Summary
As far as strange games go, Hideo Kojima has gamers covered withDeath Strandingand now its upcoming sequel,Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The world ofDeath Strandingis already bizarre enough (and chock-full of weird lore on top of that), that for Kojima to now add the “On the Beach” subtitle toDeath Stranding 2, fans are looking at some thick narrative layers to work their way through in the series' second entry.
Hideo Kojimais known for using subtitles in his games that offer a cryptic look at their narrative or gameplay mechanics, andDeath Stranding 2: On the Beachis no exception. The true meaning of its “On the Beach” subtitle won’t be revealed until the game is released and its story unfolds, and even then, it might still be up for discussion. However, there may already be enough implications in the subtitle to give fans a speculative glimpse into what the game’s story will be about, as well as what they might experience in terms of its gameplay.
The Implications of Death Stranding 2’s ‘On the Beach’ Subtitle
A Significant Portion of Death Stranding 2’s Narrative May Unfold on the Beach Itself
At first glance, it seems as though a significant portion ofDeath Stranding 2: On the Beach’s storywill, in fact, unfold on the Beach itself. In the world ofDeath Stranding, the Beach is a metaphysical realm that exists between life and death — a purgatory of sorts that serves as a transitional space where souls pass through on their way to the afterlife. The Beach is also unique to each individual and is ultimately shaped by their personal experiences, emotions, and their subconscious. This is primarily how it is portrayed in the first game, butDeath Stranding 2’s subtitle makes it seem as though the Beach will function differently.
Although theDeath Stranding 2footage that has been revealed thus far doesn’t appear to show anyone on the Beach, it can be assumed, based on the game’s subtitle, that players will eventually somehow be on the Beach. That being said, Kojima has been known to throw fans for a loop time and time again, so “On the Beach” could either be a red herring or something that is meant to be taken more metaphorically than literally. After all, the subtitle could be referring to characters other thanSam Porter Bridgeswho could currently be on the Beach, like Higgs or Amelie.
Given Higgs' apparent return inDeath Stranding 2, it could be that a significant part of the narrative revolves around him being on the Beach.
Players May Be Able to Explore the Beach More Extensively
If some portion ofDeath Stranding 2’s narrative does take place on the Beach, it would make sense, then, for it to be an area that players could explore more extensively. At theend of the firstDeath Stranding, players were briefly able to control Sam on the Beach, but only in a more limited, scripted capacity. That could potentially change inDeath Stranding 2, seeing players roam freely throughout the Beach with some new gameplay mechanics intertwined into the game’s narrative.
Firstly, the Beach is a surreal place with a geography that is constantly shifting. Unlike the real world, where Sam relied on ladders, ropes, and vehicles for traversal, the Beach could allow for more abstract movement, like phasing through locations, floating structures, or even manipulating the Beach’s terrain withSam’s DOOMS abilities. Additionally, since the Beach is unique to each person, perhaps Sam will be traveling through different Beaches, each one representing its owner’s subconscious fears, regrets, and desires.
Although theDeath Stranding 2footage that has been revealed thus far doesn’t appear to show anyone on the Beach, it can be assumed, based on the game’s subtitle, that players will eventually somehow be on the Beach.
Ultimately,Death Stranding 2’s “On the Beach” subtitle offers more questions than answers, but that is likely what Kojima wants. The subtitle alone definitely hints at a much more prominent role for the Beach, potentially making it a more interactive and integral part ofDeath Stranding 2’s gameplayand narrative. Whether players will physically explore the Beach or experience it in a more abstract, symbolic way remains to be seen, but the possibilities are intriguing, to say the least.
