Hideo Kojima Fans Spot a Fun Similarity Between Death Stranding 2's Box Art and Metal Gear Solid 2

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’s new trailer, complete with a release date, collector's edition details, box art, and more, has sent ripples of excitement through the fanbase. One particularly keen-eyed fan, Reddit user ReverseTheFlash, noticed a fascinating connection to director Hideo Kojima's past work: Metal Gear Solid 2.

The striking similarity lies in the box art for Death Stranding 2. It depicts Sam "Porter" Bridges (Norman Reedus) holding the child "Lou," a familiar image to players of the first game. ReverseTheFlash highlighted this by juxtaposing the artwork with a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase featuring a remarkably similar composition: Japanese singer Gackt holding a child. While not an exact replica, the resemblance is undeniable and sparks a fun conversation.

This visual echo also serves as a reminder of a peculiar, almost legendary, aspect of Metal Gear Solid's promotional history. Gackt's prominent role in the Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty marketing campaign, including region-specific slipcases, has led to years of intrigue and speculation among fans.

Kojima himself shed light on this unusual collaboration in 2013, explaining that his choice to feature Gackt stemmed from a thematic connection: "MGS1 was about DNA & MGS2 MEME. DNA consists of 'AGTC,' adding 'K' of KOJIMA becomes 'GACKT.'" A cryptic yet undeniably clever explanation.

Given the noticeable Metal Gear influences in Death Stranding 2's new trailer, the parallels between the two box arts are hardly surprising. While these similarities might simply reflect recurring themes within Kojima's creative vision, the connection provides a delightful trip down memory lane for fans, particularly those who remember the enigmatic Gackt-fronted Metal Gear Solid 2 promotions.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach arrives on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.