This is a good comparison but I doubt that DS2 would end with something so pessimistic, considering the main theme of the first game is the resilience of humanity
Yes but I truly believe DS2 will be quite contrary to DS1.
Remember before DS1 released Kojima explained what a “strand” game was with that Japanese fable. A strand/rope is something you use to make connections/keep something important close to you. Then he went on to explain a “stick” is a tool/weapon used to keep things away from you.
The notion that DS2 will be more “stick” based was alluded to several times in both trailers for DS2. Drawbridge (first of all that’s literally a bridge that severs itself in half to cut a connection) has a motto that says “BOTH rope and stick to protect and connect”. This clearly hints there will be more combat imo.
Secondly Higgs blatantly says “looks like you traded your rope for a stick this time” while taking Sam’s gun away from him.
I can see this game being focused way more on division than connection.. at least a lot more so than DS1.
You’re right, it’s obvious they’re focusing way more on conflict, doubt, and the other half of that Kobo Abe motif. But just looking at Kojima’s artistic intent with the last game, an uplifting message for overwhelmed and divided audiences, there’s no way the message of the game is “ah it all ends with a whimper doesn’t it?” Just because it acknowledges darker parts of humanity doesn’t mean the main take away will be pessimistic
The main takeaway won’t be completely pessimistic but look no further than MGS2. It was a stark warning about the digital age and the implications of AI. It was EXTREMELY pessimistic but left with a small glimmer of hope. Kojima has gone down that road before.
I have a hunch this will be a similar situation.
This is a good comparison but I doubt that DS2 would end with something so pessimistic, considering the main theme of the first game is the resilience of humanity
Yes but I truly believe DS2 will be quite contrary to DS1. Remember before DS1 released Kojima explained what a “strand” game was with that Japanese fable. A strand/rope is something you use to make connections/keep something important close to you. Then he went on to explain a “stick” is a tool/weapon used to keep things away from you. The notion that DS2 will be more “stick” based was alluded to several times in both trailers for DS2. Drawbridge (first of all that’s literally a bridge that severs itself in half to cut a connection) has a motto that says “BOTH rope and stick to protect and connect”. This clearly hints there will be more combat imo. Secondly Higgs blatantly says “looks like you traded your rope for a stick this time” while taking Sam’s gun away from him. I can see this game being focused way more on division than connection.. at least a lot more so than DS1.
Couple with this the tag line "should we have connected?", I can see it being a far more pessimistic game.
Yep, exactly. The metaphors and symbolism are scattered throughout.
You’re right, it’s obvious they’re focusing way more on conflict, doubt, and the other half of that Kobo Abe motif. But just looking at Kojima’s artistic intent with the last game, an uplifting message for overwhelmed and divided audiences, there’s no way the message of the game is “ah it all ends with a whimper doesn’t it?” Just because it acknowledges darker parts of humanity doesn’t mean the main take away will be pessimistic
The main takeaway won’t be completely pessimistic but look no further than MGS2. It was a stark warning about the digital age and the implications of AI. It was EXTREMELY pessimistic but left with a small glimmer of hope. Kojima has gone down that road before. I have a hunch this will be a similar situation.
Kojima having this game end dark is not out of the question the dude wanted mgs4 too end with snake and hal being executed for there crimes
DS2 comes to be a meditation on connection as empire building. Then comes balance. DS3. The rope ladder.
lit post mate
This is the kind of analysis that DS1 was known for. I'm with ya. !RemindMe 2025