Summary
On the surface,Death StrandingandGod of Warcould not be any more different. The former focuses on an apocalyptic scenario where regular people attempt to survive with the help of bridge babies and those who have DOOMS, which are essentially twisted superpowers. As for the latter, players control a god with a dark past who is seeking redemption in a new world. In terms of settings, the Nine Realms are drastically different from a ruined version of America, whileStrand-type gameplaythat leans into making deliveries is nothing like the melee-heavy combat and RPG mechanics of the newerGod of Wartitles. Yet for all their differences, a big parallel can be drawn betweenGod of WarandDeath Stranding.
Aside from the obvious point that both games are PlayStation exclusives, there are some similar approaches being used by the two properties. This includes PC releases for bothGod of War2018 and the originalDeath Stranding, but is not limited to just that. After all, the bigger thing to note is that both properties will seemingly employ the use of two-game sagas to tell their stories. Assuming thatDeath Stranding 2does well, video game duologies for other PlayStation properties - such asGhost of TsushimaorMarvel’s Wolverine- could become a more attractive concept.
Death Stranding and God of War Have Ended Up Taking Similar Approaches
God of War and Death Stranding Both Seem to Be Avoiding Trilogies
While fans are wondering ifDeath Stranding 2will be shaking up its gameplay to focus more on combat than deliveries, which would be similar to howGod of Warchanged genres when it entered into its Norse saga, there are already areas where the games feel a bit familiar. The most prominent of these is thatDeath Strandingwill seemingly be a two-part story, much likeGod of War Ragnarokcapped off the Norse saga. While there could theoretically be moreDeath Strandingdown the road, the upcoming sequel is reportedly the end of Kojima Productions’ exclusivity deal with PlayStation, so that seems unlikely.
Many were initially shocked thatGod of War Ragnarokwas the end of the Norsa saga, as players had expected a trilogy (or longer) like what was seen withthe GreekGod of Wargames,Marvel’s Spider-Man,Horizon,Jak and Daxter,Sly Cooper, and more. However, this approach turned out to be a good one.God of War Ragnarokwas packed with exciting story moments, and in the eyes of most fans, it lived up to expectations. If Kojima envisionedDeath Strandingas a two-part story, then letting it end with two games instead of trying to drag things out to reach a trilogy could turn out to be a good decision. Though video game duologies are rare, as trilogies and longrunning series are the norm, it seems like both franchises will end up taking this route.
Both franchises are also set to get live action adaptations in the near future. In the case ofDeath Stranding, a movie is being developed with A24, while Amazon Prime is making aGod of WarTV series.
Death Stranding Fans Can Only Hope That These Similarities Will Continue
Given how well Santa Monica has been handlingGod of War Ragnarok,Death Strandingfans can only hope that the next game will be treated in a similar manner. Though it is impossible to tell if it will be viable, a large, free DLC forDeath Stranding 2likeRagnarok’s Valhalla expansion would undoubtedly be exciting. Additionally,God of War Ragnarokis rumored to receive a half-sequel likeSpider-Man: Miles MoralesandUncharted: The Lost Legacy, with fans expecting it to focus on Atreus. Though it is not part of the current plan, Kojima Productions would have all the tools necessary for a similarDeath Strandingspin-off, as characters like Die-Hardman and Cliff Unger could absolutely carry such a game.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam—with companions by his side—sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.
