Simply if you loved the first game, you'll love this one.

This is exactly what I wanted from a DEATH STRANDING sequel. Thank you Kojipro.

It's more DEATH STRANDING in the desert, with dynamic water that rises as it rains causing massive tidal waves to pour down the rivers, ghost spiders, lil studio-Ghibli-styled ash monsters, climbing mountains, hot/cold system + bonuses/drawbacks, improved UI, improved controls, more streamlined inventory and item management, dialog options, ~15 minutes from starting the game to gameplay proper gameplay, gun ranges, new weapons, new bedroom area, new beers/drinks, and so much more.

With that in mind, there are also so odd design choices and quality of life changes that juxtapose the first game.

It feels like this game was designed and tuned for a more "normal" or "casual" audience. This is fine, but we lose a lot of the charm and jank the first game had. I feel these imperfections gave the game character and stakes, but DS2 completely removes this stylization to use more "industry-standard" controls and methods of doing things. Sadly, that's not really what I want from a Kojima game.

I enjoy the innovation and rethinking of standards, but this didn't seem to really happen with DS2 sadly. There isn't a lot of "new" things or innovations here. Just moreso improvements and reimaginings of the first title.

This music selection does not complement the game as well as the first DS, but it's acceptable. It's a bit too positive and upbeat, while DS1 had more of a melodramatic yet hopeful musical selection.

Sadly, the story is the weakest part of the experience, at least in the first 6-10 hours. I'm sure it gets better, but DS1 had a much better story and introduction.

Many of the minor features, story telling, or pacing may be changed or improved, but the core gameplay and experience remains the same. We are walking and rebuilding again!

It's more DEATH STRANDING and I couldn't be happier. Nice job folks!

I'm only 6-10 hours in, and I'm sure I'll write more once I get there! Have fun yall! Give everyone's signs a like for me please!

Keep on keeping on!