Does Death Stranding 2 Echo Elements of The Last of Us Part 2?

Exploring Death Stranding 2’s Sam-Cliff Bond and Hopeful Resolution vs. The Last of Us Part II’s Joel Miller’s Legacy

Pedro Zambarda, Editor-in-Chief, collaborated with gameplay expert Ana Lesnovski from Meteoro Brazil for the podcast “Light Spoilers.” Their discussion touched upon significant narrative events in recent gaming, including the controversial demise of Joel Miller. The Last of Us Part II, released in 2020 at the onset of the new coronavirus pandemic, concluded Joel Miller’s story. His death in the game generated significant online discussion regarding spoilers. Looking ahead to 2025, after the pandemic, viewers will witness Joel’s passing depicted in HBO’s television series based on the game. Similarly, Death Stranding 2 explores profound themes. The game showcases stunning U.S.-Mexico border landscapes and delves into the evolving bond between Sam Porter Bridges and his father, Cliff Unger. This relationship hints at a hopeful resolution involving deliveries and battles against Death’s creatures, the BTs. In the original Death Stranding, Sam appeared to transcend immortality by forging a genuine romantic connection, moving beyond the tragic circumstances surrounding his father.

Death Stranding 2’s Sam Journey and References to The Last of Us Legacy

Death Stranding 2 intensifies Sam Porter Bridges’ journey. His tranquility is shattered, his family life disrupted, and a puppet commentator enters the storyline. Sam embarks on a journey aboard a massive submarine or ship, heading towards Australia, symbolizing a new beginning where he must leave the past behind to forge his future. Despite these dramatic shifts, Hideo Kojima maintains a grounded approach to Sam’s portrayal within the gameplay. While the original Death Stranding was notably action-packed, incorporating various combat sequences, the sequel features the return of villain Higgs, who confronts Sam and challenges his efforts to build a connected, peaceful world. The game conveys a strong message against far-right ideologies, including a critique of figures like Donald Trump, emphasizing the need for preparedness for conflict even when one desires only peace, love, and the well-being of loved ones. Adding to these narrative complexities, Death Stranding 2 even features a depiction of Joel Miller’s death on a television screen, directly referencing his fate in The Last of Us Part II (2020). This development, combined with the complicated relationship between Sam and his father, Cliff, and its sad backstory, further fuels speculation about a potential shared universe across these narratives.

In Case You Missed It

If you’re a fan of The Witcher series and are intrigued by the enduring depth of The Witcher 3, you won’t want to miss Bruno Pferd’s latest dive into the game’s mysteries. Published on August 10th, “The Witcher 3: New Secret Unveiled a Decade Later” uncovers a recently discovered hidden event that has been lurking in Novigrad for years. From rescuing a wizard from the flames to pondering what The Witcher 4 might hold, this post is packed with surprises and insights. Head over to The Witcher 3: New Secret Unveiled a Decade Later to explore more! For game enthusiasts eager to dive deeper into the latest developments in the gaming world, be sure not to miss Carlos Mendoza’s insightful piece titled “Kojima Still Working Alone on Physint,” published on August 11, 2025. The article explores Hideo Kojima’s ambitious plans for his upcoming project Physint and provides a fascinating look into his current work schedule, including updates on Death Stranding 2: On The Beach and a collaboration with Jordan Peele. Curious to learn more about the future of gaming? Check out Kojima Still Working Alone on Physint for all the details! In a time when Xbox has been navigating through significant changes, there’s one piece of news that stands out like a beacon of hope for fans and gamers alike. Bruno Pferd’s latest article, “Xbox: This Legendary Developer’s Exclusive Saved Amidst Chaos,” published on August 11, 2025, delves into the uncertainty surrounding Xbox’s future while highlighting the confirmation of Kojima Productions’ upcoming exclusive game OD. With a stellar cast and Jordan Peele as a co-writer, this psychological horror title promises to be a groundbreaking experience in cloud gaming. Curious about how this ambitious project is faring? Be sure to check out Bruno’s insightful piece Xbox: This Legendary Developer’s Exclusive Saved Amidst Chaos for more!

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