The first project released by the Hideo Kojima's studio, following the separation from Konami, was Death Stranding, an eccentric game about a delivery man who attempts to reconnect a fractured version of America following an apocalyptic event caused by otherworldly beings known as Beached Things. The game was polarizing due to its slow pace and its unconventional storytelling, but it garnered enough success for Norman Reedus to heavily suggest a Death Stranding sequel may be on the way.

With a sequel, Kojima Productions has an opportunity to polish and perfect the ideas introduced in Death Stranding, as well as to innovate on the new strand genre that Kojima claims to have created. It may be a good idea for the developer to look to another highly successful slow-paced open-world game - Red Dead Redemption 2. While Sam Bridges is a unique hero made memorable by his ability to overcome isolation in the most desolate of environments, it would not do him any harm if, in Death Stranding 2, he wound up drawing inspiration from the Wild West cowboy Arthur Morgan.

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Sam Should Not Be Afraid to Make More Friends

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One of the things that make Red Dead Redemption 2 such a standout game and make Arthur Morgan an incredibly immersive character is the depth and changing nature of his relationships with others. When players interact with NPCs, they can choose between greeting them and having a pleasant moment, or they can decide to antagonize their interlocutor and see if it leads to a brawl or gunfight. Furthermore, NPCs do not suffer from amnesia, and some will remember Arthur's kind or cruel treatment during future encounters, which leads to unexpected benefits or troubles. As result, relationships with the characters in Arthur's camp and the various settlements feel far more authentic, and it is very easy to get invested in every interaction.

When Death Stranding begins, it is revealed that Sam has aphenphosmphobia, which means he doesn't like being touched. Consequently, he avoids contact with others as much as possible, but this is not out of place in a dystopian world where most have isolated themselves in bunkers. As the game progresses, Sam realizes that the only way to save America is to overcome the fear of connection and reach out to others once more, and he saves the day not through violence, but with a hug.

With Death Stranding 2, players should see an expansion of Sam Bridges' social skills to illustrate how the character has grown. Players should be able to have more in-depth interactions with fellow porters they come across, and these porters should remember the nature of these interactions. As the United Cities of America are rebuilt, Sam should also be able to forge relationships with the inhabitants of the cities that are established. In doing so, the importance of human connections will be highlighted, and Sam's growth will be made more evident.

Sam Should Be a Naturalist

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On the surface, Arthur appears to be a ruthless outlaw only interested in guns and gold. However, when players spend time with him, it becomes obvious that he has a gentler side that appreciates the beauty of nature and the serenity of the outdoors. When Arthur is not involved in heists with the Van der Linde gang, he is out exploring the countryside, tracking animals, and picking plants. He also carries a diary around where he sketches the various plant and animal species he comes across. Hang around Arthur enough, and it is impossible to not gain a little natural science knowledge.

Like Arthur, Sam spends plenty of time outdoors, and during his deliveries, he is exposed to plenty of breathtaking vistas and awesome mountain ranges. While Sam is a man of few words, it is hinted that he enjoys his time in nature, as he occasionally stops to rest and peacefully plays his harmonica as he takes in the view. The Death Stranding sequel could expand on this aspect of Sam Bridges' personality and make him more of a naturalist. Like Arthur, he could carry around a diary, so he can track the plants and animals he comes across. Not only would it give Sam's personality more dimension, but it would also give gamers more reason to stop and admire the oddly beautiful dystopian landscapes that Sam hikes through.

Thanks to Kojima's limitless imagination, it is impossible to predict what Death Stranding's sequel will bring. The game could pick up where its predecessor left off, or it could decide to go down an entirely new path. Whatever choice Kojima Productions makes, taking some cues from Red Dead Redemption 2 may be useful, as Arthur Morgan provides a great template for how to craft an immersive protagonist.

Death Stranding is available now on PC, PS4, and PS5.

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