Over the weekend, fans of Hideo Kojima were treated to a new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, along with exciting announcements including a release date, details on a collector's edition, and stunning box art. As enthusiasts delved deeper into the details, one particular fan spotted an intriguing connection to Kojima's earlier masterpiece, Metal Gear Solid 2.
The box art for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features Sam "Porter" Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, cradling the child "Lou," a character familiar to those who played the first game. A Reddit user, ReverseTheFlash, posted an observation titled "He did it again," juxtaposing this image with a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase. The latter depicts Japanese singer Gackt in a strikingly similar pose, holding a child.
He did it again
by ReverseTheFlash in DeathStranding
Although not an exact match, the similarities between the two covers are undeniable and amusing to observe. It's also a nod to a curious part of Metal Gear Solid's promotional history.
In the lead-up to Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty's release, Gackt was prominently featured in various promotional materials. This included special slip-covers in certain regions, contributing to a collection of intriguing and sometimes bewildering MGS memorabilia.
Curious about Gackt's involvement? In 2013, Kojima explained that the reason he chose Gackt for MGS2's TV commercials was rooted in thematic elements. He noted that while MGS1 focused on DNA, MGS2 explored the concept of MEMEs. Cleverly, he pointed out that DNA's components 'AGTC,' when combined with the 'K' from KOJIMA, spell 'GACKT.'
Given the new trailer's strong Metal Gear influences, it's no wonder fans are making these connections. Personally, I believe any similarities are likely a reflection of recurring themes in Kojima's work. Yet, it's always enjoyable to speculate and reminisce, especially when it involves iconic promotional art featuring Gackt.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.
