Things That Make Death Stranding 2 So Kojima-Coded

Hideo Kojima is undeniably proud of the style of his game creations. It’s immediately apparent when a game carries the Kojima signature, as the storytelling, game mechanics, and every aspect in between showcase exceptional skill. In essence, Death Stranding 2 embodies much of Kojima’s creative DNA, serving as a tribute to his lifelong achievements within the gaming industry that stretches over many years.

Since the narrative in Death Stranding 2 takes center stage, you can’t help but notice Hideo Kojima’s impact on every design element. So, why not explore some parts of Death Stranding 2 that will leave gamers exclaiming, “Now that’s classic Kojima!“?

7. References to Metal Gear Solid

Kojima’s Kept You Waiting, Huh?

In Hideo Kojima’s latest creation, Death Stranding 2, one can’t help but notice the nods to his renowned Metal Gear Solid series. Kojima is known for weaving elements from past projects into his new works, and this game is no exception. For instance, in Death Stranding, the protagonist Sam gazes at a cardboard box, echoing a past character’s actions. In Death Stranding 2, these references are amplified; the antagonist bears a striking resemblance to Solid Snake, complete with a bandanna, and there’s even a cyborg samurai ally akin to Raiden. The iconic phrase “kept you waiting, huh?” also makes an appearance, a line that Kojima often uses in his Metal Gear games. This is just one more example of how Kojima lovingly incorporates his past works into his new creations, especially the legendary Metal Gear series.

6. Very Long Cutscenes

Kojima’s Games Play Well, and Behave Like Movies

In the sequel of Death Stranding, the gameplay is exceptional with cleverly crafted stealth and action sequences interwoven, yet they take a backseat to the captivating narrative. The game has extended cutscenes that, although not as prolonged as Metal Gear Solid 4’s intro, are still quite extensive. During these scenes, players may find themselves putting down their controllers for periods of 10 to 20 minutes or more while they charge. However, this is a characteristic typical of Kojima games, where fans anticipate lengthy cutscenes due to the immersive and engaging stories they present.

5. Strong Emotional Themes and Scenes

Kojima Knows How to Tug at Heart Strings and Provoke Thoughts

Hideo Kojima possesses an exceptional ability to craft compelling narratives, a testament to his skills as both a writer and director. He skillfully infuses genuine emotion into his words, scenes, and actors, which is evident in numerous moments throughout Death Stranding 2. These scenes will leave players on the edge of their seats with tension and emotion. Over the course of all his games, Kojima has mastered this concept. Beyond these emotionally charged sequences, there are underlying themes that pack a punch and reflect real-world issues. For instance, Metal Gear Solid 2 delves into the topic of a controlled government, while Death Stranding emphasizes the value of human connections, especially in light of our modern challenges with human interaction and AI reliance. In essence, Death Stranding 2 demonstrates Kojima’s continued relevance by addressing contemporary issues related to human connection and artificial intelligence.

4. A Love of Celebrities

Pop Culture is Adored by Kojima

Hideo Kojima consistently infuses pop culture references into his game creations. Characters casually discuss movies, music, and other pop culture elements, as shown in Codec conversations with Snake or more overtly in character models based on celebrities. The upcoming game, Death Stranding 2, takes this approach even further by featuring an A-list cast, including Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, Elle Fanning, and George Miller, not only in their roles but also in the facial models used for their characters. Furthermore, many of the preppers that the protagonist Sam interacts with have face scans modeled after other well-known directors, musicians, actors, and personalities. Kojima’s fascination with celebrities is evident in Death Stranding 2.

3. Absolutely Wild Concepts and Tech

Character Quirks, Lore Drops, and Tech Helps to Build Kojima’s World

In the expansive narrative of Death Stranding 2, each dialogue exchange enriches the lore and introduces intriguing tidbits about the game’s world, or showcases mind-bending technology that combines absurdity with coolness. The creative elements in Death Stranding 2 are largely derived from its unique setting, featuring Beaches, BBs, Ghost Mechs, the 21-minute syndrome, and DOOMs. The characters in this game possess unique traits that bring forth captivating and enjoyable ideas. Beyond these concepts and technology, there’s always more to discover as Death Stranding 2 incorporates real-life brand deals for songs and sunglasses, a practice Kojima has utilized before as well.

2. Exposition Galore

Characters Have to Explain Quite a Bit of Lore

Hideo Kojima’s narratives are frequently complex, yet they’re intricate and comprehensible with ample explanation. A significant portion of Kojima’s stories necessitates a broad understanding of the ideas and motifs presented, which is why there are detailed scenes where characters like Heartman clarify the situation. While it may involve more “telling” rather than “showing,” it’s essential for clarity, and the distinctive storytelling style of Kojima often includes extended dialogues to explain events accurately.

1. Absurdist Humor

Fourth Wall Breaks and Nonsensical Scenes Are Part of the Charm

In the midst of its profound storyline and themes, Death Stranding 2 manages to inject fun into its gameplay design through a variety of means. From secret scenes that are crucial to the plot, filled with absurd humor, to the main antagonist addressing players directly, or Heartman giving a thumbs-up, the protagonist Sam encountering bizarre dreams, and even observing Charlie’s mannequin dance to BB’s Theme by Ludvig Forssell – there’s no shortage of amusing moments in Death Stranding 2. This playful approach to humor is characteristic of Kojima’s work.

2025-07-04 19:48