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Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is here, and it’s glorious. In our review of the new open-world game, we called it a “wonderfully strange and hypnotic madness” and a “bold reminder” of just how goofy, heartfelt and touching Kojima can be when he’s allowed to truly express himself.
Why is Usada Pekora in Death Stranding 2?
One of the most surprising parts of the new Kojima sequel is the game’s inclusion of popular VTuber Usada Pekora. While many assumed the character would be a minor cameo, Pekora is actually part of the game’s main story. Norman Reedus’ Sam Porter-Bridges can even wear a hat that causes him to shout “Peko” a lot.
Alongside the character’s presence in the game’s main quest, there’s other Usada Pekora content in the game. For example, the resting rooms throughout the game can have their room-sized screens covered in the VTuber, complete with hyperactive music. It’s a thorough celebration of the character.
In a recent interview, Hideo Kojima was asked why he included Usada Pekora in the main quest of Death Stranding 2. Simply put, Kojima likes the VTuber and “if I like something, it’s in the game”. That’s probably why Ghost in the Shell director Mamoru Oshii plays a martial arts pizza maker in the game.
“I watched her play Death Stranding. I was like, ‘Oh this is fun to watch. I was surprised, I understand while she’s popular,” the director said. “If I like something, I will add it in [to the game].”
Honestly, this isn’t all that surprising, although it is quite surprising to see just how integrated the VTuber is to the rest of the game. In a world where the actor behind Jesus Christ in The Chosen plays a character called Dollman—who is a living doll—it’s not out of the realm of possibility for an anime girl to exist.
For more on Kojima, read about how the developer wants to be the first game developer to make a game in space. Additionally, read about why the iconic game designer won’t be making Death Stranding 3, although he does have a plan for the game.
About the Author
Death Stranding 2 On The Beach
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5
- Genre(s): Action, Action Adventure, Adventure
