The gaming industry is buzzing with excitement as 2025 approaches, marked by the highly anticipated release of one of Hideo Kojima's new masterpieces: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Hideo Kojima, one of the most influential video game designers of our time, is well-known for his groundbreaking storytelling and unique gameplay mechanics that have changed the face of gaming. With Death Stranding 2 set to launch on June 26, 2025, gamers are eager to see how Kojima further develops the enigmatic narrative that has captivated so many.
Kojima rose to prominence in the gaming world primarily through his monumental work on the Metal Gear Solid series, alongside other memorable titles. As we look forward to Death Stranding 2, it’s a good moment to reflect on the impact of his previous works. Here’s a ranking of some of Kojima’s most important and iconic games.
1. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Released in 2001 on the PlayStation 2, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty remains a landmark title in the stealth action genre. This second mainline entry in the franchise shocked players with a bold marketing strategy that introduced a new protagonist, Raiden, leading to some initial backlash. Nevertheless, the game set a new standard for cinematic storytelling and gameplay mechanics, allowing players to imitate real-world tactics like disrupting enemy communications by shooting their radios.
2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
In 2004, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater took the franchise in a different direction by setting the game in a Soviet jungle environment. Players could use a close-quarters combat system (CQC) to take down enemies in new ways and adapt to their surroundings. Notably, the game is a prequel, offering a rich narrative and a gameplay experience that included hunting and camouflage, showcasing Kojima’s ability to innovate.
3. Death Stranding
The release of Death Stranding in 2019 on PlayStation 4 and PC marked Kojima’s first project after leaving Konami. Starring Norman Reedus, this game presented a unique proposition alerting players to the importance of connectivity in a seemingly isolated world. It allowed players to build structures and share them across worlds, blurring the line between single-player and multiplayer experiences.
4. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Released in 2015, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain delivered revolutionary open-world gameplay while wrapping up the beloved series. Although the game features an array of innovative mechanics including the ability for players to kidnap and convert enemy soldiers, some criticize its ending for feeling rushed. Regardless, it caps off the series with unforgettable gameplay experiences.
5. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
This 2008 title on PlayStation 3 is noted for its deep emotional conclusion to Solid Snake’s story. With the introduction of a Psyche Meter and the new OctoCamo suit, players faced various challenges that affected gameplay drastically. While its long cutscenes drew criticism, the game remains a technical achievement that showcased Kojima’s theatrical style.
6. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Set in Costa Rica and released in 2010 on PlayStation Portable, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker served as a prequel to The Phantom Pain. It introduced a cooperative mode along with a management system for Mother Base, emphasizing teamwork alongside the classic gameplay Kojima fans love.
7. Metal Gear Solid
The 1998 release of Metal Gear Solid is often credited with revolutionizing the stealth genre. As players control Solid Snake, they navigate complex environments filled with adversarial forces and engage in memorable boss battles, making this game a timeless classic.
8. Boktai: The Sun is in Your Hand
Though Kojima did not direct this 2003 release on Game Boy Advance, it was produced and designed by him, highlighting his innovative spirit. Featuring a unique Solar Gun that charges via real sunlight, this game blended RPG elements with stealth mechanics and received critical acclaim, influencing future titles.
As excitement mounts for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, with pre-orders already available for €59.99, fans are eager to immerse themselves in another chapter of Kojima’s intriguing narrative. Early trailers suggest the game retains the signature enigmatic storytelling the designer is known for, set against a backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world.
The upcoming release is not just another game; it's an experience that promises to challenge perceptions and elevate narrative-driven gaming. Fans around the globe are hopeful that Kojima's innovative flair will once again redefine gaming norms and inspire future generations.
As 2025 shapes up to be a monumental year for video gaming, with the impending launches of not only Death Stranding 2 but also the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and Grand Theft Auto VI, the gaming community stands on the brink of a new era. Hideo Kojima's legacy, marked by his unique storytelling and unparalleled creativity, will undoubtedly play an integral role in this evolution.
