Anticipation is building to a fever pitch as one of 2025's most significant gaming releases approaches. Industry veteran Geoff Keighley has made a bold declaration about Death Stranding 2, positioning it as potentially the gaming event of the year. The good news? PlayStation Plus subscribers already have a perfect opportunity to prepare by experiencing its predecessor at no additional cost.
The Hype Machine Speaks
Geoff Keighley isn't just any voice in the gaming world. As the founder of The Game Awards and a respected journalist, he's become something of a prophet for the industry—always seeming to know where the next big thing is coming from. And boy, is he excited about this one!
In a recent post on X (formerly that blue bird app, you know the one), Keighley didn't mince words, calling Death Stranding 2 "one of the best games of Hideo Kojima's career." Coming from the man who created Metal Gear, that's saying something... like, a LOT of something!
The sequel, scheduled for release on June 26th, appears to have evolved significantly from its predecessor. Keighley notes that it has refined many core gameplay concepts while introducing more gunplay and what he describes as "MGS-like action set pieces." The screenshots and footage he shared look absolutely stunning—the kind of visuals that make your wallet start sweating nervously.
Catch Up Before It's Too Late!
For those who haven't experienced the original Death Stranding, there's still time to dive into this unique world before the sequel drops. And here's the kicker—if you're subscribed to PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium tiers, you can download and play the game right now without spending an extra penny!
"But which version should I play?" you might ask, scratching your head in confusion. Well, the Director's Cut is probably your best bet if you're on PS Plus Extra or Premium. This enhanced edition comes packed with exclusive weapons, vehicles, additional construction options, and full support for the PS5's DualSense controller. It's like getting the vanilla ice cream but with all the toppings thrown in for free!
A Legacy of Division and Redemption
The original Death Stranding walked a curious path through gaming history. When it first landed in players' hands, it wasn't universally beloved—far from it! Some critics hailed it as a groundbreaking masterpiece, while others... well, let's just say they found more excitement watching digital paint dry.
Time, however, has been kind to Kojima's delivery simulator. What was once divisive has gradually earned recognition as a modern classic. The game's unique blend of isolation, connection, and bizarre otherworldly elements eventually found its audience—and then some!
What Lies Ahead?
The question hanging in the air like one of Death Stranding's eerie floating figures is whether the sequel can live up to Keighley's lofty praise. From what we've seen, Death Stranding 2 appears to be embracing a more action-oriented approach while maintaining the surreal atmosphere that made the original stand out.
Will it succeed? That's the million-dollar question (or more accurately, the $70 question plus whatever DLC might follow 😉). The sequel has some mighty big boots to fill—and in a Kojima game, those boots might literally be filled with tiny tank-controlling octopuses for all we know!
For now, PS Plus subscribers have a golden opportunity to experience or revisit the original game before the sequel arrives. Whether you're a longtime fan eager to reconnect with Sam Porter Bridges or a curious newcomer wondering what all the fuss is about, there's never been a better time to strap on that baby carrier and start making deliveries across a post-apocalyptic America.
After all, in the words of the game itself, we're all connected now. Might as well make those connections while they're included in your subscription!