TheSpaceMcfly Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Review

The gameplay here is sharper, smoother, and far more engaging than its predecessor. Traversal feels refined, and the systems in place are more intuitive. That said, where it falters is in its challenge. The terrain, while beautifully designed and expansive, leans too heavily into flat, vehicle-friendly stretches—making foot traversal or strategic planning largely optional. In fact, for roughly 95% of the missions, you’ll find yourself cruising comfortably in a vehicle, rarely needing to engage with the more nuanced survival mechanics the first game emphasized. BTs, once the haunting centerpiece of tension and atmosphere, now feel like an afterthought. They've been nerfed to the point of irrelevance—no longer do they evoke fear or demand careful planning. Instead, their presence often feels more like a speed bump than a serious threat, reducing what once was a highlight into a mild inconvenience. Still, despite these issues, the game is an absolute blast. The world is rich, the narrative is compelling, and for fans of the original, there’s a lot to love here. Just be sure to crank up the difficulty if you’re hoping for even a hint of that slow-burning tension and challenge the first game was known for.