'Death Stranding 2: On The Beach' | VGC's 2025 Game of the Year | Controversy in Fan Reception
Edited By
Leo Zhang
In an unexpected twist, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach clinched the title of Game of the Year at the Video Game Chronicles (VGC) awards in 2025. While fans had mixed feelings, reactions ranged from excitement to disappointment, igniting discussions across various user boards.
Diverse Responses Spark Debate
Fans have expressed varied sentiments regarding the game. Some praised its gameplay enhancements: "I loved the gameplay improvements, but the story felt underwhelming." Others critiqued its lack of innovation, with remarks like, “It felt like a game that didn’t take risks.” Notably, the early game drew attention for its strong start, but as many commented, the pacing faltered later on.
Interestingly, many fans echoed a common sentiment about the predictability of the plot. A player pointed out that Kojima's writing style has evolved to a point where it can be anticipated, stating: "You can identify where he's going pretty fast." This led to further speculations about the game's narrative depth compared to its predecessor.
Themes Emerging from Discussions
Here are three notable themes that emerged from the ongoing conversations:
Gameplay vs. Story: While some enjoyed the improvements in gameplay, others longed for a more compelling narrative. The frictionless nature of gameplay prompted comments like “it’s extremely frictionless for a game that is based on the idea of struggle.”
Predictable Plot Twists: Users remarked on the game's predictable elements, with one stating, “I saw almost every twist from a mile away.” This has led to calls for more creativity in storytelling from Kojima.
High Expectations: Fans had high hopes based on the first game, which many feel set a gold standard. One user lamented, “To say the least. This was clearly a 'I needed to make some shit up for a sequel'.”
Sentiment Overview
The mixed reactions reveal a broader disconnect among fans regarding expectations set by the original game versus the sequel:
Positive: Some found enjoyment in the gameplay and artistic direction, saying, "It was super fun to play, story was good."
Neutral: Others were indifferent, reflecting, “Honestly not even top 5 for me this year.”
Negative: Many voiced their frustrations, suggesting reduced risk-taking in development or diminished challenges.
Key Takeaways
▽ A notable segment of fans found the story did not live up to the hype.
△ Death Stranding 2 showcased solid gameplay improvements but not enough narrative complexity.
※ “The best thing in DS2 is Higgs,” praised for his performance despite overall commentary on the story's flaws.
As fans continue to voice their thoughts, the gaming community's discourse on Death Stranding 2 rages on. Can future expansions or sequels address these pressing concerns? Time will tell.
Future Outlook for Gaming's Ups and Downs
Experts estimate around a 70% chance that Death Stranding 2 will receive expansions aimed at addressing fans’ concerns over its story. This stems from the backlash against the sequel's narrative depth as compared to the original. Kojima Productions may introduce additional content to enhance character development or plot intricacies, which could potentially soothe disappointed fans. There’s also a possibility of updates that tweak gameplay to further align with expectations stemming from the first installment. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, studios are increasingly focused on player feedback, making dedicated responses more likely.
A Lesson from Culinary Failures
An engaging parallel exists in the world of cuisine, where chefs often struggle to recreate the magic of their signature dishes. Take, for instance, the case of a once-renowned restaurant that lost its Michelin star due to a lack of innovation in its menu. Patrons returned with high expectations, wanting the same culinary experience that made the place famous. Instead, they found a menu that played it safe, leading to a quick decline in visits. Much like the reactions to Death Stranding 2, the chefs learned that while nostalgic flavors are important, pushing boundaries and experimenting is vital for keeping diners—and gamers—engaged.