Spoilers ahead for Death Stranding 2
After the finale of Death Stranding 2 played and the credits rolled, I was in tears. The story of both love and loss and how they're forever intertwined really struck a nerve, but I was fully expecting this to be the case. Death Stranding 2 has been one of my most anticipated games of the year, so I knew it would tug at the heartstrings.
I like emotional stories in general. Whether it be video games, movies, or TV shows, a solid cry really does me good, and Death Stranding 2 definitely gave me that catharsis, even after witnessing Die Hardman's spit-take-worthy song and dance number. Kojima Productions dove deeper into emotional storytelling, but as I said, I expected it. What I didn't expect, though, was for Death Stranding 2 to introduce me to my dream home.
Death Stranding 2 is Kojima at Both His Goofiest and Most Sincere
Death Stranding 2's story blends heartfelt moments with the outrageous, making it one of Hideo Kojima's most standout games yet.
Sam's Hideout in Death Stranding 2 May Seem Like Isolation to Some, But to Me, it's the Perfect Setup
A Little Shack in the Desert
When Death Stranding 2 opens, Sam is shown walking back home with Lou in tow. As the two approach a cliffside, it's revealed that Sam's hideout is hidden within the rocks in an underground bunker. Nestled at the edge of Mexico, Sam and Lou get to enjoy a quiet life of seclusion, and watching these opening scenes unfold really gave me a comforting feeling that truly surprised me.
The hideout itself is about the size of a mid-sized studio apartment with everything one might need. It has a bed, kitchen, and living space, and that's about it, at least inside. Outside, there's a garage area to the left of the entrance, and as someone who loves both simplicity and tinkering, Sam's setup is ideal. Just like the first game, Death Stranding 2 is all about connection, and while being tied to the world in some capacity is important, it's also just as important to have a space where one can be secluded whenever they need.
I like emotional stories in general. Whether it be video games, movies, or TV shows, a good cry really does me good, and Death Stranding 2 definitely gave me that catharsis.
A Sprawling Landscape as Far as Sam Can See
The opening scene of Death Stranding 2 is truly breathtaking. Once I could take control of Sam, I had to stop for a second and marvel at just how beautiful the terrain of the post-Death Stranding Mexico was. The rocky, mountain-covered desert looked like it could go on forever, and as a nature lover, Sam's hideout being located here was only the cherry on top of a great living space.
Getting to hike across the landscape as Sam while the game's soundtrack hummed in the background was a perfect combination for me. I regularly run and hike, so getting to travel as Sam during those first moments felt almost like playing a simulator of what an ideal hiking trip would be like. The first Death Stranding game eventually gained a reputation for being surprisingly cozy, and the opening of Death Stranding 2 was an instant reminder as to why that is.
Death Stranding 2 Demonstrates the Importance of Solitude in a Continuously Connecting World
Throughout the game, taking Sam to his private room is an activity that brings the day's journey back to stable ground. It not only gives Sam time to decompress, but players as well. Death Stranding 2 is packed with content, so getting a chance to have a breather before the next mission is nice. It also shows just how important being able to get away from it all is. Nowadays, humans are constantly plugged into the world around them, and it can quickly become too much. Whether it be a cool, secluded hideout or a private room, a cozy nook is essential for the moments when you need to escape.
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- June 26, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Violence, Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Kojima Productions
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
