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

Over the weekend, fans of Hideo Kojima were treated to a new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which not only revealed a release date and showcased a collector's edition but also unveiled the box art. Amidst the excitement, eagle-eyed fans have spotted an intriguing nod to Kojima's past work, specifically Metal Gear Solid 2.

The box art for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features Sam "Porter" Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, cradling the child "Lou," a familiar sight for those who played the original game. Reddit user ReverseTheFlash pointed out this connection, posting side-by-side images of the new box art and a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase. The latter shows Japanese singer Gackt in a similar pose, holding a child. While not identical, the resemblance is striking and has sparked discussions among fans.

This comparison not only highlights Kojima's penchant for recurring themes but also reminds us of a unique piece of Metal Gear Solid promotional history. Gackt's involvement in the marketing for Metal Gear Solid 2 included various promotional materials, including special slip-covers in certain regions. These have since become a curious footnote in the series' legacy.

Kojima himself shed light on Gackt's involvement in a 2013 explanation. He stated that the reason for choosing Gackt was tied to the game's thematic elements: "MGS1 was about DNA & 'MGS2' MEME. DNA consists 'AGTC', adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT.'" This playful rationale underscores Kojima's creative approach to marketing and storytelling.

Given the new trailer's evident Metal Gear influences, it's no wonder fans are drawing connections between Death Stranding 2 and Kojima's previous works. While these similarities might be more about recurring ideas than direct references, they certainly fuel fan theories and nostalgia trips, particularly around memorable promotional artifacts like the Gackt slipcase.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5, promising to continue the saga with more of Kojima's signature storytelling and visual flair.