The excitement surrounding Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has reached new heights with the recent unveiling of its trailer, release date, collector's edition, box art, and more. Amidst the flurry of new information, eagle-eyed fans have spotted an intriguing link to Hideo Kojima's earlier masterpiece, 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 familiar face for those who played the first game. This image has sparked discussions, with Reddit user ReverseTheFlash highlighting a striking parallel to the Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase, which showcases Japanese singer Gackt in a similar pose with a child. While not identical, the visual echo between the two artworks is undeniable and adds a layer of nostalgia for fans.

This connection serves as a reminder of the unique marketing strategies used for Metal Gear Solid 2. Gackt's involvement in multiple promotional materials for the game, including special slip-covers in certain regions, has left a lasting impact and a collection of curious memorabilia. The reasoning behind Gackt's role in the campaign was explained by Kojima himself in 2013: "MGS1 was about DNA & 'MGS2' MEME. DNA consists 'AGTC', adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT.' " This playful explanation adds an amusing twist to the marketing lore of the series.

Given that the new trailer for Death Stranding 2 exudes a strong Metal Gear influence, it's no wonder fans are quick to draw these connections. While I believe these similarities are more a reflection of recurring themes in Kojima's work, they certainly fuel engaging discussions and nostalgic journeys. Reflecting on promotional art featuring Gackt is a delightful way to revisit the past.

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