Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has just gone gold! Hideo Kojima’s sequel to the acclaimed science-fiction 'strand' game is nearing release, and fans have been deep in speculation about what to expect from this strange new world Kojima has crafted once again.
One popular theory circulating in the community is that Kojima might be pulling off another Metal Gear Solid 2, where what we see in the trailers isn’t always true. Despite Norman Reedus’ Sam Porter Bridges being front and center, fans suspect a bait-and-switch could be coming, similar to when Raiden unexpectedly became the playable character in MGS2.
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+ 3Kojima Productions recently welcomed top outlets like Game Informer and IGN to its Japan studio for a preview event, offering them a chance to play the first 30 hours of Death Stranding 2. While we, unfortunately, didn’t get an invite, reports from these previews suggest the game will take a completely unexpected turn, lending more weight to theories that Kojima is revisiting his MGS2-style misdirection.
Many now believe that Luca Marinelli’s character, Neil, could become the second playable character later in the game. Based on trailers and preview footage, it seems Sam and BB may end up in a tough spot, leaving Fragile and the rest of DRAWBRIDGE to search for the missing BB and potentially Sam.
READ: What the Hell Is Death Stranding Even About?
click to enlarge + 3Even from the game’s initial reveal, it was clear that Neil isn’t just your average smuggler. In many ways, he feels like a spiritual successor to Solid Snake, which is fitting, considering Kojima’s long-standing connection to the Metal Gear series. Neil also appears to lead a well-armed team of spectral badasses, much like Mads Mikkelsen’s Cliff in the first game.
It’s possible that Neil could serve as the twist in the story, with stealth and action sequences reserved specifically for his sections as he navigates his smuggling routes across hostile borders. His Snake-like bandana might not be coincidental. If this theory holds up, the protagonist switch could occur shortly after the 30-hour mark in the game, or perhaps even during those previewed hours.
There’s still plenty of mystery surrounding Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. We haven’t even touched on Elle Fanning’s role as Tomorrow, or why Kojima is so fascinated with the weird talking doll known as Dollman. As with all Kojima projects, there’s no shortage of room for speculation, but the MGS2-style twist is beginning to feel more and more plausible.
READ: Every New Character Confirmed for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
click to enlarge + 3Of course, take all of this with a grain of salt. But if it turns out to be true, we may be witnessing the arrival of Kojima’s modern opus, and I, for one, can’t wait to get my hands on it. After all, Kojima’s madness knows no bounds.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches June 24 for PlayStation 5. Other platforms, such as PC and Xbox Series X/S, may have to wait a few more years until the exclusivity deal expires.
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