Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’s new trailer, complete with release date, collector's edition details, box art, and more, has sent ripples of excitement through the fanbase. One particularly observant fan, Reddit user ReverseTheFlash, noticed a fascinating parallel between the game's box art and a piece of Metal Gear Solid 2 history.
The Death Stranding 2 box art depicts Sam “Porter” Bridges (Norman Reedus) cradling Lou, a familiar face to players of the first game. ReverseTheFlash highlighted the striking resemblance to a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase featuring Japanese singer Gackt holding a child in a remarkably similar pose. While not an exact replica, the compositional similarities are undeniably intriguing. This observation also shines a light on a quirky aspect of Metal Gear Solid's promotional history.
Gackt's prominent role in the Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty marketing campaign, including these unique slipcases, has long been a source of both fascination and confusion for fans. Kojima himself explained the connection in 2013, stating that he chose Gackt because "MGS1" was about DNA (AGTC) and "MGS2" about memes. Adding his initial "K" to the DNA sequence resulted in "GACKT."
Given the noticeable Metal Gear influences in Death Stranding 2's new trailer, this parallel is hardly surprising. While the similarities might simply reflect recurring thematic elements within Kojima's oeuvre, the connection adds a layer of fun speculation for fans. It's a delightful trip down memory lane, revisiting a promotional image featuring the iconic Gackt.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach arrives exclusively on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025.
