Highlights

  • Death Stranding 2 has the opportunity to focus on what makes the original game define the Strand-type genre, specifically its emphasis on connection.
  • The game's unique gameplay, which goes beyond traditional AAA game development, sets it apart and showcases the potential of independent game development.
  • Death Stranding 2 may introduce new mechanics, such as piloting airships, that bring complexity to the act of delivering while expanding the game's possibilities beyond walking and driving.

The upcoming Death Stranding 2 has a unique opportunity as a sequel to a genre-defining title to better focus on exactly what it is that makes the original define the genre of Strand-type games. This can start with a focus on connection, something that Death Stranding 2 may be backpedaling on, and end with the unique gameplay that rarely gets showcased outside of independent game development.

Since the launch of the original Death Stranding in 2019, there hasn't really been anything that has scratched the same itch or even come close to the Strand-type genre in AAA game development. So, the stage is still set for Death Stranding 2 to prove what it means to be a Stand-type game, and how other developers can iterate and evolve the still-young genre.

Death Stranding Sam and Fragile
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Death Stranding Creating its Own Genre

What it Means to Connect in Death Stranding

The core of the original Death Stranding and the Strand-type genre involves the strands that bind people together, both across the light multiplayer interactions as well as between the characters in the story itself. So, a Strand-type game is a game about connecting, from building the connected United Cities of America to the ever-evolving world that is being subtly affected by other players from across the real world. While this is one of the most notable and uplifting aspects of Death Stranding, the sequel questioning those connections could imply that connecting isn't the only thing meant to define the genre.

Another powerful connection that is formed throughout Death Stranding is the connection between the player and protagonist Sam Porter Bridges. This is done through the mundane nature of the game, forcing players to actively balance Sam as he traverses across unsteady terrain and makes his delivery. Then, between deliveries, the player gets to control Sam during his intimate moments in his room as he chugs beer and energy drinks, uses the bathroom, or just messes around in front of the mirror.

The Power of the Strand-Type Approach to the Mundane

Sam With Heavy Cargo On His Back in Death Stranding

Although the critique of it being a "walking simulator" was levied against Death Stranding during early reviews and previews before the game was fully released, that description doesn't quite do justice to what the walking means for gameplay. While it is true that most of Death Stranding is walking, that walking is done with purpose and the player has full, meticulous control over traversal in ways that most games don't bother to break down so intricately. It is a focus on what would otherwise be the mundane, in-between process of a game that helps the player connect with Sam.

One recent title to excel at elevating the mundane movement of the character is the indie title Jusant by developer Don't Nod, which takes a meticulous focus on climbing for its core gameplay. In the same way that Death Stranding turns basic walking into its puzzle with flowing rivers, steep mountains, and dangerous BTs acting as obstacles, Jusant requires players to take full control of its protagonist to progress. This connection to the player character through mundane activity is another way that Death Stranding defines the experience and separates itself into its own genre.

Death Stranding 2 Doesn't Need to Keep Its Feet on the Ground

Death Stranding 2 Heavy Artillery

With little information on what Death Stranding 2 will bring to the series, any new mechanics are left up to speculation. However, with the initial trailer showing off vehicles like the previously seen reverse trike and a new Beach-crossing airship, the mundane doesn't have to stick to only walking or driving. Adding complexity to piloting one of these new airships could still manage to keep the act of delivering grounded while lifting up into the skies.