Over the weekend, fans of Hideo Kojima were treated to a new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, along with exciting details such as a release date, a collector's edition, box art, and more. As enthusiasts delved into these new reveals, one keen observer on Reddit, user ReverseTheFlash, pointed out a delightful nod to Kojima's earlier work, Metal Gear Solid 2.

The box art for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features Sam "Porter" Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus, cradling the child "Lou," a familiar figure to those who played the first game. ReverseTheFlash shared a side-by-side comparison on Reddit, captioned "He did it again," showcasing this box art next to a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase that displays a strikingly similar composition. The MGS2 promo features Japanese singer Gackt holding a child, echoing the motif seen in the new Death Stranding artwork.

While the images aren't identical, the parallels are intriguing and serve as a fun Easter egg for fans. This connection also brings to mind the curious out-of-universe backstory of Metal Gear Solid 2. During the game's promotional campaign, Gackt was prominently featured in various ads and even on special slip-covers in certain regions, leading to a collection of unique MGS memorabilia that has both fascinated and puzzled fans over the years.

For those curious about Gackt's involvement, Hideo Kojima provided an explanation in 2013. He stated that he chose Gackt for Metal Gear Solid 2's TV commercials because "MGS1 was about DNA & 'MGS2' MEME. DNA consists 'AGTC', adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT.'" This playful reasoning adds another layer to the connection between Kojima's works.

Given the new trailer's evident Metal Gear influences, it's no wonder fans are drawing these connections. While I believe any similarities are likely a reflection of recurring themes in Kojima's oeuvre, it's always enjoyable to speculate and reminisce, especially with a nostalgic 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.