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 also revealed a release date, a collector's edition, box art, and more. As enthusiasts delved into the details, a keen-eyed Reddit user, ReverseTheFlash, pointed out a fun connection to Kojima's earlier work: 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 character from the first game. ReverseTheFlash shared a side-by-side comparison on Reddit, captioned "He did it again," highlighting the similarity to the Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase, which shows Japanese singer Gackt holding a child in a comparable pose. While not identical, the resemblance between the two covers is striking and enjoyable to note.

This connection serves as a reminder of an intriguing aspect of Metal Gear Solid's promotional history. Leading up to the release of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Gackt was prominently featured in various promotional materials, including special slip-covers in certain regions. These have since become curiosities that have both fascinated and puzzled fans over the years.

For those curious about Gackt's involvement with Metal Gear Solid 2, Hideo Kojima provided an explanation in 2013. He stated that Gackt was featured in the game's TV commercials because "MGS1 was about DNA & MGS2 MEME. DNA consists 'AGTC', adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT.'" This playful connection underscores Kojima's creative approach to marketing.

Given that the new trailer for Death Stranding 2 exudes strong Metal Gear vibes, it's no wonder fans are making these connections. While I believe any similarities are primarily a reflection of recurring themes in Kojima's work, it's always enjoyable to speculate and reminisce, especially with a nod to a promotional cover featuring Gackt.

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