Musical Review: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Episode #379 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan takes a spoiler-free deep dive into Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, breaking down the gameplay evolution, combat systems, traversal mechanics, and the wide array of new tools at your disposal. Our Musical Review delves into how Kojima Productions pushes the boundaries of interactive storytelling with new characters, emotional stakes, and a thoughtful exploration of connection, grief, and the cost of rebuilding.

From the breathtaking visuals and art direction to the seamless integration of licensed tracks and original score, Bryan reflects on the moments that hit hardest, especially the emotional resonance of Low Roar’s return in Chapter 1. This isn’t just a review. It’s a journey through one of the most thought-provoking and visually stunning games of the year, and maybe ever.

Email the show at [e-mail] with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff & Mike.

EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS

1. Minus Sixty One from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Woodkid, 2025]
2. We Should Not Have Connected from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Ludvig Forssell, 2025]
3. Any Love of Any Kind from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Woodkid feat. Bryce Dessner, 2025]
4. Higgs from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Ludvig Forssell, 2025]
5. Story of Rainy from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Woodkid feat. Suginami Junior Chorus, 2025]
6. På En Mörk, Stjärnklar Natt from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Ludvig Forssell feat. Amelie Anna, 2025]
7. Good Old Fashioned Boss Fight from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Ludvig Forssell, 2025]
8. Neil Vana from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Ludvig Forssell, 2025]
9. Tmrrw from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Woodkid, 2025]
10. All-In Portering from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Ludvig Forssell, 2025]
11. Homecoming from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Ludvig Forssell feat. Troy Baker, 2025]
12. Weaponized Wanderers from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Ludvig Forssell, 2025]
13. One Last Fight Pt.1/2/3 from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Ludvig Forssell feat. Troy Baker, 2025]
14. To the Wilder from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach [Woodkid feat. Elle Fanning, 2025]

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PODCAST NETWORK

• Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast
• Listening Religiously