Death Stranding 2 Achieves 90/100 Metacritic Score—But Players Are Split on One Major Issue

Hideo Kojima's latest masterpiece, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, has officially landed with critical acclaim that puts it among 2025's best-reviewed games. With a stellar 90/100 Metacritic score—a significant jump from the original's 82—the sequel seems to have addressed nearly every complaint about its predecessor. But there's a catch that's dividing the gaming community, and it might surprise you.

The Delivery Sim That Finally Delivers

Remember when the first Death Stranding had players either completely obsessed or utterly bewildered? Well, Kojima Productions listened. Death Stranding 2 takes everything that worked in the original and refines it with laser precision, while adding enough new elements to justify Sam Porter Bridges' return to the apocalyptic wasteland.

Set just 11 months after the events of the first game, the sequel maintains that signature blend of philosophical sci-fi storytelling and zen-like package delivery that made the original so polarizing. But this time, there's more variety in how you approach each trek across America's haunted landscape.

The introduction of new weapons like the tranquilizer sniper rifle and the drone companion "Dollman" adds tactical depth that was missing before. You're no longer just a walking UPS driver—you're a walking UPS driver with options. The streamlined traversal system means less time fumbling with ladders and more time actually enjoying the journey, while faster access to community structures like bridges and ziplines keeps momentum high.

A Visual Feast That Sets the PS5 Standard

If you thought the first game looked good, prepare to have your retinas recalibrated. Death Stranding 2 is arguably one of the most visually stunning games ever created, leveraging the Decima Engine to deliver what can only be described as a technical masterclass.

Running at a rock-solid 60 FPS in Performance mode (with 120Hz support) or 30 FPS in Quality mode, both with dynamic 1440p upscaling to 4K, the game maintains exceptional stability across both PS5 and PS5 Pro. The environmental detail is breathtaking—from the way rain droplets cascade down Sam's weathered face to the eerily beautiful landscapes that stretch endlessly toward the horizon.

Character models feature impressive sub-surface scattering and hair physics that make every cutscene feel like a high-budget film production. Weather systems don't just look pretty; they affect gameplay in meaningful ways, making each delivery feel like a battle against nature itself.

Sound Design That Hits Different

Ludvig Forssell returns as composer, crafting an emotive soundtrack that perfectly complements those long, meditative walks across the wasteland. The curated track selection featuring artists like Low Roar and Woodkid creates moments of transcendence that elevate simple deliveries into emotional experiences.

But it's the adaptive trigger feedback on PS5 that really sells the physicality of Sam's journey. Every step feels weighted, every stumble authentic. The controller becomes an extension of your character's struggle, making you feel the strain of carrying humanity's hope on your back—literally.

The Community Conundrum

Here's where things get interesting. The Social Strand System—that brilliant asymmetrical multiplayer feature where players build structures for each other—continues to foster genuine feelings of community and cooperation. Players are raving about discovering perfectly placed bridges built by strangers, or finding encouraging messages when they need them most.

Reddit discussions overflow with enthusiasm about the refined mechanics and intuitive controls. Many players report that Death Stranding 2 finally "clicks" in ways the original didn't, with the delivery loop feeling more rewarding and less tedious.

The Great Cutscene Controversy

But here's the elephant in the room: those Kojima cutscenes. While critics like IGN (9/10) praise the "richer sci-fi storytelling" and emotional weight, a significant portion of the player base is expressing what one Reddit user colorfully described as being "waterboarded with cutscenes."

The narrative segments, while undeniably well-crafted and emotionally resonant, can stretch on for extended periods, interrupting the gameplay flow that many players come for. Some are calling for a New Game+ option that allows skipping story beats, while others defend these sequences as essential to the Kojima experience.

GameSpot's 7/10 review specifically cited "repetitive story beats" as a detractor, while outlets like Destructoid (9/10) and Push Square (perfect 10/10) embraced the cinematic ambition. It's a fascinating divide that speaks to what different players want from their gaming experiences.

Performance That Impresses

Beyond the visual spectacle, Death Stranding 2 runs like a dream. Minor issues like map screen FPS drops and occasional menu clunkiness were quickly addressed with patch 1.007, showing Kojima Productions' commitment to post-launch polish.

The game's technical stability is particularly impressive given its visual ambitions. Whether you're traversing massive landscapes or engaging in the new stealth-action sequences, frame rates remain consistent, and loading times are virtually non-existent.

Commercial Reality Check

Despite critical acclaim, the commercial picture tells a more complex story. With an estimated 1.4 million copies sold by the end of June and a 66% drop in UK physical sales compared to the original, Death Stranding 2 reflects broader industry trends toward digital distribution.

However, VG Insights data reveals impressive engagement metrics: players are averaging 12.5 hours played, with 4% logging over 40 hours. The geographic distribution shows strong performance in the US (36%), China (14%), and Japan (10%), suggesting the franchise has found its audience, even if it's not breaking mainstream barriers.

My Take: Kojima's Vision Refined

As someone who bounced off the original Death Stranding multiple times before finally "getting it," I can confidently say that Death Stranding 2 is the more accessible entry point to Kojima's bizarre world. The refined mechanics respect your time better, while the focused narrative feels more purposeful.

Yes, you'll still encounter talking puppets and giant oily skulls. Yes, you'll spend hours walking across beautiful desolation. But there's something profoundly satisfying about the core loop that feels more polished and intentional this time around.

The game's commentary on digital isolation versus human connection feels particularly relevant in our post-pandemic world. Every shared structure, every "like" given to a fellow porter, every perfectly placed ladder becomes a small act of human kindness in a broken world.

Worth Playing? The Verdict

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach succeeds as both a technical showcase and a creative statement. If you're someone who appreciates games as art, who doesn't mind unconventional pacing, and who found something meaningful in the original's meditative gameplay, this sequel delivers everything you could want.

If you're looking for non-stop action or traditional narrative structure, you might find yourself checking your watch during those extended cutscenes. But for those willing to embrace Kojima's unique vision, Death Stranding 2 offers an experience unlike anything else in gaming.

Have you taken the plunge into Death Stranding 2's apocalyptic delivery service? Share your thoughts on whether Kojima's latest creation hits the mark—or if you're part of the cutscene resistance movement. The comment section awaits your deliveries.

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