
In his new adventure, Sam can even mine raw materials for his buildings or use a rail network to shorten transportation routes. And: He can also travel on the ship "Magellan" to shorten routes. The "Magellan" is not only a useful tool, but also brings together an illustrious crew.
The community can support Sam in building and fighting
Kojima is once again relying on familiar faces: actress Elle Fanning ("Like a Complete Unknown") is part of the crew, as are directors George Miller ("Mad Max") and Fatih Akin ("Against the Wall"), with Akin on board as a talking doll.
Each of these characters carries a heavy fate with them, such as death or loneliness. However, the melancholy of these themes is repeatedly broken up by ironic nuances.
Sam can not only rely on his crew, but also on the game community, as in the first part. Although there is no classic multiplayer mode in which other players explore the world with Sam, he can ask for help with his buildings or request support in combat.
With a few "Likes", the bond between the individual players becomes closer and opens up further opportunities for cooperation. This is a huge help, especially when building larger road projects.
Faster, more spectacular and less confusing than its predecessor
Fans of the first part will quickly notice that Sam's new adventure is faster-paced and more spectacular. Although a parcel tour across the mountains can take a frustratingly long time, players now have more options to make the parcel messenger's life easier.
In addition, the story is no longer quite as confusing as its predecessor. Nevertheless, Kojima's mix of philosophical questions about life, brutal action and self-irony will again cause some players to shake their heads. The game is certainly full and extensive: you should allow for around 30 to 40 hours of playtime.
Conclusion: Great adventure in unconventional game worlds for the patient
Despite making concessions to the mass market, "Death Stranding 2: On the Beach" remains the somewhat different gaming blockbuster. Hideo Kojima and his development studio have created a dark portrait of our future.
He combines different genres to create an unconventional adventure that is visually impressive and more varied in terms of gameplay than its predecessor. A great adventure for patient players who want to immerse themselves in unusual game worlds away from the masses.
