Kojima Fans Notice Fun Link Between Death Stranding 2 and MGS2 Box Art

Over the weekend, fans of Hideo Kojima were treated to a new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, along with exciting details such as a release date, a collector's edition, and new box art. As enthusiasts delved into the intricacies, one keen observer noticed a delightful nod to 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 character familiar to fans of the original game. Reddit user ReverseTheFlash pointed out this connection with the post "He did it again," juxtaposing the Death Stranding 2 box art with a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase that showcases a strikingly similar composition.

He did it again
byu/ReverseTheFlash inDeathStranding

The Metal Gear Solid 2 promotional material features Japanese singer Gackt holding a child, echoing the motif seen in the new Death Stranding 2 artwork. While not an exact replica, the parallels between the two covers are undeniable and offer a playful nod to fans. This also brings to light an intriguing aspect of Metal Gear Solid's promotional history.

Leading up to its release, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty featured Gackt prominently in its marketing campaign, including special slip-covers for the game in certain regions. These promotional items have since become a curious and somewhat enigmatic part of the Metal Gear Solid legacy, sparking both fascination and confusion among fans over the years.

For those curious about Gackt's involvement, Hideo Kojima provided an explanation in 2013. He stated that he chose Gackt for the Metal Gear Solid 2 TV commercials because "MGS1 was about DNA and MGS2 about MEME. DNA consists of 'AGTC,' and adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT.'" This clever play on letters adds an extra layer of depth to the promotional strategy.

With the new trailer for Death Stranding 2 evoking strong Metal Gear vibes, it's no wonder fans are quick to draw connections between the two. While I believe these similarities are primarily a reflection of recurring themes in Kojima's work, it's always enjoyable to speculate and reminisce, especially when it involves revisiting promotional art featuring Gackt.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5. This eagerly awaited release promises to continue Kojima's tradition of storytelling and innovation in the gaming world.