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Featured image for July 02, 2025: Death Stranding 2’s Comedy Easter Egg & Red Dead Online Zombies!

July 02, 2025: Death Stranding 2’s Comedy Easter Egg & Red Dead Online Zombies!

Fred
Fred · · 7 min read

Today’s Gaming News Roundup

Today’s roundup takes you straight into the heart of Death Stranding 2 with every celebrity cameo revealed, plus a deep dive on how to kick off Red Dead Online’s eerie Zombie Mission and unravel the strangest tales of the wild west. Let’s get right to the goods!

Death Stranding 2: Why Is Sam Singing and Dancing in the Hotspring? Hideo Kojima’s Nostalgic Japanese Comedy Legends Easter Egg Explained

Death Stranding 2 - IGN

In the latest buzz around Death Stranding 2, fans are scratching their heads over a quirky scene where Sam is caught singing and dancing in a hot spring. This memorable moment is actually an Easter egg from Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the game, paying tribute to classic Japanese comedy legends. The scene not only adds a playful twist to the game’s otherwise intense narrative but also showcases Kojima’s knack for blending deep storytelling with nostalgic cultural references.

Developed by Kojima Productions and released in 2023, Death Stranding 2 continues to push boundaries with its unique storytelling and immersive world. The hot spring dance is a nod to iconic Japanese variety shows and comedians, reflecting Kojima’s deep appreciation for his homeland’s entertainment history. This clever inclusion enriches the player’s experience by connecting modern gaming with beloved Japanese pop culture, making Death Stranding 2 a truly standout title for both series fans and newcomers alike.

Read more at IGN

All celebrity cameos and cast in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

All celebrity cameos and cast in Death Stranding 2 - Polygon

Get ready to spot some familiar faces in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 title from Kojima Productions. This sequel continues the franchise’s trend of featuring celebrity cameos, turning your journey through its haunting apocalypse into a star-studded experience. Both the main cast and smaller roles are packed with well-known personalities, adding an exciting layer of recognition and intrigue as you explore the game’s eerie world.

Death Stranding 2’s use of celebrity appearances isn’t just a gimmick but a core part of its immersive storytelling, enhancing the emotional weight and player connection. While the original game set a high bar with its unique blend of narrative and star power, this sequel promises to up the ante with even more surprising and memorable cameos. Fans of Hideo Kojima’s work can look forward to a compelling mix of gameplay and celebrity moments when the game launches exclusively on PS5.

Read more at Polygon

How To Start Red Dead Online’s Zombie Mission And All Strange Tales Of The West

How To Start Red Dead Onlines Zombie Mission And All Strange Tales Of The West - GameSpot

Rockstar Games has just dropped an exciting new content update for Red Dead Online, introducing four fresh Telegram missions called the “Strange Tales of the West.” These missions dive into themes of zombies, science, and robots, bringing a thrilling twist to the game that longtime fans will appreciate, as it harkens back to the eerie vibes of the Undead Nightmare storyline. Players can tackle these spooky and sci-fi-inspired challenges until August 4, earning triple rewards in gold, RDO$, and XP, making it a perfect time to jump in.

Starting the missions is straightforward, so even new players can quickly join the fun and experience this unique side of the Red Dead world. Rockstar’s addition not only spices up the gameplay but also reconnects the community with the stranger, supernatural elements that have been rare since the original game’s zombie-themed DLC. Rockstar Games is offering players a chance to jump into Red Dead Online with a brand-new account to experience fresh missions.

Read more at GameSpot

Monster Hunter Wilds’ Superman Dive Is Your Best Defensive Technique, If You Use It Correctly

Monster Hunter Wilds Superman Dive Is Your Best Defensive Technique If You Use It Correctly - Kotaku

Monster Hunter Wilds, developed by Capcom, offers players an exciting array of combat and movement options to enhance their hunting experience. A standout technique beloved by seasoned fans is the “Superman dive,” a dynamic move that adds agility and style during battles. While longtime players will recognize its advantages, newcomers to the franchise might find this combat maneuver a bit puzzling at first.

This dive technique is not only a flashy way to engage monsters but also a strategic tool to dodge attacks and close distances quickly. As Monster Hunter Wilds continues to build on the rich mechanics of previous entries, mastering the “Superman dive” can greatly improve your effectiveness in the wild. Whether you’re a returning hunter or just starting out, understanding how and when to use this move will be key to your success in the game’s thrilling hunts.

Read more at Kotaku

Rockstar releases surprise Red Dead Online update, despite previously ending major support

Rockstar releases surprise Red Dead Online - Eurogamer

Rockstar Games has surprised fans with a fresh update for Red Dead Online, the multiplayer component of their acclaimed Wild West epic, Red Dead Redemption 2. This unexpected patch introduces four brand-new adventures, expanding the range of activities players can explore while navigating the vast open world. The update dropped recently, catching many players off guard with its timely content boost.

These new adventures are designed to add more excitement and variety to Red Dead Online’s gameplay, giving both solo players and groups fresh challenges to tackle across the frontier. Rockstar’s move to enrich the game with new story-driven content highlights their ongoing commitment to supporting Red Dead Online well after its initial launch. For fans hungry for fresh Western escapades, this update is an exciting development worth jumping back into the game for!

Read more at Eurogamer

Donkey Kong Bananza Preview – Our Impressions After Two Hours Of Gameplay

Donkey Kong Bananza Preview - Game Informer

Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Bananza, released on October 27, 2017, for the Switch, marks the first 3D Donkey Kong platformer in over 25 years. Developed and published by Nintendo, this game has already caught the attention of fans eager for a fresh adventure with the iconic ape. Our writer first experienced Donkey Kong Bananza during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal event in New York, where the gameplay impressed with its intense destruction and rich exploration across various areas.

However, the initial playtime was too brief to fully grasp the game’s appeal beyond its nostalgic significance. Fortunately, a second session was arranged last week in New York, providing a deeper dive into what makes this title stand out. Rated Everyone 10+, Donkey Kong Bananza promises a vibrant and accessible platforming experience for a wide audience.

Read more at Game Informer

Dave The Diver director finally puts 2023’s silliest debate to rest: no, it’s not an indie

Dave The Diver director finally puts 2023s silliest debate to rest - Rock Paper Shotgun

In a recent reflective piece, the author dives into the elusive definition of what truly constitutes an indie game. They question whether being self-published, developed by a small team, or simply offering a fresh, unique experience qualifies a game as indie. The writer shares a personal moment sparked by a letter received that morning, which stirred a mix of nostalgia and cautious optimism about the indie game identity.

The piece intriguingly ponders if the concept of “post” itself could be considered indie, blending abstract ideas with gaming culture. While no specific game titles or developer names are mentioned, the tone is playful and contemplative, inviting readers to rethink how we categorize indie games beyond the usual industry labels. It’s a thoughtful exploration that challenges traditional views and celebrates the diverse spirit of indie game creation.

Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun

Explore a torrid trench dimension as 12 perma-killable lost souls in this Amnesia-style horror game

Explore - Rock Paper Shotgun

If you’re craving a spine-chilling start to your day, look no further than *In Hope Voiden*, a first-person survival horror game crafted by the talented German indie studio Stilbruch Games. This grimdark experience plunges you into a festively grotesque trench network where gasmasks glare like toppled gargoyles and sea mines hang ominously like giant germ cells. You’ll take control of 12 different characters in succession, each carrying their own unique baggage, as they navigate a rusty hellmouth that fuses the gritty atmosphere of World War 1 with the nostalgic grainy aesthetic of PS1-era visuals.

What really sets *In Hope Voiden* apart is its blend of handcrafted characters, permadeath mechanics, and a haunting combination of exploration and minigames, all wrapped up in a narrative described as “a grimdark machine for martyrdom, fed by flesh and devotion.” As you uncover dropped diary pages and confront monstrous horrors, the game creates an intense and immersive survival horror journey. If you’re ready to embrace this twisted, atmospheric nightmare, be sure to check out the trailer and prepare for a uniquely harrowing adventure brought to life by Stilbruch Games.

Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun

What’s Your Take?

As we dive deeper into the eerie and captivating world of Death Stranding 2, with its star-studded cast delivering performances that blur the line between cinema and gaming, it’s clear that Hideo Kojima is once again pushing boundaries. From Norman Reedus to Léa Seydoux and the slew of surprise celebrity cameos, the sequel promises to be a narrative and visual feast for fans. Meanwhile, for those craving a different kind of thrill, Red Dead Online’s zombie mission and the enigmatic Strange Tales of the West offer a haunting glimpse into the supernatural side of the frontier.

Whether you’re piecing together strands in a post-apocalyptic America or fending off the undead under moonlit skies, these experiences invite us all to step into worlds that challenge our imagination and skills alike. Which of these gaming journeys has pulled you in the most, and what wild speculation or theories are you spinning in your head? Drop us a note in the comments section!

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FAQ

What is the hot spring dance Easter egg in Death Stranding 2 referencing?
The scene where Sam sings and dances in a hot spring is Hideo Kojima's tribute to classic Japanese comedy legends and iconic variety shows. It's a nostalgic nod to Japanese entertainment history that blends the game's intense narrative with beloved pop culture references.
How long can I play Red Dead Online's Strange Tales of the West missions?
You can tackle the four new Telegram missions until August 4. During this time, you'll earn triple rewards in gold, RDO$, and XP, making it a great opportunity to jump in and experience the zombie and sci-fi themed content.
Is the Superman dive in Monster Hunter Wilds just for show, or does it have practical uses?
The Superman dive is both stylish and strategic, it's a key defensive technique that lets you dodge attacks and close distances quickly during hunts. Mastering when and how to use it will significantly improve your effectiveness against monsters.
Why is Rockstar's new Red Dead Online update surprising to fans?
Rockstar Games had previously ended major support for Red Dead Online, so this unexpected update introducing four brand-new adventures and content caught players off guard and showed the company's continued commitment to the game.
What makes Donkey Kong Bananza significant for the franchise?
Donkey Kong Bananza, released October 27, 2017 for Switch, is the first 3D Donkey Kong platformer in over 25 years. It features intense destruction and rich exploration with a family-friendly Everyone 10+ rating.

Written by

Fred
Fred LEVEL 1

Fred has been gaming since his dad brought home a recycled PC from work and installed Hugo's House of Horrors as a toddler. He continues to play games almost daily across PC, console and mobile and may have a slightly addictive personality.

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