Summary
PlayStation’s 2024 State of Play featured several highly anticipated titles, includingDragon’s Dogma 2,Rise of the Ronin, andJudas. However, another title shown during the State of Play has captured the attention of gamers on an entirely different level than the rest:Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Hideo Kojima’s sequel to the cult-classic hitDeath Stranding.This past week,Death Stranding 2’s extended State of Play trailershowcased a stunning display of visuals that are, at times, difficult to differentiate from reality.
Although it won’t be released until 2025,Death Stranding 2: On the Beachis proving to be a graphical masterpiece, simply judging by its trailer. The first installment’s visuals were already awe-inspiring, so the fact that its sequel is taking them even further gives rise to a new standard of graphical fidelity when it comes to PlayStation exclusives. As Sony is known for dispensing visually remarkable exclusives, it may need to consider whatDeath Stranding 2is bringing to the table.
Death Stranding 2’s Visuals Set a New Standard for PlayStation Exclusives
It’s not enough to simply say thatDeath Stranding 2: On the Beachhas “good graphics.” What has been revealed thus far is stunningly realistic, and while this is due in part to the technological developments that have taken place over the last few years, it’s also due to the dedication and devotion of the Kojima Productions' team and its cast. Its predecessor,Death Stranding, was already a sight to behold, andDeath Stranding 2seemingly plans to surpass it in all regards.
One of the standout features ofDeath Stranding 2’s visuals is character model fidelity. Each person looks nearly identical to the actor or actress that portrays them, down to minuscule details like skin pores or the moles on Norman Reedus' face — even the small freckle near Lea Seydoux’s jawline. Near the end ofDeath Stranding 2’s State of Play trailer, Elle Fanning’s characterappears, and very clear details can be made out about her face, including the gentle swaying of her blonde hair.
Death Stranding 2’s Motion Capture Perpetuates Kojima’s Brilliance
Thanks to motion capture technology,each character inDeath Stranding 2: On the Beachmoves like an actual human being, rather than like a video game character modeled after one, and these realistic animations are a huge part of what contributes toDeath Stranding 2’s visuals. Although each character’s hair tends to move as though it’s underwater, it’s not enough to steal away from the immersion that the game’s visuals as a whole provide.
Accurate animations allow for easy interpretation of each character’s emotions, which is essential for a series as emotional and cinematics-driven asDeath Stranding.
Death Stranding 2’s lighting is another of its extraordinary features, and its vast potential is thoroughly achieved, especially in the game’s various environments. Whether during the day or at night, in the light or the dark, appropriate lighting is used to highlight detailed textures on people, objects, landscapes, and more. As the recent State of Play trailer covers several ofDeath Stranding 2’s environments, Kojima Productions' brilliant use of light is plainly seen, especially in the snow-covered mountaintops and the rocky expanse as Sam walks toward the bright moon.
Death Stranding 2’s 2025 Release Gives It Even More Time to Marinate
The fact thatDeath Stranding 2: On the Beachis still at least a year away and is already displaying such immersive visuals is astounding, to say the least. The graphical prowess that it has demonstrated in its State of Play trailer shows thatDeath Stranding 2should be considered a benchmark forPlayStation exclusivesfrom here on out. With its lifelike depictions of people, its excellent use of motion capture technology, and its exceptional lighting, it is likely to be a riveting experience when it releases next year.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam—with companions by his side—sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.
