Kojima Fans Notice Fun Link Between Death Stranding 2 and Metal Gear Solid 2 Box Art

The excitement for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach surged over the weekend with the release of a new trailer, unveiling the release date, collector's edition, box art, and more. As fans delved into these details, one keen observer on Reddit pointed out a nostalgic link to director Hideo Kojima's previous 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 child "Lou," a character familiar to fans of the original game. Reddit user ReverseTheFlash shared a post titled "He did it again," juxtaposing this box art with a promotional slipcase from Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty that showcases a strikingly similar theme. The MGS2 slipcase portrays Japanese singer Gackt in a comparable pose, holding a child, although the resemblance isn't exact, it's a delightful nod for fans to spot.

This connection recalls the intriguing promotional campaign for Metal Gear Solid 2, where Gackt was prominently featured in various ads and even on special slip-covers for the game in certain regions. This has left behind a trail of unique MGS memorabilia that has both fascinated and puzzled fans over the years.

For those curious about Gackt's involvement, Hideo Kojima provided an interesting explanation in 2013. He stated that the reason for Gackt's inclusion in the MGS2 TV commercials was tied to the game's themes: "MGS1 was about DNA and MGS2 about MEME. DNA consists of 'AGTC,' and adding the 'K' from KOJIMA results in 'GACKT.'" This playful connection adds another layer to the game's promotional strategy.

Given that the new trailer for Death Stranding 2 carries echoes of Metal Gear, it's no wonder fans are drawing these connections. While I believe these similarities are more a reflection of recurring themes in Kojima's work, it's always enjoyable to speculate and reminisce about the past, especially with a promotional cover featuring Gackt.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5. Fans can look forward to diving back into Kojima's unique universe, filled with intriguing connections to his storied career.