Although Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was released this year, development began as early as 2019. In January 2020, artist Yoji Shinkawa created several rough sketches of the main protagonists based on an early (now scrapped) version of the game’s script. These sketches – which reveal a very different atmosphere from the Death Stranding 2: On the Beach we know now – were recently brought to light by Kojima, along with some insights regarding the rewritten script.
In the concept art, Sam Bridges and Fragile look dapper and ready for a night on the town. When juxtaposed with the characters’ current designs, these sketches make the final game look much grittier than Kojima’s initial vision.
The decision to make Sam and Fragile more closely resemble their original Death Stranding versions appears to be an intentional choice, one that highlights Kojima’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. While Kojima never intended for Death Stranding to echo the feelings of loneliness and isolation that people experienced during the pandemic (feelings they would encounter months after the game’s 2019 release), its story and gameplay loop ended up resonating with them. Kojima ended up rewriting the entire Death Stranding 2: On the Beach script, using the first game as well as his and others’ experiences of the pandemic as inspiration.
As well-received as the final game is, many Kojima fans would like to see the original script for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, or at least more concept art from this stage of development. Seeing Sam and Fragile in formal wear instead of their usual Standard Issue Bridges Suit and Fragile Express leather outfit makes one wonder if the original script included a more hopeful future – one where a connected United Cities of America brought about a new Renaissance for the country.
We might never see Kojima’s initial vision for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, but perhaps he could talk about it in his Brain Structure podcast or incorporate elements of the original script into a future title. At the very least, people want to see Sam Bridges in a suit via an in-game cosmetic item.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is available for PlayStation 5.
