To avoid spoiling the narrative for those who haven’t played yet, I initially held back on expressing my concerns about a particular character, Neil Vana, in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Now that many players have experienced the game, it’s time to delve into why I believe Neil Vana is an unnecessary addition to the story. This character’s presence seems to be an attempt by Kojima Productions to weave in elements of the Cliff Unger character from the original game, rather than enhancing the narrative in a meaningful way.
Editor’s Note: Significant spoilers for both Death Stranding and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach regarding the storyline and Neil Vana are discussed below.
The first installment, Death Stranding, introduced players to Captain Cliff Unger, whose segments involved intense and gritty boss fights that tied directly to the protagonist Sam’s backstory. These sequences were pivotal, providing deep insights into Sam’s identity as a repatriate. They explored the complexities of the Bridge Baby program and showcased the stakes at play, ultimately revealing Cliff’s desperate struggle to save Sam from becoming a BB. The emotional weight of Cliff’s narrative, coupled with the game’s unique approach to combat, created a distinct atmosphere that was both engaging and meaningful.
Image via Kojima ProductionsIn Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the gameplay dynamics shift significantly, becoming more combat-oriented than its predecessor. With this shift, the need for Neil Vana’s character and the related gameplay segments is questionable. While the original game emphasized avoidance and stealth, the sequel encourages players to engage actively with a wider array of weapons against various foes, including armed humans and supernatural entities. The new gameplay mechanics mean that thematic elements of the Beach are introduced through different types of sequences, diminishing the necessity for Neil Vana’s storyline to explore this aspect further.
Moreover, the segments involving Neil Vana closely mirror those of Cliff Unger, lacking distinctiveness and impact. Players navigate shadowy confrontations, accompanied by ghostly soldiers, and engage in familiar gameplay mechanics that feel repetitive. Key revelations regarding the connection between Neil and Lou’s pod do not offer the same level of emotional engagement as Cliff’s narrative did.
Image via Kojima ProductionsThe narrative surrounding Neil Vana becomes redundant when considering the character interactions and plot development facilitated by Sam’s allies at Drawbridge. Insights gleaned from characters like Fragile, Heartman, and Deadman provide rich context regarding Lou’s past without necessitating the additional character of Neil. Instead of introducing another antagonist, a deeper exploration of Sam’s relationships and the support of his allies would have led to a more cohesive narrative.
Furthermore, the introduction of Neil Vana seems to overshadow and rewrite established lore from the original game. A pivotal moment occurs when Lucy reveals to Neil that the child she carries is his, which contradicts the previously established emotional bond between Sam and Lucy. Such alterations compel players to reevaluate previous events and relationships, raising questions about Sam’s motivations, particularly since the original narrative deftly highlighted his heartbreak over Lucy’s fate.
Screenshots by SiliconeraNeil Vana’s storyline seems hastily integrated into Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, leading to a significant alteration of the established narrative framework. The implications of Lucy’s relationship with Neil and the subsequent events surrounding Sam’s isolation contradict the backstory presented in the original title, frustrating players who appreciate a consistent narrative arc. This dissonance detracts from the player’s emotional investment in the characters and story.
Hideo Kojima appears to have aimed to refine Sam and Lou’s connection by suggesting a familial bond, but this approach feels contrived and fails to deliver the emotional resonance of the original game. By forcing the inclusion of Neil Vana, the series risks diluting the complexity of character development and narrative depth established in the first game.
Ultimately, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach could have presented a more compelling narrative. The absence of Neil Vana may have allowed for a cleaner story that better respects the established themes and character arcs.
Discover more about Death Stranding 2: On the Beach available on PS5.
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