Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’s new trailer, complete with a release date, collector’s edition details, box art, and more, has sent fans into a frenzy. One particularly observant Reddit user, ReverseTheFlash, noticed a fascinating connection to director Hideo Kojima’s past work: Metal Gear Solid 2.
The striking similarity lies in the box art for Death Stranding 2. It depicts Sam “Porter” Bridges (Norman Reedus) holding the child, Lou, a familiar figure to players of the first game. ReverseTheFlash’s post, simply stating “He did it again,” juxtaposes this artwork with a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase featuring a remarkably similar composition: Japanese singer Gackt holding a child.
While not an exact replica, the resemblance is undeniable and sparked a wave of online discussion. This parallel also highlights a curious, and somewhat obscure, aspect of Metal Gear Solid’s promotional history.
Gackt’s prominent role in Metal Gear Solid 2’s marketing campaign, including these unique slipcases, has long been a source of intrigue among fans. Kojima himself shed light on this unusual collaboration in 2013, explaining that his choice to feature Gackt was rooted in a thematic connection: “MGS1 was about DNA & MGS2 MEME. DNA consists of ‘AGTC,’ adding ‘K’ of KOJIMA becomes ‘GACKT.’”
Given the prevalent Metal Gear vibes in Death Stranding 2’s new trailer, these parallels aren’t entirely unexpected. While some might see it as a deliberate echo, others may interpret the similarities as recurring thematic elements within Kojima’s creative universe. Regardless of interpretation, the connection provides a fun opportunity for fans to reminisce and appreciate the quirky history of Metal Gear Solid 2’s marketing, all while anticipating the arrival of Death Stranding 2.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach releases exclusively on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025.
