Visionary game creator Hideo Kojima has publicly responded to the critical reception of his latest masterpiece, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, expressing genuine satisfaction with the game's review scores. The highly anticipated sequel has achieved remarkable acclaim, boasting an impressive 90 average on OpenCritic and a 96% recommendation rate from critics, positioning it as a frontrunner for Game of the Year consideration.

Launched exclusively for PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025, the sequel continues the journey of protagonist Sam Porter Bridges as he navigates a fractured world to reestablish connections through the chiral network. Building upon the foundation of its predecessor, the game introduces innovative mechanics, expanded gameplay systems, and stunning visual enhancements that have captivated both critics and players alike.

During the ongoing Death Stranding World Strand Tour 2 event in London, Kojima shared his perspective on the game's reception with GamesRadar+. The legendary director acknowledged the overwhelmingly positive response, stating he was 'happy with the scores' despite initially hoping for a more polarizing reaction - a trademark of his unconventional creative vision.

Interestingly, composer Yoann 'Woodkid' Lemoine recently revealed that Kojima made deliberate adjustments to certain narrative elements during development to provoke stronger emotional responses from players. This artistic decision reflects Kojima's philosophy of creating experiences that challenge players rather than simply entertain them.

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The development journey wasn't without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted production, with Kojima himself doubting whether the ambitious project would ever reach completion. Against these odds, the team at Kojima Productions delivered a sequel that has not only met but exceeded expectations, cementing Kojima's reputation as one of gaming's most innovative auteurs.