The waiting is over! After years of tantalizing teases and Hideo Kojima’s signature cryptic announcements, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has officially launched, and the reviews are finally pouring in. As expected, the sequel to the highly divisive 2019 original is eliciting strong reactions across the board, proving that Kojima Productions continues to push boundaries and provoke discussion within the gaming landscape.

“Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” released on June 26, 2025, for PlayStation 5, with digital deluxe edition owners getting a two-day head start on June 24. The critical consensus, while largely positive, highlights the game’s continued commitment to its unique identity while making significant refinements to its core mechanics.

Death Stranding 2: A Critical Look at the Sequel

Metacritic currently shows “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” holding a “Universal Acclaim” rating based on over 100 critic reviews, with a score in the high 80s or low 90s, depending on the aggregate. This suggests a more consistent positive reception than its predecessor, which famously split opinions.

Here’s a breakdown of what critics are saying:

The Good:

• Expanded & Refined Gameplay: Many reviewers praise the significant improvements to traversal and combat. New tools, more varied environments (including Australia and Mexico as main settings!), and improved gunplay offer a more engaging and less repetitive experience. Monorails, mechanical dogs, and diverse enemy types contribute to a “playfulness” that was less present in the original.
• Narrative Depth & Emotional Impact: While still dense and filled with Kojima’s signature exposition, the story is often described as more focused and character-driven, leading to a “phenomenal final third act” that leaves players “truly speechless.” The themes of connection, societal decay, and humanity’s future resonate deeply.
• Unparalleled Presentation: As expected from Kojima Productions, the game is lauded for its breathtaking visuals powered by the Decima Engine, a captivating soundtrack (featuring new contributions from Woodkid), and meticulous attention to detail in its world design and UI.
• Unique Artistic Vision: Even critics with reservations acknowledge Kojima’s unwavering artistic integrity. The game “breaks the limits of the medium” and is described as a “gaming, cinematic and spiritual experience” that is “socially engaged.” It’s weird, but it’s weird with purpose.

The Mixed/Divisive Points:

• Pacing Issues: Some reviewers note that the game’s pacing can still falter, particularly in the middle sections, with lengthy monologues and occasional “fetch quest” fatigue.
• Narrative Obscurity: While improved, the story remains complex and can be hard to fully grasp without deep engagement, leaving some feeling “stone-faced” during extensive explanations.
• “Weird for the Sake of Being Weird”: A few critics felt that some of the game’s bizarre moments seemed forced, rather than serving a clear narrative or thematic purpose.
• Accessibility for Newcomers: While more refined, the core “delivery simulator” gameplay might still not convert those who disliked the original. It remains a niche experience for a reason.

Overall Impression:

“Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” appears to be a triumphant sequel that significantly builds upon its foundation. It retains the polarizing elements of its predecessor but refines them into a more polished and enjoyable experience. For fans of the original, it’s a must-play. For those on the fence, the improved gameplay and more cohesive narrative might just win them over.

More Gaming News This Week: Clair Obscur, Rematch, and the June 2025 Wrap-up!

Beyond the colossal launch of Death Stranding 2, the gaming world has been abuzz with other significant releases and news this week:

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Striking New RPG

Released on April 24, 2025, the turn-based RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been making waves with its unique Belle Époque France-inspired dark fantasy setting and innovative real-time elements in combat. Developed by French studio Sandfall Interactive, it has received “universal acclaim” and sold over 3.3 million units in its first 33 days. Reviews highlight its engaging story, deep character customization, and the fresh take on turn-based battles that require active player input for dodging, parrying, and combo chaining. This indie darling proves that the JRPG genre can still find new and exciting expressions.

Rematch – A Fresh Take on Football

From Sloclap, the acclaimed developers of Sifu, comes Rematch, an immersive 5v5 online football (soccer) game that launched on June 19, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Shifting from the traditional sports game formula, Rematch puts players in control of a single footballer from a third-person perspective, emphasizing individual skill, positioning, and tactical changes. Reviews are “Mostly Positive” on Steam, praising its unique aim-and-shoot mechanics and the depth it offers. While some critics note live-service elements and potential server issues, the core gameplay loop has been lauded for its intensity and rewarding nature.

June 2025: A Month for the Ages

June 2025 has truly been a monumental month for gaming, with a cascade of major releases and significant events:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Launch: The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 officially dropped on June 5, bringing with it a plethora of new and enhanced titles, including Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and upgraded versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
• Dune: Awakening’s Record-Breaking Success: Funcom’s survival MMO Dune: Awakening, which launched on June 10, has become the company’s fastest-selling game ever, surpassing one million sales in just two weeks. This success is leading to significant endgame overhauls, including the introduction of PvE zones in the Deep Desert, to cater to its growing player base.
• Stellar Blade PC Release: The highly praised action RPG Stellar Blade made its debut on PC on June 11, offering a new audience the chance to experience its slick combat and stunning visuals.
• Persona 5: The Phantom X Global Release: The mobile spin-off of the beloved Persona series saw its global release on June 26, bringing the stylish RPG experience to a wider audience.

As June draws to a close, the gaming industry remains vibrant and innovative, with new experiences continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The success of titles like Death Stranding 2, Clair Obscur, and Rematch underscores the diverse and compelling landscape that players can look forward to in the latter half of 2025 and beyond.