Kojima Fans Notice Fun Link Between Death Stranding 2 and MGS2 Box Art

Over the weekend, fans of Hideo Kojima's work were treated to a new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, revealing not just a release date but also a collector's edition, box art, and more. Amidst the excitement, a keen-eyed fan on Reddit, user ReverseTheFlash, spotted an intriguing connection to Kojima's past with Metal Gear Solid 2. The box art for Death Stranding 2 features Sam "Porter" Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus, cradling the child "Lou," reminiscent of the first game. This image drew comparisons to a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase featuring Japanese singer Gackt in a similar pose with a child.

ReverseTheFlash shared this discovery on Reddit with the post titled "He did it again," sparking discussions among fans about the recurring motifs in Kojima's work. Although the two images aren't identical, the similarities are striking and add a layer of nostalgia and fun for fans to explore. The Metal Gear Solid 2 promotional material, including the Gackt slipcase, has long been a source of intrigue and confusion, adding to the game's mystique.

For those curious about Gackt's involvement in Metal Gear Solid 2's promotional campaign, Hideo Kojima provided some insight in 2013. He explained that he chose Gackt because "MGS1 was about DNA & 'MGS2' MEME. DNA consists 'AGTC', adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT.'" This playful connection underscores Kojima's penchant for thematic links across his projects.

With the new trailer for Death Stranding 2 showcasing elements that echo Metal Gear, it's no wonder fans are drawing these parallels. While I believe these similarities are more indicative of recurring themes in Kojima's oeuvre than direct references, it's always enjoyable to delve into such connections and reminisce about past promotional gems like the Gackt slipcase.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, and will be available exclusively on PlayStation 5.