Death Stranding 2: On the Beach introduces a great new cast. Familiar faces like Sam, Fragile, Heartman, and even Deadman make an appearance, but the newcomers breathe extra life into the second chapter. Death Stranding 2 expands the scope of its story, and each person Sam meets along the way assists in his journey to grow the reach of the chiral network.
Characters like Rainy, Tarman, and Tomorrow are all compelling in their own rights, but one of the most charming characters to come from the new cast is Dollman. As his name implies, Dollman is, in fact, a man who is a small living doll. Brandished like a keychain on Sam's waist, Dollman provides guidance to Sam during his travels, but he also is a fun fountain of knowledge that brings the first game's meta references to even greater heights.
Even With More Combat, Death Stranding 2 Is Still a Great Cozy Game
Death Stranding 2 introduces more combat, but for those who enjoyed the first's cozy aspects, the relaxing atmosphere is still intact.
Interacting With Death Stranding 2's Dollman Can Open a Goldmine of Meta Moments
Players Should Take Full Advantage of Sam's Room on the DHV Magellan
The DHV Magellan features special sleeping quarters for Sam. In this room, Dollman hangs about, offering advice and support. However, if players interact with more of the room's features, he can even bring up some interesting insights.
If players choose to read in Sam's room, one of the books chosen is Moby Dick. Dollman will remark about the book, but he's also clearly illustrating how Sam and his friends' journey on the DHV Magellan holds many parallels to Captain Ahab's mission to find the great white whale. It's so on-the-nose that it's hard not to find it hilarious, which is completely on-brand for Hideo Kojima. The Death Stranding franchise can be incredibly beautiful and touching, but it can also be downright goofy, and the sequel doesn't hold back in this regard.
One particularly standout meta moment in DS1 references its main star. Norman Reedus takes on the role of Sam, but he's known for a variety of other great work, too. The Boondock Saints and The Walking Dead are some of his most notable roles, but he's also an avid biker. This led him to get his own travel show, Ride WIth Norman Reedus, and the series gets a wild shout-out in DS1. While Sam is showering, the glass of the shower will eventually showcase a giant ad for Ride With Norman Reedus plastered on it. It's hilariously out of place, and Dollman serves as the fresh meta mouthpiece.
Characters like Rainy, Tarman, and Tomorrow are all compelling in their own rights, but one of the most charming characters to come from the new cast is Dollman.
Dollman's Meta Easter Eggs Don't Stop at Moby Dick
Another book that Sam can pick up dives into Mary Shelley's backstory and how she came to create the story of Frankenstein. Dollman even mentions that before the Death Stranding event, Mary Shelley's life was adapted for a live-action movie starring Elle Fanning. For those who are unaware, Elle Fanning is who plays Tomorrow. Death Stranding 2 isn't afraid to be playful, and Dollman's random Easter eggs are further proof of that.
Elle Fanning is also featured on the DS2 soundtrack. She and Woodkid collaborate on a special version of "To the Wilder."
Despite its Subject Matter, Death Stranding 2 Maintains a Lighthearted Outlook on Life
The themes of Death Stranding 2 are heavy, but Kojima sprinkles plenty of optimistic and charming moments that balance out its emotional weight. When hanging out in Sam's room, it could simply have been left as a place for players to have a breather, but instead, Dollman offers a treasure trove of deeper content that shines a bright light on some of the story's themes and inspirations. In contrast, though, he also serves as a reminder to not always be so serious.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- June 26, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Violence, Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Kojima Productions
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
