Over the weekend, *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach* delivered a wealth of new information to eager fans, including a fresh trailer, official release date, collector's edition details, and updated box art. As enthusiasts have been dissecting every frame and detail, one sharp-eyed fan pointed out an amusing visual callback to Hideo Kojima’s earlier work—specifically *Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty*.
The latest box art for *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach* features Sam “Porter” Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, cradling the child character “Lou,” a familiar face from the first game. Reddit user u/ReverseTheFlash sparked attention with the comment “He did it again,” posting a side-by-side comparison of the *Death Stranding 2* artwork alongside a promotional slipcase design from *Metal Gear Solid 2*.
"He did it again"
While not a perfect mirror image, the compositional resemblance is striking. The *Metal Gear Solid 2* promotional material featured Japanese singer Gackt holding a child in a similar pose, creating a curious visual echo across two decades of Kojima’s creative output.
This quirky parallel also brings back memories of the unusual marketing campaign surrounding *Metal Gear Solid 2*. In the lead-up to its launch, Gackt appeared in multiple promos for the game, even lending his likeness to special regional slipcovers. These limited editions have since become pieces of MGS memorabilia that continue to intrigue collectors and fans alike.
As for why Gackt was chosen for such a prominent role in the promotion, Hideo Kojima himself provided some clarity in 2013. He explained the decision by referencing wordplay tied to the themes of the game: *Metal Gear Solid 1* revolved around DNA (AGTC), and adding the "K" from Kojima created "GACKT."
Given the abundance of *Metal Gear*-inspired imagery and themes in the new *Death Stranding 2* trailer, these kinds of nostalgic comparisons feel almost inevitable. While any direct connection between the two titles remains speculative, these artistic threads reflect recurring motifs throughout Kojima’s career—an ongoing dialogue between past and present works.
Whether intentional or coincidental, spotting these visual nods adds another layer of depth to the anticipation surrounding *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach*, which is set to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025.
