The gaming world has been eagerly awaiting the release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and now that it's finally available on PlayStation 5, director Hideo Kojima has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to players worldwide. After an extended development period filled with creative challenges, this sequel promises to deliver an even more profound and polarizing experience than its predecessor.

Originally launched in 2019 as a PlayStation 4 exclusive, the first Death Stranding divided critics with its unique blend of cinematic storytelling and unconventional gameplay mechanics. While praised for its stunning visuals and haunting soundtrack, some players found its deliberate pacing challenging. Interestingly, Kojima embraced this divisiveness, and early player feedback during Death Stranding 2's development led to intentional design choices aimed at creating an even more distinctive experience.

Despite Kojima's efforts to maintain the series' controversial nature, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has achieved universal acclaim from critics. Currently holding an impressive 90 average score on OpenCritic, the sequel stands among 2025's highest-rated titles alongside Split Fiction and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This critical success represents a significant achievement for Kojima Productions, especially considering the game's turbulent development during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a recent social media post, Kojima shared his emotional journey completing the project, admitting there were moments when finishing the game seemed impossible. The pandemic's global impact profoundly influenced the narrative direction, leading to significant rewrites that ultimately resonated with players facing similar real-world disconnections.

The development process revealed several fascinating behind-the-scenes details, including the difficult decision to cut numerous planned cameos due to space constraints. However, fans will still enjoy appearances by Hololive VTuber Usada Pekora as a Prepper NPC and the return of Conan O'Brien in a special role.