Unlocking the Epic Potential: Death Stranding 2 Takes Sam's Job to New Heights, Inspired by an Indie Gem
Death Stranding 2: Expanding Sam's Role to Sustain the Post-Apocalypse Embrace the eco-conscious message of recycling and the serene gameplay of meditation to keep the world alive
Highlights
To enhance its post-Stranding universe and underscore the significance of resource management and recycled materials, Death Stranding 2 has the opportunity to draw inspiration from sci-fi games such as Hardspace: Shipbreaker.
In the post-stranding world of Death Stranding, nature rejuvenates America, reflecting the environmental message. Sam is motivated to contribute towards the functioning of the country by recycling and donating unused items.
Described as a "walking simulator," Death Stranding's gameplay offers a serene and contemplative experience. Death Stranding 2 could expand this peaceful loop by incorporating recycling and dismantling items on a broader scale.
With a strong focus on resource management and utilizing reclaimed materials, Death Stranding 2 could draw inspiration from other science fiction games to expand the post-Stranding world. One such game that could provide ideas for new tasks for Sam Porter Bridges in rebuilding America is Hardspace: Shipbreaker by Blackbird Interactive, which features dismantled spaceships.
The original Death Stranding emphasized the importance of Sam Bridges making the most out of his findings during his travels and recycling used equipment for materials. However, exploring the concept of salvaging even destroyed gear further by incorporating conveyor belts and holographic drop-off booths in Death Stranding 2 could add depth to this necessity of resource optimization.
Recycling Death Stranding's Environmental Message
In the first Death Stranding, there is a significant emphasis on messaging, showcasing how individuals isolate themselves in the post-stranding world and highlighting the detrimental impact of the modern world on the environment. The presence of Chiralium, a substance closely related to crude oil, surrounding the horrifying BTs, as well as the recurring imagery of beached whales, serve to reinforce this concept. Moreover, the picturesque landscapes found throughout America contribute to conveying the game's ideology. With the collapse of the modern world, including its roads, buildings, and established society, nature has retaken control of America. The Timefall phenomenon accelerates the process of regrowing wildlife and vegetation, resulting in a rejuvenated and green world.
This environmental theme persists as the protagonist, Sam, is urged to contribute any unused possessions to the preservation of America and the functioning of the Bridges company. The rewards for donating basic materials, which can later be utilized for equipment, vehicles, and structures, serve as a compelling incentive for players to hold onto even damaged items until they can be recycled at a resource center. However, if Kojima Productions desires to surpass the accomplishments of its predecessor, Death Stranding 2 should expand upon this process and move beyond simply delivering items to a designated kiosk.
Cozy Meditation in Death Stranding's Mundane Gameplay
Before the release of Death Stranding, it was often criticized for being like a "walking simulator," as the majority of the game involved walking packages from one location to another. However, this description fails to capture the true experience of traversing post-stranding America, where the journey itself is a deeply reflective and thought-out path. In order for Death Stranding 2 to surpass its predecessor, this new title should embrace these moments and create a comforting loop centered around recycling.
A game from 2022 that succeeds in creating this introspective and comforting loop while deconstructing materials is Hardspace: Shipbreaker. In this game, players are tasked with dismantling spaceships and distributing their resources to the appropriate areas for processing. Although the career mode can become repetitive, the need to carefully evaluate each shift and make optimal decisions on depressurizing ships and removing components without risking death in space is reminiscent of the immersive experience of plotting a route in Death Stranding. Therefore, with a wider scope in Death Stranding 2, this gameplay concept could serve as a compelling way for Kojima Productions to explore the otherwise mundane process of item breakdown for recycling.
As protagonist Sam Porter Bridges travels through calm plains, BT or MULE territory, Death Stranding is a game that seamlessly transitions between modes. Therefore, the shift mentioned would not be sudden at all. In fact, it would perfectly align with the gameplay of Death Stranding to spend time dismantling a deteriorated vehicle and using the salvaged parts to construct a new one or even create entirely new gear. Just like transitioning from hiking to mountain climbing to engaging in combat with terrorists, venturing into a processing plant to disassemble vehicles or smaller gear would be a natural progression. Currently, Kojima Productions is developing Death Stranding 2.
