Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Offers Optional Boss Battles
Hideo Kojima games are renowned for many things. These include mind-bending narratives, breathtaking attention to detail, and sometimes, punishing boss fights. But with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Kojima Productions is throwing a curveball. Prepare yourself for a degree of player agency we've never quite seen before in his games.
Optional Boss Battles: A New Path in Death Stranding 2
Yes, you heard correctly. In a stunning twist, Kojima himself stated boss battles in Death Stranding 2 will be completely voluntary. Imagine confronting a tough boss, getting stuck, and instead of running into a wall, you have another option. If you lose, the "Game Over" screen will present you with an option: skip the battle altogether.
But what about the story, then? This is where Kojima's genius shows. If you choose to skip a boss battle, you won't be deprived of crucial plot information. Instead, the game will provide you with the story and story on the skipped fight as a visual short story. Think of it as a beautifully crafted recap that keeps the continuity of the story going, even if you skip the head-on battle.
Fan Reaction: Choice vs. Challenge
As could be expected, news of this kind has been upsetting fans. Some are enthusiastic about the prospect of player agency. They report that it is better to have the option of bypassing such drudgery grinding on an infuriating boss than having it imposed on them. They report that players who want to push themselves to see if they can can still certainly do so. Those players more concerned with story can progress unchecked by combat barriers.
But not everyone agrees. Some segment of the fanbase believes boss battles are at the heart of the experience. They are tests of ability, and rewards for the achievement. Taking these out of requirement makes them not so difficult anymore and perhaps overall less fulfilling as achievements.
Release Date Looming
Whether you adore voluntary bosses or prefer to take on all challenges head-on, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is coming to be another PS5 exclusive and mind-bending experience from Hideo Kojima. Set your calendar: the game releases on June 26th, exclusively on PlayStation 5.
