Death Stranding 2: On the Beach's new trailer, complete with a release date, collector's edition details, box art, and more, has sent ripples of excitement through the fanbase. One particularly observant fan, Reddit user ReverseTheFlash, noticed a fascinating parallel between the game's box art and a piece of Metal Gear Solid 2 history.
The Death Stranding 2 box art depicts Sam "Porter" Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, cradling the child Lou, a familiar face to players of the first game. ReverseTheFlash's post, simply titled "He did it again," juxtaposes this image with a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase featuring a strikingly similar composition: Japanese singer Gackt holding a child.
While not an exact replica, the resemblance is undeniable and adds a fun layer to the anticipation. This visual echo also serves as a quirky reminder of a peculiar aspect of Metal Gear Solid's promotional history.
Gackt's prominent role in the Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty marketing campaign, including region-specific slipcases, has long been a source of both fascination and confusion among fans. Kojima himself shed light on this unusual collaboration in 2013, explaining that his choice was rooted in a thematic connection: "MGS1 was about DNA & MGS2 MEME. DNA consists of 'AGTC', adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT.'"
Given the noticeable Metal Gear influences in Death Stranding 2's trailer, the parallels between the box art designs are unsurprising. While likely a coincidence or a reflection of recurring thematic elements in Kojima's work, the connection provides a delightful trip down memory lane for fans, particularly those who remember the memorable promotional material featuring Gackt.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.
