Death Stranding 2 features quirky Easter eggs tied to Hideo Kojima that might raise eyebrows. Dive into the story behind these hidden gems and how the sequel reshapes the protagonists’ world.
Unveiling Easter Eggs and Narrative Shifts in Death Stranding 2
Kojima’s Self-Referential Easter Eggs Spark Mixed Reactions
Death Stranding 2 (DS2) brims with surprises, from celebrity cameos to Easter eggs, including some self-referential nods from Director Hideo Kojima that might feel awkward to some. In a June 26 GameSpark interview, Kojima shared that his team was hesitant about including these personal touches.
As the mastermind behind the series, Kojima’s influence permeates DS2, with cameos like his favorite VTuber, Usada Pekora, appearing as a Prepper. He also sprinkled in other self-referential elements, which he admitted could make players wince.
Kojima has a tradition of embedding himself in his games. In the Metal Gear series, he appeared as a “ghost” in Metal Gear Solid, a laughing portrait in Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes, and an operative in Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes, among others.
For DS2, Kojima urged his team to include these personal Easter eggs, often met with playful disbelief, like a collective “Huh?” from the staff. He dropped a hint, saying, “At night by the hot spring, look up at the sky. Zoom in, and you’ll spot some surprises—give it a try.”
Less than a week after launch, fans have uncovered cameos beyond the main cast, including Ghost in the Shell’s Mamoru Oshii as The Pizza Chef and Train to Busan’s Ma Dong-seok as Samson Hook. More of Kojima’s quirky surprises likely await discovery.
Exploring Group Dynamics and Loneliness
Beyond Easter eggs and cameos, DS2 introduces a fresh narrative centered on Sam Porter Bridges’ evolving world. Unlike the solitary journey of the first game, Sam now returns to a mothership called the “Magellan,” fostering deeper character interactions and bonds.
Kojima noted that the first game’s technical limits restricted scenes to 3-4 characters. DS2 expands this to 5-6, enabling richer dramatic moments.
“A home base and diverse characters bring complex human relationships to the forefront. I’m exploring a new kind of loneliness that emerges within a group—think conflicts and disagreements,” Kojima shared.
Launch Day Trailer for Death Stranding 2
On June 26, PlayStation dropped a final trailer alongside the game’s release, offering a glimpse of DS2’s world. It features Sam and BB-28 set to the tune of “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head.”
The trailer highlights the game’s narrative, gameplay variety, and Kojima’s signature flair. It also showcases a stellar cast, including Norman Reedus, Lea Seydoux, Elle Fanning, Troy Baker, and Luca Marinelli, among others.
Despite Kojima’s concerns about the game feeling “too mainstream” despite positive reviews, he expressed joy at DS2’s launch. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is available now on PlayStation 5. For the latest updates, check out our Death Stranding 2: On The Beach article below!
