From the moment you start Death Stranding 2, one would imagine Hideo Kojima must have cooked something crazy again. This seems to be what initial impressions trending seem to suggest, yet the players are split on whether that really does justice. There are those who are excited to consider it pretentious while others are simply curious if it is just another walking simulator rebranded as something else. Typical Kojima talk.
The original tweet by Dexerto actually teased that “from your first steps in Death Stranding 2, you know you’re in for something special,” which does sound about right for a Kojima joint. But the replies? Well, they’re an absolute mess, and for the best. One player basically said: “not just a walking simulator then?” while another joked: “So it might have some gameplay this time? 🤡” Rough. But maybe fair? The first one was sort of polarizing, and it would seem the sequel is frankly inheriting that same energy.
Fear mongering? Not at all. Still, the rising generation of game critics are now taking gamers along for the hype train. “Another Hideo Kojima masterclass 😎,” one reply reads, and an entirely different reply intejected, “Can’t wait for the release. Kojima always goes the extra mile 💯.” Then there are the compromised, who frankly state, “I loved the first game despite its flaws. If the sequel truly improves on those foundations, I might need to clear my calendar for a month.” That’s the vibe—either you’re all in, completely out, or cautiously optimistic.
Of course, the obligatory Palworld comparison sprang up because, well, why not? Another reply stated, “Still not better than Palworld,” which, okay, sure. Different games, different vibes, but hey, gamers gonna game. Meanwhile, others are already debating just how it’ll stack up with other upcoming titles, with one foregone conclusion: “It’s gonna be an insane match up with KCD2 vs E33 vs DS2.” The 2024 calendar is stacked, and Death Stranding 2, for sure, is one of its wildcards.
Then the whole should-have-been-a-movie bitching creeps in with the lost puppy. “I don’t understand why he didn’t just make this into a movie instead of a game,” one player vents, while another one agrees, “They should make a movie out of this game.” But let’s get real—Kojima’s games are pretty much just playable movies to begin with, and that’s the charm (or frustration, depending on who you ask).
Weirder? Pekora cameos confirmed, maybe meme-worthy. Weirder times on a Kojima thread, kinda.
At the end of the day, Death Stranding 2 is looking to be one hell of a weird, divisive, and loud experience: just like you expect it to be. Whether that’s your thing or not, well, up to you. But, one thing is for sure—Kojima will remain unapologetically loud about it, and the responses will be just as extra as the game itself.
So yeah, strap in. It’s gonna be a ride. Again.
