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

Over the weekend, fans were treated to an exciting new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which also unveiled a release date, collector's edition, box art, and more. As enthusiasts delved into the details, one keen observer on Reddit, user ReverseTheFlash, pointed out a delightful nod 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, portrayed by Norman Reedus, cradling the child "Lou," a familiar figure to players of the original game. ReverseTheFlash shared a side-by-side comparison on Reddit, captioned "He did it again," showcasing the Death Stranding 2 box art next to a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase. The latter features Japanese singer Gackt holding a child in a strikingly similar pose. While not an exact replica, the resemblance is unmistakable and adds a layer of fun for fans to explore.

This connection serves as a reminder of the intriguing promotional campaign for Metal Gear Solid 2, where Gackt played a significant role. Special slip-covers featuring Gackt were released in certain regions, contributing to the game's unique out-of-universe backstory that has both fascinated and puzzled fans over the years.

For those curious about Gackt's involvement, Hideo Kojima provided an explanation in 2013. He stated that he chose Gackt for Metal Gear Solid 2's TV commercials because "MGS1 was about DNA & 'MGS2' MEME. DNA consists 'AGTC', adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT.'" This playful reasoning adds another layer of depth to Kojima's creative process.

Given the new trailer's evident Metal Gear influences, it's no wonder fans are drawing connections between Death Stranding 2 and Kojima's earlier works. While these similarities might simply reflect recurring themes in Kojima's oeuvre, they certainly spark engaging discussions and nostalgic trips down memory lane, especially with the iconic Gackt promotional cover.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5, promising another thrilling adventure from the mind of Hideo Kojima.