Death Stranding 2: On the Beachis looking as promising as ever, positioned to continue the adventures of Sam Porter Bridges and his compatriots as they attempt to rebuild America in a post-apocalyptic world. But knowing Hideo Kojima, things likely won’t be as straightforward and simple as that brief description, and audiences can almost certainly expect the unexpected when it comes toDeath Stranding’s gameplay and narrative.
Kojima’s penchant for experimentation and reinvention begs an important question: just how different willDeath Stranding 2be from its predecessor? Based on the information currently available about the game, it looks like it will follow the same broad-strokes premise as the first entry, tasking players with delivering various packages and interacting with disparate characters and factions, but it also seems to be examining the actions of the UCA with a more critical eye, possibly questioning if its actions were worth the cost. This new narrative could have a number of unique impacts on gameplay, but one less-discussed element of theDeath Strandingformula ought to receive a punch-up in the sequel, regardless of narrative context.
Death Stranding 2 Should Elevate Private Rooms
Private Rooms Have Unrealized Potential in the First Death Stranding
Located in distribution centers, bunkers, and safehouses that the player can construct themselves, Private Rooms play an important role in theDeath Strandinggameplay loop. It’s within these spaces that players can replenish their gear, recover stamina, change their loadout, and eventually evenfast travel courtesy of Fragile’s Chiralium abilities. There’s an undeniable charm to these sanitized, Spartan safe spaces, which are the only areas where players may feel that they are actually at peace. After crossing vast expanses of unfriendly terrain and going toe-to-toe with BTs, gamers might relish the chance to rest in a Private Room just as much as Sam himself.
Private Rooms also allow for moments of levity and peace, as players can enjoy various musical tracks via the in-game media player, engage with superfluous mechanics like the interactive mirror, and even break the fourth wall, as Sam will address the audience both directly and indirectly, under certain circumstances. But the novelty of these frivolous features wears thin surprisingly quickly, and it might be wise for Kojima Productions to spruce up Private Rooms a bit inDeath Stranding 2, making them a bit more engaging and rewarding to interact with.
Customization Options Would Be a Much-Welcome Change to Private Rooms in Death Stranding 2
Private Rooms are barren, practical, and devoid of personality inDeath Stranding, and that’s sort of the point: the world ofDeath Strandingis one where people are greatly repressed, and Sam himself is certainly not the type to spruce up his living space with personal artifacts, beyond minor trinkets like his dream catcher. At least, that’s how one could describe Sam at the start of the game. Throughout the course of his adventures, and as he forms new connections with his various allies,Sam grows into a more open and emotionally attunedcharacter, willing to accept his past and future, and softening to those around him.
This is the Sam Porter Bridges thatplayers will meet at the start ofDeath Stranding 2, and so it would make sense for the sequel to feature a greater degree of personalization in Private Rooms, or their equivalent. If players could alter the layout of these living spaces, or decorate them with various collectibles they find during their travels, it would allow for a greater connection between the audience and the virtual environment. Moreover, it could be indicative of Sam’s newfound emotional growth, as he is now willing to put down roots, as it were.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam—with companions by his side—sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.
