On the surface, Death Stranding and God of War could not be any more different. The former focuses on an apocalyptic scenario where regular people attempt to survive with the help of bridge babies and those who have DOOMS, which are essentially twisted superpowers. As for the latter, players control a god with a dark past who is seeking redemption in a new world. In terms of settings, the Nine Realms are drastically different from a ruined version of America, while Strand-type gameplay that leans into making deliveries is nothing like the melee-heavy combat and RPG mechanics of the newer God of War titles. Yet for all their differences, a big parallel can be drawn between God of War and Death Stranding.

Aside from the obvious point that both games are PlayStation exclusives, there are some similar approaches being used by the two properties. This includes PC releases for both God of War 2018 and the original Death Stranding, but is not limited to just that. After all, the bigger thing to note is that both properties will seemingly employ the use of two-game sagas to tell their stories. Assuming that Death Stranding 2 does well, video game duologies for other PlayStation properties - such as Ghost of Tsushima or Marvel’s Wolverine - could become a more attractive concept.

Related

What to Expect From Death Stranding 2 in 2024

Death Stranding fans have been in the dark about its highly anticipated sequel, and Kojima Productions could turn on the lights in 2024.

Death Stranding and God of War Have Ended Up Taking Similar Approaches

God of War and Death Stranding Both Seem to Be Avoiding Trilogies

While fans are wondering if Death Stranding 2 will be shaking up its gameplay to focus more on combat than deliveries, which would be similar to how God of War changed genres when it entered into its Norse saga, there are already areas where the games feel a bit familiar. The most prominent of these is that Death Stranding will seemingly be a two-part story, much like God of War Ragnarok capped off the Norse saga. While there could theoretically be more Death Stranding down the road, the upcoming sequel is reportedly the end of Kojima Productions’ exclusivity deal with PlayStation, so that seems unlikely.

Many were initially shocked that God of War Ragnarok was the end of the Norsa saga, as players had expected a trilogy (or longer) like what was seen with the Greek God of War games, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Horizon, Jak and Daxter, Sly Cooper, and more. However, this approach turned out to be a good one. God of War Ragnarok was packed with exciting story moments, and in the eyes of most fans, it lived up to expectations. If Kojima envisioned Death Stranding as a two-part story, then letting it end with two games instead of trying to drag things out to reach a trilogy could turn out to be a good decision. Though video game duologies are rare, as trilogies and longrunning series are the norm, it seems like both franchises will end up taking this route.

Death Stranding Fans Can Only Hope That These Similarities Will Continue

Given how well Santa Monica has been handling God of War Ragnarok, Death Stranding fans can only hope that the next game will be treated in a similar manner. Though it is impossible to tell if it will be viable, a large, free DLC for Death Stranding 2 like Ragnarok’s Valhalla expansion would undoubtedly be exciting. Additionally, God of War Ragnarok is rumored to receive a half-sequel like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, with fans expecting it to focus on Atreus. Though it is not part of the current plan, Kojima Productions would have all the tools necessary for a similar Death Stranding spin-off, as characters like Die-Hardman and Cliff Unger could absolutely carry such a game.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Death Stranding 2 is the continuation of Komija's Death Stranding franchise, bringing back a familiar face in Sam Porter (played by Norman Reedus). The release looks to continue the story surrounding the courier and the many dangers the Chiral Network faces.