Over the weekend, fans of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach were treated to an exciting new trailer, along with a confirmed release date, a collector's edition, box art, and more. As enthusiasts delved into the details, one intriguing connection to Hideo Kojima's past work, Metal Gear Solid 2, caught their attention. The box art for Death Stranding 2 features Sam "Porter" Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus, holding the child "Lou," a familiar character from the first game. Reddit user ReverseTheFlash pointed out this connection by sharing the box art alongside a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase, which displays a strikingly similar composition with Japanese singer Gackt holding a child.
While the two images are not identical, the similarities are undeniable and offer a fun nod to fans. This observation also serves as a reminder of an odd yet fascinating chapter in the Metal Gear Solid promotional history. Leading up to the release of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Gackt was prominently featured in various promotional materials, including special slip-covers in some regions, which have since become curious collectibles that both intrigue and baffle fans.
For those curious about Gackt's involvement in the Metal Gear Solid 2 campaign, Hideo Kojima provided an explanation in 2013. He stated that he chose Gackt because "MGS1" was themed around DNA, and "MGS2" around MEME. DNA is represented by the letters 'AGTC,' and adding 'K' from KOJIMA results in 'GACKT.' This playful reasoning highlights Kojima's creative approach to marketing.
Given that the new trailer for Death Stranding 2 has a distinct Metal Gear vibe, it's not surprising that fans are drawing these connections. While I believe these similarities are mainly a reflection of recurring themes in Kojima's work, it's always enjoyable to speculate and reminisce, especially when it involves a memorable promo featuring Gackt.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.
