While the images aren\\'t identical, the similarities are unmistakable and fun to spot. This connection also serves as a reminder of the intriguing, albeit confusing, out-of-universe backstory of Metal Gear Solid. During the promotional campaign for Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Gackt was prominently featured in various ads, including special slip-covers in certain regions, which have since become curious collectibles.

For those curious about Gackt\\'s involvement, Hideo Kojima provided an explanation in 2013. He stated that he chose Gackt for the Metal Gear Solid 2 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 for Death Stranding 2 exudes strong Metal Gear vibes, it\\'s no wonder fans are drawing these parallels. 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 promotional cover featuring Gackt.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.

Home News Kojima Fans Notice Fun Link Between Death Stranding 2 and Metal Gear Solid 2 Box Arts

Kojima Fans Notice Fun Link Between Death Stranding 2 and Metal Gear Solid 2 Box Arts

Author: Grace Mar 29,2025

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 the new content, one keen observer on Reddit, user ReverseTheFlash, pointed out a delightful nod to Kojima's past work, Metal Gear Solid 2.

The box art for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features Sam "Porter" Bridges, played 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 the Death Stranding 2 box art next to a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase. The latter features Japanese singer Gackt holding a child in a strikingly similar pose.

He did it again
by u/ReverseTheFlash in DeathStranding

While the images aren't identical, the similarities are unmistakable and fun to spot. This connection also serves as a reminder of the intriguing, albeit confusing, out-of-universe backstory of Metal Gear Solid. During the promotional campaign for Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Gackt was prominently featured in various ads, including special slip-covers in certain regions, which have since become curious collectibles.

For those curious about Gackt's involvement, Hideo Kojima provided an explanation in 2013. He stated that he chose Gackt for the Metal Gear Solid 2 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 for Death Stranding 2 exudes strong Metal Gear vibes, it's no wonder fans are drawing these parallels. 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 promotional cover featuring Gackt.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.