The excitement surrounding Death Stranding 2: On the Beach reached new heights over the weekend with the release of a fresh trailer, an official release date, details on the collector's edition, stunning box art, and more. As fans delved into these new details, one keen observer on Reddit, user ReverseTheFlash, pointed out a delightful nod 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, played by Norman Reedus, cradling the infant "Lou," a familiar character from the first game. ReverseTheFlash shared an insightful comparison, captioned "He did it again," juxtaposing this image with a slipcase from Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty that shows Japanese singer Gackt in a strikingly similar pose with a child. While not an exact replica, the echo between the two images is unmistakable and fun to spot.

He did it again
byu/ReverseTheFlash inDeathStranding

This connection serves as a reminder of the peculiar out-of-universe backstory of Metal Gear Solid 2. During the game's promotional phase, Gackt was prominently featured in various ads, including special slip-covers for certain editions of the game, which have since become intriguing pieces of MGS memorabilia.

For those curious about Gackt's involvement, Hideo Kojima provided an explanation in 2013. He revealed that he chose Gackt for Metal Gear Solid 2's TV commercials because the themes of the games aligned with his name. "MGS1 was about DNA & 'MGS2' MEME. DNA consists 'AGTC', adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT,'" Kojima explained, showcasing his penchant for clever thematic connections.

Given the new trailer for Death Stranding 2 is brimming with Metal Gear vibes, it's no wonder fans are drawing these connections. While I believe any similarities are likely a reflection of recurring themes in Kojima's work, it's always enjoyable to speculate and reminisce about iconic promotional materials, especially those featuring Gackt.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, and will be available exclusively on PlayStation 5.