Over the weekend, fans of *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach* were treated to a new trailer, alongside an exciting release date, collector's edition details, box art, and more. As enthusiasts delved into the new material, one eagle-eyed fan spotted a delightful nod to director Hideo Kojima's past work: *Metal Gear Solid 2*.
The box art for *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach* features Sam "Porter" Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, cradling the child "Lou," a character familiar to players of the original game. A Reddit user named ReverseTheFlash shared the observation with a post titled "He did it again," juxtaposing the box art with a *Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty* slipcase that showcases a strikingly similar composition.
The *Metal Gear Solid 2* promotional image depicts Japanese singer Gackt holding a child in a pose that echoes the *Death Stranding 2* cover. Although not an exact replica, the resemblance is undeniable and serves as a fun callback to Kojima's earlier work. It also sheds light on an intriguing aspect of *Metal Gear Solid*'s promotional history.
Leading up to the release of *Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty*, Gackt was prominently featured in various promotional materials. This included special slip-covers in certain regions, which have since become curious artifacts that have 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 connection adds another layer to the promotional campaign's backstory.
Given that the new trailer for *Death Stranding 2* exudes strong *Metal Gear* vibes, it's no wonder fans are drawing connections between the two games. While I believe any similarities are primarily a reflection of recurring themes in Kojima's work, it's always enjoyable to speculate and reminisce, especially when it involves a promotional cover featuring Gackt.
*Death Stranding 2: On the Beach* is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.
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