Over the weekend, fans were treated to a new trailer for *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach*, along with exciting details such as a release date, collector's edition, box art, and more. Amidst the buzz, eagle-eyed fans spotted an intriguing connection to director Hideo Kojima's earlier work, *Metal Gear Solid 2*. The box art for *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach* features Sam "Porter" Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus, cradling the child "Lou," a familiar figure to players of the original game. Reddit user ReverseTheFlash highlighted this connection with a post titled "He did it again," juxtaposing the box art with a *Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty* slipcase that showcases a similar composition.
The *Metal Gear Solid 2* promotional material features Japanese singer Gackt holding a child in a pose reminiscent of the *Death Stranding 2* artwork. While not identical, the parallels are striking and have sparked a conversation among fans. This connection serves as a delightful nod to Kojima's past projects and a reminder of the peculiar promotional history of *Metal Gear Solid 2*.
During the marketing campaign for *Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty*, Gackt was prominently featured in various promotional materials, including special slip-covers in some regions. These artifacts have since intrigued and puzzled fans over the years. In 2013, Kojima explained his choice of Gackt for the promotional campaign, saying, "The reason I asked Gackt to be on MGS2's TVCM is 'MGS1' was about DNA & 'MGS2' MEME. DNA consists 'AGTC', adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT.'" This quirky reasoning adds a layer of fun and nostalgia to the connection.
Given the strong *Metal Gear* vibes in the new *Death Stranding 2* trailer, it's no wonder fans are drawing these connections. Personally, I believe any similarities are more a reflection of recurring themes in Kojima's work rather than direct references. Nonetheless, it's always enjoyable to speculate and reminisce, especially about a promotional cover featuring Gackt.
*Death Stranding 2: On the Beach* is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5, much to the excitement of fans eager to explore Kojima's latest creation.
