Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Saudi Gazette

19-07-2025

The ES TIMES – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was released exclusively on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025, offering a new experience developed by Kojima Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Hideo Kojima continues his signature approach of cinematic design, philosophical storytelling, and genre-defying gameplay. Norman Reedus reprises his role as Sam Porter Bridges, joined once again by Léa Seydoux and Troy Baker. New faces include Elle Fanning and George Miller. This time, the story unfolds in post-apocalyptic Mexico and the vast expanses of Australia, reinforcing the game's core message: the importance of human connection in a fractured world.
We received a review code directly from PlayStation, allowing us to explore the game and share our insights with you.
A fragile peace shatters
Death Stranding 2 begins roughly a year after the events of the first game, with Sam and Lou enjoying a quiet life in northern Mexico. Their peace is disrupted when Fragile arrives with a new mission—to expand a communications network called Drawbridge. With BRIDGES now dissolved, a new organization, APAC, emerges as Fragile seeks to reconnect fragmented human settlements around the globe.
The mission begins
In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Sam embarks on a dangerous journey to reconnect isolated communities across treacherous terrain. While some story points feel familiar, the emotional resonance is stronger. Kojima's blend of science fiction and metaphor remains impactful.
A more focused world
A more focused world
Set in a world on the edge of collapse, the game presents a more coherent and grounded narrative than its predecessor. Unity is the central theme, as couriers risk their lives to reconnect Australia. Unlike the original, this installment emphasizes clear objectives and well-paced subplots.
Characters and events are introduced efficiently, maintaining narrative flow. Every scene has purpose—something the first game sometimes lacked. Fantasy and surreal elements are still present, but are now more tightly integrated into the story. Characters like Tomorrow, Fragile, and Rainy receive meaningful introductions. The DHV Magellan serves both as a narrative device and emotional anchor.
Sam, once distant, has become more emotionally accessible. His development is one of the game's highlights.
Improved use of flashbacks
Improved use of flashbacks
Flashbacks return but are now smoother and often optional. They feel natural and are easier to follow. Enemies remain visually and narratively threatening, enhancing tension and driving the plot forward.
Kojima's philosophical themes remain, but are better structured. The narrative follows a logical progression, keeping players engaged.
A deeper world for the curious
A robust in-game guide offers detailed explanations on characters, events, and lore. It's accessible even during cutscenes, helping new and returning players avoid confusion.
Death Stranding 2 addresses many of the original's narrative weaknesses. Its themes are clearer, its structure more refined, and its emotional beats more resonant.
Gameplay: Familiar flow, meaningful expansion
Gameplay: Familiar flow, meaningful expansion
Smarter controls and accessibility
Controls have been streamlined. Crawling and holding your breath are now single-button actions. Inventory management is easier, with faster equipment toggling and discard options. These refinements make transitions between exploration and combat more fluid.
Crystal collection and directional shortcuts are now simpler. The interaction system feels more responsive and natural.
Physics-based movement and planning
Sam's movement still relies on physical realism. Terrain, fatigue, slope, and wind all influence travel. Strategic momentum can be used to navigate slopes and obstacles more efficiently.
The environment now has a greater gameplay impact. Weather events and natural disasters influence route planning. As terrain worsens, players must adapt their gear and tactics accordingly.
Mobility remains central. Upgraded vehicles offer better storage, power, and defensive options. Infrastructure is vital to navigating sandstorms, earthquakes, and floods. Players use survey tools and predictive systems to avoid danger.
A deeper RPG system
RPG mechanics are more prominent. Skills like running and stealth evolve through usage. The APAS skill tree now includes five branches: mobility, stealth, tools, combat, and communication. Players can reassign points for flexible builds.
Smarter loadout strategies
Loadouts can be fragile, temperature-sensitive, or time-limited. Auto-loading remains available but requires thoughtful preparation. Successful missions depend on syncing your gear to the terrain.
Combat feels more fluid
Weapon-switching is faster. Dropping your pack increases agility. Stealth is enhanced with better camouflage and time-based effects.
Enemy behavior adapts to light and sound. Each camp features unique layouts and challenges. However, enemy AI remains mostly static, with many strategies staying effective throughout the game.
Boss battles show more variety, though patterns emerge quickly. A deeper resistance system would have added more challenge. Still, mid- and late-game encounters offer standout moments—especially when vehicles are unavailable.
Versatile vehicles and creative tools
Vehicle behavior changes with load and terrain. Bikes enhance speed but reduce the challenge. New tools support experimentation, and familiar items return early to expand play options.
Side quests with real substance
Side quests with real substance
Side quests are thoughtfully designed, not filler. They revisit familiar locations with new challenges and gear requirements. Some rival the main quests in depth and creativity.
Each task requires tailored planning—some favor bikes, others trucks. Hidden paths and secrets reward exploration.
Tactical customization and strategy
Tactical customization and strategy
Weapons display detailed stats—range, noise, durability. Gear degrades, encouraging frequent upgrades. Customization lets players balance speed, power, and carrying capacity.
Resource scarcity and slow camp replenishment promote exploration and planning. Players can choose between stealth, non-lethal tools, or aggressive tactics.
Improved online and co-op systems
Improved online and co-op systems
Player-built structures now have greater impact. Generators, ziplines, and shelters provide meaningful support. However, new building types are limited.
Shared tools still foster connection. On one occasion, I lacked a ladder to cross a river—until I found one left by another player. It felt like a quiet moment of community.
Music and performance: Deeply immersive
Music and performance: Deeply immersive
Strong performances
Elle Fanning, Troy Baker, and especially Norman Reedus deliver emotionally layered performances. Animation and facial capture add nuance.
Music in narrative and combat
Music plays a stronger narrative role. Tracks like 'Tomorrow' evoke deep emotion. During combat, music dynamically shifts with player actions—building intensity or retreating as needed.
Woodkid and Ludvig Forssell's work stands out, with scores that convey fear, hope, and peace. Seamless transitions and reworked themes from the first game add fresh emotional weight.
Audio design and environmental detail
Audio design and environmental detail
Sound design is exceptional. Weapons, weather, and movement effects are carefully engineered. DualSense integration elevates immersion with responsive vibrations and audio cues.
Sound enhances every emotional moment—from howling wind to flooded footsteps. Players can now create custom playlists to personalize their experience.
Full Arabic localization
Full Arabic localization
PlayStation continues its commitment to Arabic-speaking audiences by offering full localization. In-game text and menus are accurately translated, maintaining clarity without disrupting immersion.
This ensures a more inclusive and comprehensible experience for Arabic players, especially in a narrative-heavy game.
Visuals: Breathtaking detail, subtle limitations
Visuals: Breathtaking detail, subtle limitations
The Decima Engine delivers stunning environments, from Mexico's dry plains to Australia's stormy coasts. Facial animations convey emotion down to the smallest details.
Yet, despite the graphical power, much of the terrain consists of wide open spaces with minimal micro-detail. It's breathtaking—but less visually dense than other titles.
Still, Death Stranding 2 stands among the most visually accomplished games of this generation.
Technical performance: Smooth, seamless
Technical performance: Smooth, seamless
Performance on PlayStation 5 is nearly flawless. Thanks to the SSD, loading times are negligible. Even during heavy combat or severe weather, frame rates remain stable.
Dynamic effects—snow, sand, rain, fog—are immersive and cinematic. Storms and BT encounters are punctuated by striking visuals and soundscapes.
Conclusion: Familiar shores, new reflections
Conclusion: Familiar shores, new reflections
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach refines rather than reinvents. It builds on the first game's emotional core while introducing tighter storytelling, improved mechanics, and smarter worldbuilding. While it reuses some elements, the result is a more focused, satisfying journey that rewards both introspection and exploration.
Pros:
• Emotionally resonant narrative with poignant moments
• Beautifully designed environments
• Improved navigation and infrastructure systems
• Flexible combat with multiple playstyles
• Immersive audio and standout performances
• Polished, near-flawless technical execution
Cons:
• Some narrative elements are recycled from the first game
• Certain new characters lack depth
• Combat feels less dangerous than before
• Asynchronous multiplayer is less innovative
Raouf Belhamra – Esports and Gaming Writer