Death Stranding 2’s Twist: Honoring or Repeating MGS2’s Shocking Prototype Swap?

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As a gamer, I’m all pumped up about the upcoming adventure with “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.” This sequel is hinting at a mind-twisting narrative that promises to surpass the oddity of its prequel. Familiar faces and fresh blood make up the cast, but among the newcomers, Neil catches my eye. A smuggler, Neil’s appearance in the SXSW trailer for “Death Stranding 2” has got me hooked as he sports an outfit that echoes the legendary Solid Snake, leaving Kojima fans intrigued.

Wearing a bandana and military garb, Neil bears an striking resemblance to the character Solid Snake, leading some to speculate that this could be a hint towards a change in the main character. This isn’t the first time Kojima has taken a bold move with a game’s protagonist, as seen in MGS2: Sons of Liberty, where players were surprised to discover they wouldn’t be controlling Solid Snake but rather Raiden instead. While it’s possible that Neil could step into Sam’s shoes as the main character, it might be prudent to steer clear of such a dramatic shift in the narrative.

Leaving Sam Behind Would Also Risk Removing the Heart of Death Stranding

Absolutely, it can be argued that moving Solid Snake aside for Raiden in the Metal Gear Solid series was removing its core essence for some fans. However, upon reflection, many view MGS2 favorably. The main story was the standout feature of the sequel, and this trend might continue with Death Stranding 2. Yet, Death Stranding 2 seems to lack an essential aspect that MGS2 had: the element of surprise.

In the game Death Stranding, a recurring motif involves the contrast between ‘push’ (symbolized by sticks) and ‘pull’ (symbolized by ropes). Push is about separation, while pull signifies connection. The protagonist Sam’s objective to restore America mirrors the act of pulling together, which represents the rope in this context.

Death Stranding 2 Replacing its Protagonist Wouldn’t Feel as Special

Few people anticipated that MGS2 would switch its main character, given the marketing for the game primarily featured Solid Snake. This led fans to assume he would be the central figure. The unexpected move was a bold one, and it’s an action typically taken only by game creators once. If repeated, it begins to feel more like a trick rather than a genuine change that leaves a lasting impact on the storyline.

A Dual Protagonist Approach Could Still Work in Death Stranding 2

  • Sam may be a better protagonist to continue the series’ themes of connection.
  • Neil could represent the sequel’s teased themes of the dangers of connecting.

In contrast to the original “Death Stranding,” which centered around establishing connections across the nation, it appears that “Death Stranding 2” will delve into the repercussions and intricacies that such connections can entail. The scenes featuring Neil appear to be set immediately after the titular Death Stranding in America, possibly providing a peek at the initial stages following the catastrophe.

There’s a good chance that Death Stranding 2 might switch between Sam and Neil, as they embark on intertwining journeys. In this narrative, Neil could symbolize the “stick” aspect of the franchise, while Sam remains the embodiment of the “rope.” This dynamic could highlight both the perils and advantages of their choices.

Practically no one expected MGS2 to change its protagonist.

Neil has been tasked with smuggling brain-dead mothers from Mexico to America.

Death Stranding 2 is Right Around the Corner

  • Death Stranding 2 launches on June 26, 2025, for PS5.

Fortunately, Neil’s tale won’t remain hidden for long. The upcoming game, Death Stranding 2, promises to be one of the most anticipated releases this summer. Once it’s finally unveiled, it will be intriguing to discover if Kojima has another unexpected hero in store.

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2025-04-21 17:46