Hideo Kojima’s latest masterpiece, “Death Stranding 2: On The Beach,” was showcased at the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, and the footage suggests a game that is even more ambitious and eccentric than its predecessor.
Kojima, known for pushing creative boundaries, gave fans a sneak peek of what’s to come in the upcoming sequel through a special 90-minute presentation. Here’s what we learned about the enigmatic world of Death Stranding 2, including new characters, intriguing storylines, and gameplay features.
A Star-Studded Cast and Intriguing Characters
The introduction of new characters has become one of the hallmarks of Kojima’s storytelling, and “Death Stranding 2” is no different. Two fresh faces, Tarman and Dollman, make their debut, adding layers to the game’s mysterious atmosphere.
Tarman, portrayed by the likeness of George Miller—famed creator of the Mad Max franchise—serves as the captain of the submarine DHV Magellan. True to the game’s tradition of interesting guest stars, Miller won’t voice the character himself.
Instead, Australian actor Marty Rhone takes up the role. Meanwhile, Dollman is precisely what the name implies: a man stuck in a doll’s body. His physical likeness is based on Turkish film director Fatih Akin, and the voice is brought to life by Jonathan Roumie.
These quirky personalities provide new dynamics as they are introduced to the series’ protagonist, Sam Porter Bridges, and the returning character Fragile, once again played by Léa Seydoux.
Welcome to the DHV Magellan: A Submarine Adventure
The DHV Magellan submarine plays a significant role in “Death Stranding 2.” Fragile, who is now the commander of the submarine, introduces Sam to the vessel. According to Tarman, the submarine uses the tar currents beneath the Earth’s surface for travel, offering a new method of navigation that builds on the previous game’s themes of connectivity and traversal.
Their interaction showcases a deeply atmospheric setting where the crew must literally bathe in a substance called carallium to interface with the tar currents. This setup hints at the inventive gameplay challenges and metaphors Kojima is known for, pushing players to adapt to a bizarre, almost dreamlike environment.
Tomorrow and Rainy: New Faces with Mystical Origins
The presentation also introduced two other key characters, Tomorrow and Rainy. Tomorrow, portrayed by Elle Fanning, comes from a world where babies never leave their mothers’ wombs, a haunting concept that suggests themes of entrapment and isolation.
Meanwhile, Rainy, played by Shioli Kutsuna, is presented as a hopeful figure expecting a baby in the “real” world. The interplay between these two characters—one from a realm of the dead and the other representing new life—adds to the series’ exploration of life, death, and the bonds that connect people.
Heartman Returns and New Gameplay Features
Another returning character is Heartman, once again modeled after Nicolas Winding Refn. His return highlights Kojima’s fondness for familiar characters but also hints at new developments for existing storylines. However, it’s not just about characters; the gameplay itself appears to be evolving.
Kojima showcased a new Photo Mode, which allows characters like Fragile, Rainy, and Tomorrow to strike various poses ranging from adorable to absurd. Interestingly, Kojima hinted that this Photo Mode will impact the storyline in some way, adding an additional layer of interactivity and humor.
Dollman In-Game Event: An Animated Concert
The fifth clip from the presentation featured what is being called a “Dollman In-Game Event,” which seems to be an animated concert starring Sam Porter Bridges, played by Norman Reedus.
In this event, Sam enjoys a performance by Japanese artist Daichi Miura, with a song titled “Horizon Dreamer.” This inclusion of a musical event suggests Kojima’s desire to integrate more creative and surreal elements into the gameplay, blurring the lines between interactive experiences and cinematic storytelling.
Looking Ahead: Release and Platforms
“Death Stranding 2” currently has a tentative release window set for 2025 for the PlayStation 5. As with the original, a PC version could follow, possibly in 2026, though no confirmation has been given yet.
Kojima’s elaborate world-building and unique characters have set high expectations for the sequel, promising a game that defies convention and immerses players in an ever more complex narrative landscape.
Conclusion: An Ambitious Sequel Beyond Expectations
From submarines traveling through underground tar rivers to bizarre puppet characters and otherworldly new faces, “Death Stranding 2” is shaping up to be a unique experience that expands on everything that made the original so memorable. With Hideo Kojima at the helm, pushing the boundaries of traditional game development, fans can expect a journey that’s as unpredictable as it is emotional.
Whether it’s the addition of strange new characters or the intertwining of gameplay with dynamic storytelling elements like Photo Mode and in-game concerts, “Death Stranding 2” looks poised to be a game that redefines the limits of interactive entertainment once again.
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Who are the new characters introduced in Death Stranding 2?
Two new characters, Tarman and Dollman, were introduced. Tarman is a submarine captain, while Dollman is a former spirit medium stuck in a doll’s body, adding unique dynamics to the story.
What is the DHV Magellan in Death Stranding 2?
The DHV Magellan is a submarine used by Fragile and her crew to travel through tar currents beneath the Earth. It plays a major role in expanding the game’s traversal mechanics and narrative depth.
