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[Draugoth]

Q: When does death Stranding 2: On The Besch Embargo lifts?
A: The official Death Stranding 2: On The Beach review embargo ends on June 23 at 5:00 AM PDT / 7:00 AM CDT / 8:00 AM EDT / 1:00 PM BST. ​

Death Stranding 2 - Standard Edition​

See it at Amazon - $69.99
Get it at Best Buy - $69.99
Get it at GameStop - $69.99
Get it at Target - $69.99
Get it at Walmart - $69.99
Get it at PS Direct - $69.99
Get it at PS Store (digital) - $69.99
If you can live without any of the digital and/or physical extras that come in the pricier versions of the game, or you want a physical copy of it, the standard edition is the way to go. It comes with the game itself, plus the digital preorder bonuses (see below for details on those).​

Death Stranding 2 - Digital Deluxe Edition​

Get it at PS Store - $79.99
The digital-only deluxe edition comes with a digital copy of the game itself, plus the following extras:

48-hour Early Access to the game (June 24)
Machine Gun (MP Bullets) LV1 early unlock
Battle Skeleton: Gold (LV1, LV2, LV3)
Boost Skeleton: Gold (LV1, LV2, LV3)
Bokka Skeleton: Gold (LV1, LV2, LV3)
Quokka Patch
Chiral Feline Patch
Why Me? Patch​

Death Stranding 2 Collector's Edition​

Get it at PS Direct - $229.99
The Collector's Edition is exclusive to the PlayStation Direct store. It costs $229.99 and comes with all sorts of cool stuff. Here's what you get:

Full Game Digital Download
48-hour Early Access to the game (June 24)
Collector's Box
15" Magellan Man Statue
3" Dollman figurine
Art cards
Letter from Hideo Kojima
In-game items
Machine Gun (MP Bullets) LV1 early unlock
Battle Skeleton: Gold (LV1, LV2, LV3)
Boost Skeleton: Gold (LV1, LV2, LV3)
Bokka Skeleton: Gold (LV1, LV2, LV3)
Quokka Patch
Chiral Feline Patch
Why Me? Patch​

Death Stranding 2 Preorder Bonus​

Preorder Death Stranding 2, and you'll receive the following in-game items:

Quokka Hologram
Battle Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)
Boost Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)
Bokka Skeleton: Silver (LV1, LV2, LV3)​

​

Atarita - Eren Eroğlu - Turkish - 86 / 100

Death Stranding 2 builds upon the foundations of its predecessor with a more polished and ambitious experience, successfully addressing many of the original's shortcomings. While its emotionally resonant story stands out, the narrative momentum occasionally falters due to pacing inconsistencies.

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But Why Tho? - Matt Sowinski - 9 / 10

It's Kojima at his most Kojima, a visionary building a type of experience that only he can. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an adventure worth taking.

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CGMagazine - Jordan Biordi - 9 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach takes its predecessor's foundation and builds a bigger, better game on top-keeping everything that worked, and improving what didn't 10-fold.

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CNET - Oscar Gonzalez - Unscored

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach should have been called Death Stranding 2: Quality of Life, because that's what this game is. From top to bottom, Kojima Productions made so many improvements to the original, making a weird delivery-sim game that is quite relaxing. Those improvements may not be enough to attract people who avoided the original, yet the players coming back are going to find a sense of calmness that you could assume Kojima wanted to deliver with his game.

---

ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9.5 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is yet another stellar entry from one of gaming's greatest minds. The whole team at Kojima Productions has delivered a startling project that is massive in scale, building upon the original's mechanics in interesting ways.

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Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a bigger and bolder expansion that will once again split fans and critics. The improvements across the board are felt immediately, bringing about a significant amount of much-needed change to the formula. Between the changes to stealth and combat, the new structures you can build, and the new settings, cast, and music, Death Stranding 2 has proven that Kojima is not only on point but also an auteur of the industry. There is nobody like him doing what he does, and I sincerely doubt there will be.

---

Dexerto - Brad Norton - 5 / 5

Death Stranding 2 is phenomenal. It's among Kojima's very best work not just for its narrative, but for the near-limitless variety in its gameplay opportunities.

While it may very well end up being the final game in the series, at least with Kojima at the helm, we can only hope someone else picks up the mantle and continues to iterate on one of gaming's most unique experiences. After all, why else would we have connected?

---

Echo Boomer - David Fialho - Portuguese - Essential

A work of art is not defined by perfection, but by the confidence with which it is created, the intent that drives it, and the lasting impression it leaves on those who play, watch, read, or listen. Even if Death Stranding 2: On the Beach didn't grip me at first as I had hoped, by the end — much like its predecessor — it left me deeply moved and with a strange, immediate sense of longing. Just hours after finishing it, I started it all over again — not out of a need for completion (which I could have continued from my first run), but simply because I still can't bring myself to leave this world and these characters. To me, this rare kind of involvement — at once interactive, emotional, and philosophical — is what makes video games such a special form of expression.

---

Enternity.gr - Panagiotis Petropoulos - Greek - 8.5 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is better than its predecessor in almost all areas, placing a heavy emphasis on combat while keeping the stealth feature at a very good level.

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GRYOnline.pl - Sebastian Kasparek - Polish - 10 / 10

Death Stranding 2 doesn't have to be perfect, but it is exceptional as a game and a sequel. It's hard for me to point out any real flaws. I played like a haunted person, looking forward to the next scenes. This is a complete experience - much bigger, better, more dynamic, much more interestingly conceived and varied compared to the previous installment.

---

Gaming Nexus - Jason Dailey - 10 / 10

Hideo Kojima once again proves to be a singular creative force in the video game industry, crafting a sequel in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach that is not just essential for fans of the first game, but an essential experience for all gamers.

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HCL.hr - Zoran Žalac - Unknown - 82 / 100

A true cargo-carrying experience: it's not all that fun at the beginning of the trip, it gets better once you warm up, and provides the best feeling when you finally get rid of everything that's been weighing down your back.

---

INVEN - Kyuman Kim - Korean - 9 / 10

Compared to its predecessor, Death Stranding 2 delivers a far more refined experience in every aspect—from gameplay to narrative pacing. The stunning visual presentation and tightly directed storytelling keep you engaged right up to the end. While the repetitive gameplay may cause a brief sense of fatigue in the middle, the powerful climax makes it all worthwhile.

---

Kakuchopurei - 90 / 100

My 35+ hours with Death Stranding 2: On The Beach was laced with so many emotions and feelings: boredom, excitement, joy, confusion, and satisfaction. It still has the trademarks of a Kojima-written narrative -"Muffin Man"-style dialogue, bats*** insane moments, subtle-as-a-sledgehammer storytelling with obvious symbolism.

But that's what makes this sequel all the more endearing; you may cringe at some moments, but you won't be bored with the thread being spun here. Nor will you be left out of the lurch with the interactive experience you're getting.

---

KonsoliFIN - Niko Lähteenmäki - Finnish - 4 / 5

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is, in my book, a near-perfect sequel. Many of the criticisms aimed at the first game have been addressed with smart changes that make it significantly more approachable. Visually and aurally, it's even more stunning than its predecessor, and the new plot twists are truly gripping. Only the masochists who loved the utter bleakness of the first game might not appreciate the improvements that Kojima Productions has made.

---

Loot Level Chill - Chris White - 10 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is one of the greatest games of all time, blending freedom in its gameplay with a story and soundtrack that will be remembered for decades.

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Merlin'in Kazanı - Samet Basri Taşlı - Turkish - 87 / 100

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has managed to be a beautiful game that will make fans of the first game very happy with its rich cast, magnificent music and eccentric humor.

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Nexus Hub - Sam Aberdeen - 10 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is one of the best games of the generation and Kojima Productions at the peak of its craft - so precisely fine-tuned, emotionally resonant and at times, completely and confidently bonkers.

---

One More Game - Chris Garcia - 9 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach builds meaningfully upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, delivering a more dynamic and visually arresting sequel anchored by an emotional narrative that doesn't let go until the finish. It invites returning porters and newcomers alike to rediscover its strange, beautiful world with a renewed sense of wonder, reminding us that Kojima magic is very much alive.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is absolutely essential and a must-play title that could easily get Game of the Year nods yet again. Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions have delivered a unique and gripping experience, guiding us through the wilderness and reminding us that every step, no matter how uncertain, brings us closer to connection.

---

Oyungezer Online - Eren Eryürekli - Turkish - 9 / 10

Kojima has once again managed to deliver an emotional and deeply layered story that will have us trekking through mountains and valleys for 90 hours - it simply doesn't get better than this. Our second journey through this world, brought to life by the magic of Decima Engine, promises to be a far more satisfying experience in every aspect, finally realizing its true potential as an unforgettable adventure.

---

PSX Brasil - Bruno Henrique Vinhadel - Portuguese - 95 / 100

Technically flawless and visually stunning, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an exceptional sequel and a clear evolution for a game that was already full of qualities. An even more engaging story with an improved narrative, as well as huge advances in its unique gameplay, are just some of the highlights of one of the best games of the year.

---

Pizza Fria - Álvaro Saluan da Cunha - Portuguese - 10 / 10

The feeling that remains is that we are faced with a work that marks not only this generation of consoles, but also a new chapter in Hideo Kojima's career and in the history of video games as a great means of artistic expression.

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Push Square - Liam Croft - 10 / 10

In what will prove to be one of the defining games of the PS5 generation, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a profound achievement of design, gameplay, narrative, and visuals. As all four meet in the middle, Kojima Productions has crafted a cinematic spectacle that flawlessly transitions between action and traversal, all wrapped up in the most absorbing of narratives. An immense upgrade on the first game, Death Stranding 2 is an unequivocal masterpiece.

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Quest Daily - Shaun Fullard - 9 / 10

DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH is a sequel through and through, not straying too far from the style and set-up established within the first game. Instead, choosing to improve upon the formula in almost every way, putting more focus on action, pacing, and enemy encounters.

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Restart.run - Jesse Vitelli - 3 / 5

Death Stranding 2 is a game that pulls from the same playbook as the original, one that wants you to know it was made by the creator of Metal Gear Solid, and doesn't use its 55- hour runtime to pull on the threads that are interesting about the world. Instead, its focus on combat and retreading similar ground gets tiring fast. There are moments of something special here, but they can't shine past their own shadows.

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SECTOR.sk - Michal Korec - Slovak - 8.5 / 10

Death Stranding 2 may not match the sales figures of its predecessor, nor recapture the magic of the original. However, it is a well-crafted sequel with expanded gameplay, new territories, a great plot, and lots of Metal Gear Solid elements waiting to be discovered after all these years.

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SavePoint Gaming - Jake Su - 9.5 / 10

More of the same when it comes to a quality experience is never a bad thing, but Death Stranding 2 doesn't have the same wow factor that came with every little detail of the first. It is still an incredible, indie-esque realisation of a grand vision that only Kojima can come up with, and being exceptional instead of groundbreaking is still worth giving a thumbs up to.

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Sirus Gaming - Kurt John Palomaria - 9 / 10

But even with its stumbles, Death Stranding 2 stuck with me. It's messy. It's over the top. It's absolutely not for everyone. But it moved me. And for a game about carrying things, that feels like the point. It's strange. It's human. It's heavy. Death Stranding 2 is worth the weight.

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TheSixthAxis - Tuffcub - 8 / 10

Despite repeating huge chunks of Death Stranding 1, almost beat for beat, Kojima pulls it out of the bag in the end. The core gameplay loop remains satisfying enough to get you through to the good stuff, but I can't help but feel disappointed just how similar this game is to its predecessor.

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Toisto - Joonatan Itkonen - 5 / 5

Death Stranding 2 is the encapsulation of Hideo Kojima's ambition to marry films and games into one seamless experience. For the first time, it's not him emulating the cinema he adores. Instead, it's Kojima directing a vast, emotionally charged epic that others will imitate in years to come. It is a masterpiece of storytelling and game design. A peerless exploration of grief, found family, and all that we leave behind.

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Too Much Gaming - Carlos Hernandez - 5 / 5

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach delivers higher visual fidelity, consistent performance across the board, and a few new tricks that make gameplay more accessible, challenging, and fun. If you have the patience and come in with an open mind, you'll be in an exclusive group of people who will struggle to describe this experience to anyone else.

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WellPlayed - Adam Ryan - 10 / 10

Immensely self-assured in the quality of its foundation, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach masterfully iterates and refines, while introducing considered additions that complement the experience, not complicate it.

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Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 9 / 10

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is an improvement over Death Stranding in almost every way I can think of. It's larger, full of more things to do, and generally a more enjoyable experience. The plot is crazier than ever, which might be a plus or minus depending on your tastes, but if nothing else, it isn't boring. The only complaint I can think of is that the game is perhaps a touch too easy at times, and even that isn't a huge problem. If you liked the first game, it's very easy to imagine you liking the sequel. Just be prepared for things to be as unfathomably ridiculous as possible at every turn.

​

​

 

[Wastelander92]

92 let's go!!

 

[tTHANOSs]

If Insomniacs spider-man 2 can get a 90 this should too.

 

[CLW]

 

[clarky]

In the 90's.

Away from the PS5 for a few weeks so won't be able to dive in with the rest of you. Enjoy everyone.

 

[Von Hugh]

Death STranding 2: On The Bach

 

[Insanemaelstrom]

Voting 90 to 95, personally the first game was an 8.5 for me and the sequel seems better in everywhere currently based on the trailers. Previews seem more positive as well, compared to the previous game and more focus on combat should be more towards critic's liking.

 

[Sushi_Combo]

Actually can't believe this is out soon, haven't paid any attention to the promos surrounding this. Can't wait!

 

[Luipadre]

Preloaded and ready to dive in in 2 days. Cant believe its almost here

 

[Fake]

I wish those terrible boxart have changed to the stylish ones.

 

[rofif]

90-95.
whoever rates it lower, disliked 28 years later and have no good taste in anything

 

[rofif]

I wish those terrible boxart have changed to the stylish ones.

the boxart with a kid?
it's beautiful and unique compared to usuaul boxarts

 

[poppabk]

Im going 90+ easy. I didnt like the first game personally but it obviously hit for a lot of people and this looks like a significant step up from the first game.

 

[Fake]

the boxart with a kid?
it's beautiful and unique compared to usuaul boxarts

Nah, is terrible in comparison with the stylish one.

 

[Flabagast]

92 seems about right

 

[Sebastian1295]

I feel like reviewers will end up lowering their scores because of how out their this game is going to be and the end result is going to be the game scoring in the mid to high 80s. I think if you go into this game with the right expectations then it should be a game that scores into the 90s.

 

[rofif]

Nah, is terrible in comparison with the stylish one.

there are beautiful but a bit too busy for a cover

 

[TheDarkPhantom]

Been on media blackout for over a year, GOTY incoming, I'll guess 93 though. My physical copy arrives release day unless Amazon Japan cancels it like they did with Nightreign

 

[Gonzito]

My prediction

87

 

[Pasta la Vista]

93, will be a game of the generation. Visually it looks like what this type of high production value game should achieve in current gen. I expect everything to be an improvement over the original.

 

[Angry_Megalodon]

91

 

[AlphaDump]

I just want a AAA graphical banger at this point. Hopefully it corrects some of the issues with the original. I love the clean athestic that Kojima's games typically have. My ps5 pro is starving and needs to eat.

 

[Crimsonhead]

This is Amazing, waiting for this for soooo long and it's almost there , I can´t believe it yet

~90 / 95

 

[Hookshot]

Kojima must give the best blowjobs in the industry the way they all fawn over him so high 90's.

 

[HRK69]

Team 95

 

[Markio128]

I'm going with 88. It'll improve on the first game's score, but because DS2 will continue to be as divisive as the first, I don't see it reaching 90+.

Still can't make my mind up about the deluxe edition.

 

[M.W.]

84

 

[Bojji]

I expect Uncharted 1 - Uncharted 2 jump in quality.

91.

 

[yogaflame]

95

 

[analog_future]

If Insomniacs spider-man 2 can get a 90 this should too.

This.

Anyone claiming there's no Sony special treatment with game journalists need look no further than Spider-Man 2.

 

[TerribleAtThisGame]

I voted the high 80s category. I'm just really excited for this to iterate and build on the first game. I still think what they were able to get done in 3 yrs with a newly formed studio was impressive. I have the feeling they can get this formula really firing on all cylinders with the foundation having been laid and them seemingly just fine tuning it.

I won't be able to go Day 1 due to family stuff and work but as soon as I can, I'm in as fuck.

 

[Majima Everywhere System]

Any preorder bonuses, you bitches?

Edit: I see now, damn that is a Deluxe amount of legs. And a marsupial? Fucking yes!!!

 

[Flabagast]

I just want a AAA graphical banger at this point. Hopefully it corrects some of the issues with the original. I love the clean athestic that Kojima's games typically have. My ps5 pro is starving and needs to eat.

1st hour of the game has leaked online if you want to take a peak

 

[Evil Calvin]

I have the physical edition coming this week.

But the Kojima and Sony fan boys will inflate the score by 10-20 points. I'm sure it will be fine but not 'best game evaaaar' good.

 

[TGO]

Nah, is terrible in comparison with the stylish one.

What could of been

 

[SolarFry]

69

 

[AlphaDump]

1st hour of the game has leaked online if you want to take a peak

Nah, Ive waited this long as I may as well keep myself in the dark. Peeking behind the curtain sometimes dilutes my own expectations. Ill accept a $70 L every now and then.

 

[Giallo Corsa]

I have the physical edition coming this week.

But the Kojima and Sony fan boys will inflate the score by 10-20 points. I'm sure it will be fine but not 'best game evaaaar' good.

So, what would be a "best evaaar" game ?

DS1 for me, was one of the best games of the XONE/PS4 generation, now what ?

Just a thought here but, you could do without the passive aggressiveness - it reminds of that guy (Silkysmooth30fps or whatever) that just had to be a condescending cunt /troll in every Stellar blade thread.

 

[LordOcidax]

Geoff Keighley Score 1000/10
Gaming press Score between 85-90

So between 89-91

 

[Clear]

91 for every Gb of the pre-load.

 

[VanCityGamer]

This.

Anyone claiming there's no Sony special treatment with game journalists need look no further than Spider-Man 2.

Spider-Man 2 was amazing and deserving of being in the 90s. Posts like yours are so dumb.

 

[Caio]

90-95.

 

[WellSheet]

I'm one of those people; I didn't play the first game, but the previews of this have my attention…

 

[powder]

I think combat is still gonna drag the score down this time around. It looks a little improved but that demo with the Neil boss fight looked like ass. Enemies don't really react to getting hit by fire in a realistic way and it still seems janky.

Regardless I could see this pulling at least 90 for the craftsmanship alone.

 

[calico]

I'm not seeing anything which makes it look like a significant improvement over DS1. High 80s.

 

[The Cockatrice]

Reviews are irrelevant to a game's true quality. It'll get boosted cuz Kojima, but the reality will be 20 points less, so a 7 game just like the first.

 

[rofif]

Reviews are irrelevant to a game's true quality. It'll get boosted cuz Kojima, but the reality will be 20 points less, so a 7 game just like the first.

say what?
It will get boosted because of Kojima... because he makes amazing fucking games.
Og was amazing!

 

[The Cockatrice]

say what?
It will get boosted because of Kojima... because he makes amazing fucking games.
Og was amazing!

No

 

[Hideous Snake]

Going 89%. Hoping for 90+

Reviews are irrelevant to a game's true quality. It'll get boosted cuz Kojima, but the reality will be 20 points less, so a 7 game just like the first.

Checks out

 

[The Cockatrice]

Checks out

How original. Havent heard that a million times from someone who can't handle criticism and acts like a complete baby.