Kojima Fans Notice Fun Link Between Death Stranding 2 and Metal Gear Solid 2 Box Art

Over the weekend, fans of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach were treated to a new trailer, along with exciting news about its release date, collector's edition, box art, and more. Amidst the buzz, eagle-eyed fans have spotted a delightful nod to director Hideo Kojima's earlier work, Metal Gear Solid 2.

The box art for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features Sam "Porter" Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus, cradling the child "Lou," a familiar face to those who played the first game. Reddit user ReverseTheFlash highlighted this connection with a post titled "He did it again," showcasing the box art next to a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase with a strikingly similar motif.

He did it again
by u/ReverseTheFlash in DeathStranding

The promotional material for Metal Gear Solid 2 shows Japanese singer Gackt in a similar pose, holding a child. While not an exact replica, the similarities are certainly noteworthy and serve as a fun Easter egg for fans. This connection also brings to mind the intriguing out-of-universe backstory of Metal Gear Solid.

Leading up to its release, Gackt played a significant role in the promotional campaign for Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. This included special slip-covers in certain regions, which have since become unique pieces of MGS memorabilia that continue to fascinate and puzzle fans.

Curious about why Gackt was chosen for the campaign? In 2013, Hideo Kojima explained that the inclusion of Gackt in Metal Gear Solid 2's TV commercials was tied to the game's themes. "MGS1" focused on DNA, and "MGS2" on MEMEs. DNA is represented by 'AGTC,' and adding 'K' for KOJIMA results in 'GACKT.' Quite the clever connection!

With the new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach showcasing strong Metal Gear vibes, it's no wonder fans are making these connections. While I believe any similarities are more about recurring themes in Kojima's work, it's always fun to speculate and reminisce, especially about a promotional cover featuring Gackt.

Mark your calendars: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.