Solid Snake Returns in Death Stranding 2, but Not in the Way You Expect
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Revealed with New Trailer
A new look at "Death Stranding 2: On The Beach" was unveiled recently, showcasing its release date and some intriguing new elements. During a recent panel at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, Hideo Kojima revealed that the highly anticipated sequel will launch on June 26, 2025. This confirmation has excited fans, as "Death Stranding" is one of the significant titles exclusive to the PlayStation 5 for the year.
The latest trailer, which lasts for about ten minutes, provides a glimpse of the game’s expansive environments, strange creatures, and an increased focus on gameplay involving firearms. However, the standout reveal has been a new character named Neil, who bears a striking resemblance to Solid Snake, the iconic character from Kojima’s earlier franchise, Metal Gear Solid.
For context, Hideo Kojima is the creative mind behind the Metal Gear franchise, which he developed during his time at Konami. However, after leaving the company in a tumultuous split in 2015, he established Kojima Productions and teamed up with Sony to create "Death Stranding" in 2019. While the Metal Gear IP remains with Konami, which is preparing a remake of "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater," it’s clear Kojima has not strayed too far from his roots.
The new character Neil appears towards the end of the trailer, sporting a bandana reminiscent of Solid Snake’s signature look. The choice of Luca Marinelli to play this character is not accidental. In a social media post from July 2020, Kojima remarked that if Marinelli wore a bandana, he would closely resemble Solid Snake.
Interestingly, Neil seems to fill the role of an antagonist within "Death Stranding 2," embodying what the game’s voiceover describes as a "distinctly American philosophy." This nod connects Neil’s character back to Solid Snake, who was originally inspired by typical American action movie heroes. Additionally, there are hints of the Metal Gear series within the trailer, including a massive mech that looks suspiciously similar to REX from the first Metal Gear Solid game.
Fans have taken to social media to express their thoughts on Kojima’s bold move to include a character similar to Solid Snake, even without holding the rights. Comments range from admiration for Kojima’s creativity to lighthearted remarks about how a character wearing a bandana cannot be copyrighted.
The cast of "Death Stranding 2" features returning actors like Norman Reedus as Sam Bridges, Léa Seydoux as Fragile, and Troy Baker as Higgs. New faces include Elle Fanning and Shioli Kutsuna, alongside a likeness of the acclaimed director George Miller.
In addition to releasing the game, Kojima also announced a concert tour featuring music from the "Death Stranding" franchise. This tour is set to kick off on November 8, 2025, at the Sydney Opera House, followed by a performance in London on November 16 at Eventim Apollo.
Kojima’s "Death Stranding 2" is creating a buzz not just for its gameplay and storyline but also for its deep ties to his previous works, particularly the beloved Metal Gear Solid series. Fans of both franchises are eager to see how these elements will unfold upon the game’s release.
