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Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
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
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to return to Mexico in Death Stranding 2?
(Image via Kojima) In Death Stranding 2 , your journey starts in Mexico, but with Australia being the next big destination, many players rush ahead and forget to explore everything the first region has to offer. Then the regret kicks in: Did I miss something? Can I even go back? Don't worry. You absolutely can return to Mexico, and it's easier than you think. When Can You Go Back to Mexico? The moment you reach Australia and gain access to the main traversal tools, Mexico becomes available again. It's not locked off or time-sensitive. There's no point of no return. So even if you've already spent hours on the Australian continent, you can still backtrack whenever you're ready. How To Get Back To Mexico In Death Stranding 2 Where's the Portal Between Continents? To switch continents manually, look for the Plate Gate—this is your main bridge between Mexico and Australia. In Australia, you'll find it in the southwest region, close to the zone you originally landed in. Walk into the Plate Gate and you'll be transported straight to the Mexico Plate Gate, just like that. No long cutscene. No fuss. It's a walk-in, walk-out portal—making continent-hopping a core part of your exploration rather than a one-time event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Избавляемся от боли в суставах с помощью натуральных средств! Здоровые Суставы Undo Death Stranding 2: How to Fast Travel between Australia and Mexico How to Unlock Fast Travel to Go to Mexico in Death Stranding 2 ? Things get even smoother after you complete Order 12. This unlocks the DHV Magellan, your fast-travel airship. Here's how to use it to get back to Mexico: Open the Map using the Options button. Hold X to chart your route with the Magellan. Tap L1 to switch to the Mexico map. Select any base that's already part of the Chiral Network. The catch? You must be on the ship. If you try to send it somewhere while Sam isn't aboard, the ship will go alone—and you'll be stuck waving goodbye. Pro tip : Send the ship to a nearby Australian base first, board it, then fly out to your Mexico destination. Why Go Back to Mexico? Going back isn't just for completionists. Mexico's terrain shifts as the game progresses, opening up new Orders, Prepper requests, and environmental puzzles that weren't accessible during the prologue. Whether you're hunting lore, upgrading gear, or just vibing with that iconic DS atmosphere, Mexico's worth the revisit. Don't stress about missing anything. Death Stranding 2 is designed for freedom. The game wants you to go back, explore more, and connect every thread at your own pace. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Tom's Guide
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Death Stranding 2 is the most beautiful game I've ever played — and it's everything I'd hope for in a sequel
Platforms: PlayStation 5Price: $69 / £69 / AU$125Release Date: June 26, 2025 (June 24 Early Access)Genre: Action-Adventure Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a our second taste of Hideo Kojima's independence, and marks his first original title on the PS5. It takes up after the rather polarizing Death Stranding, which would go on to sell over 20M copies since its 2019 release across a variety of platforms, including PS4, PC, and even iOS devices. Its sequel keeps the same package-delivery gameplay structure of the original, but is underpinned by a story that's as breathtaking as it is action-packed. Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) is thrust back into the tides, put on a mission that sees him once more reconnecting a broken and isolated society using the chiral network. With the UCS (United Cities of America) in his rear-view, it's now time Sam sets his sights elsewhere. For that, we'll need the help of a sophisticated submersible called the DHV Magellan and new "Plate Gates," essentially giant wormholes connecting two distant places — in this case, Mexico and Australia. While this might be the second official title by Kojima Productions, this isn't Kojima's first rodeo. Elements of Metal Gear Solid ring throughout, with plenty of combat beats, stealth, and structure-building playing key parts in this exciting return-to-form. Here's why Death Stranding 2 is not only totally electrifying but already my favorite game of the year. Death Stranding 2 kicks off 11 months in the wake of its predecessor. Sam Porter Bridges is a father now, tending to the little baby Lou, the BB (Bridge Baby) who got you safely through the first game. You're holed up in Mexico, living a life of solitude that's punctuated by Lou's cheerful, bubbly laughter. All seems well in the world — Sam's world at least. But this happy-go-lucky, fatherly time doesn't last for long. Upon being thrust back into the world-connecting mix by Fragile (Léa Seydoux), who tasks you with bringing some areas of interest online in Mexico, your whole world no sooner falls apart. Lou's untimely and unfortunate passing following a random attack on your shelter leaves you devastated and heartbroken. You're once more totally alone. Some hope still remains, as Lou's supposed return as a BT (Beached Thing) in his old pod gives you slight solace. It's nowhere near the same, though, not as things used to be in those unforgettable 11 months of pure, unadulterated togetherness. A month passes and your mind remains in shambles. Depression and sadness have taken its toll, but Fragile's return with a whole new directive sparks hope. A new quest, led on a tar-gliding ship called the DHV Magellan might just be the thing that gives you the strength to carry on. It's here where we truly begin our journey, flowing neatly on through the Plate Gate into the sprawling open outback of Australia. And, it's here where even more exciting mysteries are just waiting to be uncovered. Kojima's brand-name narrative riddles are still ever-present, but the real meat of the story doesn't take several hours of cutscenes to sift through and get going this time around. Questions abound on the nature of several story threads, all of which you're left to ponder while traversing the Australian outback aided by a slew of new tools and friends that make the journey far more rewarding. The cast of astounding new characters includes the mysterious Tomorrow (Elli fanning) and Neil Vana (Luca Marinelli), to the bubbly Rainy (Shioli Kutsuna), and plenty more. Each have an interesting story to tell beyond the nature of the overriding narrative, making them feel as alive as ever. Of course, the return of Higgs (Troy Baker) ensures this mission is fraught with systematic impediments, made manifest in his legion of ghost mechs — not to mention the hordes of BTs and enemy encampments that litter the environment. Nothing Sam can't handle. Unlike its predecessor, Death Stranding 2 is all about the action. Combat, both stealth-based and in-their-face, is a pivotal part of your experience, and a slew of cool new toys makes this a total delight. These include an 80-round machine gun, bola stun gun, silenced machine pistol, and chiral cannon, to name just a few. One of my favorites, a weapon that was sorely lacking from the original, is the sniper rifle. It shoots tranquilizer rounds from a distance, but at the cost of drawing tons of attention, making you an instant target the moment it's fired. You do have to go out of your way to get this weapon, and it's not effective against the more menacing foes you'll be facing in Death Stranding 2: BTs, or "Beached Things." It's against these ghost-like creatures where Kojima's brand-name stealth comes into play. It dually blends the action-stealth you might know of Metal Gear Solid with the more terrifying aspects of Silent Hill, and works wonders, as getting caught by BTs can lead to a tough boss encounters, which can prove challenging in your first few hours. Luckily, stealth isn't a major requirement, but be sure to pack a grenade pistol (or two) if you're charting BT territory. But it's not just you making this trek through the grand outback. You'll find, thanks to the ever-growing chiral network that you're helping to put in place, a plethora of other players' tools and structures beginning to pockmark the map. Ropes, ladders, bridges, even weapons can all be found in the wild — so long as that particular area is connected to the network. Likes are the bleeding heart of this world. Exchanging likes is a way of broadening your connection with other players, many of which you'll find in the new SSS (Social Strand Service). Don't hesitate to make social contracts with those you know (and don't know) — they might just be your saving grace. If you're lucky, other players will directly assist you with a new feature called aid requests. This lets you drop down a beacon of need — say, a weapon's cache on the doorstep of an enemy encampment. Or, better still, you can even drop a request for that very encampment to be wiped out. There's this cathartic release you get every time you boot up Death Stranding 2 again and get a mass amount of likes from all the tools you've left behind and structures you've built. There's really nothing quite like it and it serves to give those hours of rebuilding roads, railways, putting up zip-lines, and leaving behind vehicles immense amount of purpose. Thus, whatever you do, don't play offline. Of course, this is still fundamentally the same gameplay loop as Death Stranding, which some might call "walking sim-esque." You're still a glorified delivery service worker trudging through the bleakness with packages strapped to your back — and that might not be for everyone. But, if there's one thing I can say, it's that Death Stranding 2 is one of the most beautiful games I've ever played. I've used camera mode in this game more than I ever have in all my life. The new day/night cycle coupled with the gorgeous backdrops make it prime fodder for unimaginable photography, the likes of which I'm nowhere near as capable at mastering as others. And, while it might bear a similar gameplay loop as its predecessor, at least there are plenty of quality of life improvements. These include much simpler menu navigation where you don't have to hold "X" to exit with your luggage, weapons instantly switching to the desired ammo type depending on the enemy encounter, and cargo management being an absolute breeze with its own d-pad quick button. Add to that major gameplay changes, like APAS enhancements that let you beef up Sam's abilities and mining facilities, some connected to full monorail systems, and many of the issues that plagued the original are long forgotten. Oh, and zip-lines can curve now! Death Stranding 2 is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. It's genuinely hard to put to words the gravity and emotions that swell throughout this game. Not just in terms of its narrative, but also in how the themes are represented so eloquently in its gameplay loop. It's also one of the very few experiences that actually brought tears to my eyes in its closing moments. Say what you will about the "walking sim" aspect of its general gameplay, put the story and its characters have purpose. They have feeling and mean something to you in the end. When those credits roll — you're left with unfettered sorrow and happiness all the same. Even if the first game left you feeling dissatisfied, stick with this one. There's so much to love in its asynchronous strand multiplayer elements, fluid stealth-combat, and meditative adventure. At its heart is a message that's totally poignant and ripe for our times, something we should all take to heart even in our bleakest moments. It's that we're never truly alone, and even in those small windows of seemingly helpless isolation, you should (and must) keep on keeping on.
