My first 40+ hours in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach on the PlayStation 5 have been nothing short of awe-inspiring. From the very first steps into its fictional versions of Mexico and Australia, everything feels both familiar and refreshingly new. With expansive deserts, vast snowy landscapes, and a rich ecosystem of wildlife that Sam Porter can rescue, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is the amalgamation of what the prequel did best and turned it into a masterpiece.
I was initially hesitant to revisit the game on PC after completing it on PlayStation 5. The original Death Stranding thrives on first impressions, those moments tend to linger and stay etched in memory. However, approaching it again with a slower, more reflective mindset made the experience feel entirely new. It was like viewing the game through a different lens, gaining a deeper appreciation for its design and pacing.
Before we jump into the nitty gritty details on how Death Stranding 2: On the Beach runs on the PC, it’s worth highlighting what the sequel improves upon. First and foremost, the game directly addresses one of the original’s main pain points: combat. From the very first mission, Sam is tasked with delivering an upgraded chiral network to a new gateway. This time, players have more freedom in how they approach encounters. Stealth remains a viable option (which was familiar in the first game) but there’s also a more aggressive and a more modern approach where every gamer wants (pure freaking chaos).
Players can go in guns blazing, taking down enemies with a satisfying arsenal of weapons. Combat feels significantly improved, more responsive, it keeps players at the edge of the seat during combat. The expanded variety of enemies also keeps encounters tense and unpredictable.
Traversal has also been refined. Movement feels smoother and more intuitive, and vehicles are easier to control and more effective across different terrains and biomes. These improvements make long-distance travel far more enjoyable than before.Returning characters make their comeback alongside a strong lineup of new faces that meaningfully drive the narrative forward. The pacing feels tighter and more digestible compared to the original.
Kojima’s love for cinema is even more evident here, and that he said that he is made out of 70% film , it is seen in the intertwined character arcs, complex plotlines, and lengthy, often unsettling cutscenes. While some scenes can feel overly long, the game fully embraces its weirdness and uniqueness, offering something few games dare to attempt. Despite its complexity, the story delivers emotional depth and surprising twists.
Visually, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a showcase of what the Decima Engine can achieve. From towering mountains in the opening sequences to surreal encounters in mysterious realms of meeting Neil for the first time. Its visual prowess of the game engine is nothing but an insane flex on how the team is able to fully optimised what Decima Engine is capable of. Now here is where we start talking about Decima Engine’s fidelity on the PC. Long story short, this visual fidelity shines even brighter. Thanks to Nixxes’ excellent port, the game runs seamlessly and stands as the definitive way to experience it. Even on a slightly older RTX 3070, the game comfortably runs at 1440p 60fps, delivering crisp, sharp, and stunning visuals throughout. Performance is remarkably stable, with plenty of room for further graphical optimization if desired.
Audio design and music are equally exceptional. Kojima’s attention to detail is evident in every sound cue, each serving a clear purpose. One standout is the memorable DHV Magellan jingle that players will immediately notice. The soundtrack, composed by Ludvig Forssell and complemented by Woodkid’s talent, is beautifully crafted and leaves a lasting impression.
Overall, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach feels like more than just a sequel. It’s a comprehensive evolution refining mechanics, enhancing storytelling, and introducing meaningful quality-of-life improvements. With a stronger cast, improved combat, and a captivating narrative, the game weaves everything together into a cohesive and unforgettable experience. Its slow-burn storytelling may not appeal to everyone, but once it clicks, the journey becomes incredibly rewarding.
Thank you again to Sony for the review code. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is now available on PC.
