Fans React to Death Stranding 2’s Unique Photo Mode

Hideo Kojima and his studio launched Death Stranding in 2019. While the game received a mixed reception when it was released, time has only made DS become recognized as a modern video game masterpiece.

Now, Kojima is set to release the sequel Death Stranding 2: On the Beach sometime next year. While the recent showcase at the Tokyo Game Show gave fans a good look at the game and characters, the photo mode has gotten a lot of buzz in the online community.

Photo Mode in Death Stranding 2

While photo mode comes standard with many modern games, the showcase has proven that Death Stranding 2’s photo mode has a very special Kojima twist.

So instead of essentially freezing time and allowing players to put filters and move the camera around, Kojima designed the game so that photo mode will actually have the characters act like they’re actually being asked to take photos; meaning that they all stare at the camera, making cute poses and dancing around.

What’s more, the photos taken will mimic that of an actual camera and feature washed up lighting as if there was an actual camera flash at the scene. It doesn’t make for the most aesthetic photo, but it definitely makes the photo mode feel more real.

Is This Part of the Story?

Having the characters actually act like there’s a camera around during photo mode is one of those more unique elements in a game that fans always expect from a creative like Hideo Kojima. Based on the commentary for the video, the reason the photo mode may be the way it is, is because it has something to do with the story.

It’s possible that the story itself is aware that the player has a camera, and it does seem like there’s a board on the ship where players can put down all of the photos they’ve taken.

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Credit: Kojima Productions; fair use for news and promotional purposes

While this mode is very unique, it is curious if the game will allow for a more traditional photo mode where players can really just freeze time and have a ball floating the camera around and getting some very unique angles. Maybe there is even a more specific mode where they can choose which poses characters could do during the photo.

Then again, being able to do that specifically could take away from the experience of the characters just acting silly whenever a camera is on them.

Here’s the official description for the game:

“Sam – with companions by his side – sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction.

“Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: Should we have connected?

“Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.”

Watch out for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach when it comes to PS5 and PS5 Pro sometime in 2025.