Death Stranding 2: Hideo Kojima’s Latest Sees Nostalgic References to Metal Gear Solid Legacy

Hideo Kojima, the celebrated creator behind the iconic Metal Gear Solid franchise, has firmly established his post-Konami career through the innovative Death Stranding series.

Developed by Kojima Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Death Stranding originally launched on PlayStation 4 in November 2019 before arriving on PC and PlayStation 5, earning acclaim for its genre-defining gameplay and striking narrative direction. With Death Stranding 2 now on the horizon, Kojima has reignited excitement in the global gaming industry through an extensive pre-release campaign.

A recently released 10-minute promotional video not only offers fresh glimpses into the highly anticipated sequel, but also showcases Kojima’s continued affection for his Konami roots—a connection fans are enthusiastically dissecting. Keen-eyed viewers have noticed the DHV Magellan, a vehicle depicted prominently in Death Stranding 2’s footage, bears a striking resemblance to Metal Gear Rex from the original Metal Gear Solid.

This similarity is no coincidence, as artist Yoji Shinkawa—renowned for his signature work with Kojima on both Metal Gear and Death Stranding franchises—spearheaded the design of both machines.

The involvement of Shinkawa, whose artistry defined the look and feel of the Metal Gear universe, further cements the visual parallels bridging Kojima’s past and present. In addition to mechanical homages, character design nods have caught the industry’s attention.

The introduction of Neil, a new character portrayed by Luca Marinelli, closely mirrors the appearance of Snake, the beloved protagonist of the Metal Gear franchise.

While observers quickly drew this comparison, Kojima himself recognized the likeness years earlier, emphasizing the mindful casting and character crafting in his current projects. Fans have also drawn connections between Death Stranding 2’s cover art and a special edition slipcover from 2001’s Metal Gear Solid 2, a Japan-exclusive featuring pop star Gackt holding a baby.

The striking similarities in composition and theme suggest a deliberate tribute, indicative of Kojima’s willingness to publicly embrace the legacy he helped create during his time at Konami. Kojima’s reverence for his Konami career is not just noticed by fans, but also industry peers.

In 2024, Noriaki Okamura, producer of the upcoming Metal Gear Solid Delta, voiced that collaborating with Kojima again would be "the dream," highlighting the lasting impact Kojima has had on Konami’s most storied franchise. As anticipation mounts for Death Stranding 2’s release, these carefully woven connections between Kojima’s new work and his formative Metal Gear Solid experiences are fueling both nostalgia and curiosity.

Whether on PlayStation or speculated future platforms, Death Stranding 2 stands as a testament to Kojima’s enduring influence on video game development and storytelling.

Konami Metal Gear Metal Gear Solid Hideo Kojima Death Stranding Death Stranding 2 Kojima Yoji Shinkawa Luca Marinelli Metal Gear Solid 2 GamesRadar Noriaki Okamura Gackt PlayStation