Death Stranding 2: On the Beach received a new trailer this past weekend, along with a release date, collector's edition details, box art, and more. As fans examine these updates, one sharp-eyed observer has spotted a playful callback to director Hideo Kojima's earlier work: Metal Gear Solid 2.

The box art for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach depicts Sam "Porter" Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, cradling the infant "Lou"—a familiar figure to players of the original game. Reddit user ReverseTheFlash shared a post titled "He did it again," comparing this box art with the Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty slipcase, which features a strikingly similar composition.

He did it again
byu/ReverseTheFlash inDeathStranding

The promotional image for Metal Gear Solid 2 shows Japanese singer Gackt holding a child in a comparable pose. While not an exact replica, the visual parallels are clearly intentional and fun to notice. It also brings to mind an unusual piece of Metal Gear Solid lore from outside the game's universe.

Leading up to the game's launch, Gackt appeared in multiple promotional campaigns for Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. This included special slip-covers released in select regions, creating a unique piece of MGS memorabilia that has both fascinated and puzzled fans for years.

For those wondering why Gackt was so prominently featured in the MGS2 marketing, Kojima provided an explanation back in 2013. He revealed that he invited Gackt to appear in the TV commercial because "MGS1 was about DNA and MGS2 was about MEMEs. DNA is made of 'AGTC,' and by adding the 'K' from KOJIMA, you get 'GACKT.' " So, there you have it.

Given that Death Stranding 2's latest trailer carries strong Metal Gear influences, it’s no surprise that fans are connecting these dots. While the similarities likely reflect recurring themes in Kojima's creative work rather than direct references, it's still enjoyable to speculate and reminisce—especially when it involves a nostalgic promotional cover starring Gackt.

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