Nearly six years after the first game launched, Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is finally available for all players on PS5. It’s already garnered extensive critical acclaim, becoming one of the highest-rated games of the year (which is no small feat given the competition). While there’s plenty to love about it – from the combat and exploration to the storyline and characters – the sequel also includes tons of quality-of-life changes and improvements over the original. Of course, since it’s a Hideo Kojima game, there are also tons of details to uncover.
Some aren’t immediately obvious, even if you’re playing for several hours. Others are just incredible little touches, both graphical and in-game. Without further ado, here are 15 stellar examples of attention to detail in Death Stranding 2.
Insane Load Times
When quitting out of the game and loading back in, you probably noticed the load times…or rather their complete absence. Go to Load Game from the Main Menu, select your file, and boom, there it is. The sheer instantaneous nature of the loading is so incredible that it even surpasses the likes of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Ghost of Tsushima. It’s downright baffling to witness, and yet, feels so good.
Camera Collision
While brushing past shrubbery and bushes in the world, you may have noticed that some of them move even when Sam isn’t that close. Angle things carefully, and it’s actually the camera, which has some collision with objects. An ode to, of all things, Super Mario 64, where the camera was a Lakitu filming the whole time? Who can say, but it’s a nice touch.
Character Models
As noted in our head-to-head comparison with the first Death Stranding, Death Stranding 2’s character models had seen a massive upgrade. This became most apparent in the opening hour when traversing the mountain range and returning to Sam’s hideout, but even more so when he sheds all the porter gear. The increased polygon count, the skin tones, the eye rendering, all the little touches with the facial animations and expressions – it all feels truly next-gen, especially when compared to the first game. And that wasn’t bad-looking by a long shot! By every countenance, this is a proper PS5 exclusive.
Hair Animations
There are also the hair animations. Again, they already looked pretty good in Death Stranding 1, but the hair is more detailed in the sequel. You’ll see even Sam’s hair realistically sway as the wind picks up, adding further to the immersion (and making those dust storms feel even more realistic).
Topography Details
Of course, we can’t ignore the world and how incredible its environments are. I felt that Kojima Productions placed much greater emphasis on elevation this time around, with Australia’s mountain representing a peak (no pun intended) in exploration and attention to detail for the franchise with varying ridges and slopes that looked true to life. However, even as you wander the world, dense forests, and extensive grasslands all buzz to life in their own spectacular ways making this a goldmine for video game photographers everywhere.
Dustborn
As realistic as the characters are, they’re even more real when interacting with the weather or passing through a dust storm. The latter will see Sam’s face, goggles, cargo, clothing, and even his facial hair covered in dust, which can also be seen piled up on nearby cars and structures. Even the poor Odradek isn’t spared.
Realistic Sand Washing
Wading through rivers and other water bodies is enough to wash the sand off. However, what’s especially cool is how only the parts underwater are cleaned. If Sam’s head isn’t submerged, the dust effectively stays on, creating a hilarious contrast with the rest of his drenched body.
Sunburns
Another incredible bit of detail is how spending too much time in the sun can cause Sam to become sunburned. It’s most visible on his face, particularly the forehead and cheeks. This isn’t the first time that such real-world conditions have been implemented, as seen in Death Stranding 1 where you could get frostbite.
Particle Effects Bonanza
We’ve seen the battle against Neil, which takes place in an otherworldly location inspired by Mexico’s Day of the Dead and its particle effects look simply phenomenal. However, if you hadn’t noticed it in previous footage, not only do they naturally fall on Neil and his group, but they’re also reflected in nearby puddles while walking through the streets. Implementing something like this without the use of ray tracing is pretty incredible, everything considered.
Dollman’s Rage
In one of the more diegetic ways to scout for information, Sam can throw Dollman and mark the positions of enemies, followed by a well-timed retrieval and catch. However, toss him into the ground one too many times, and the function will become unavailable as he’s upset with you (and even begs not to be thrown again).
Birthday Surprise
References revolving around birthdays are nothing new for Hideo Kojima titles and Death Stranding 2 proudly continues with that tradition. The crew of the DHV Magellan will be waiting in the cockpit to surprise you, complete with poppers and a cake (which is promptly ruined by Charlie). Even more surprising is when Higgs appears with a pizza and everyone is…kind of fine with that. Though it’s presented as one of many dreams that Sam can have, that pizza slice remains for him to eat. Another nice detail is that while on calls in-game, various people will wish you a happy birthday. Thanks, Kojima.
Dreaming of Lou
Sam has some rather…interesting dreams while sleeping, and while some can be weird (look out for the Elder at one point), there are some sweet occurrences. When nodding off, Lou will manifest, floating around with tiny wings, indicating that Sam is thinking about and missing her. Yet another nice touch, especially when he mumbles about no one being at home. Just make sure there’s no impending dust storm or enemies nearby.
Woe, Pizza Upon Ye
Pizza isn’t just something that Higgs is strangely obsessed with – you can also unlock it in-game as a weapon. During combat, it can be thrown and knock down an enemy. It’s more of the dough sans any toppings, but seeing Sam twirling it in hand before tossing it is comical (and unusually effective if you’re trying to play stealthy).
Dollman’s Dance
For those who don’t remember last year’s special event at Tokyo Game Show 2024, Dollman is capable of some surprisingly slick moves. If you put on Daichi Miura’s Horizon Dreamer and speak to him, the camera will shift to the empty desk, and five Dollmans will appear to break it down. Miura himself eventually appears to join because why not? The fact that the performance utilizes professional dancers, including Shingo Okamoto, adds much more to the presentation (and its ridiculousness).
Tying Packages
Strand is a tool that can be used to take down enemies or counter their attacks. However, you can also use it to tie down your cargo. That way, they won’t all fly apart when you take a tumble, making it much easier to retrieve them. All you have to do is take your cargo off, equip the Strand and then press R2 to tie it down. A huge quality of life addition, especially for porters who find themselves taking a nasty spill.
