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During my first playthrough of the original Outer Worlds, I was quickly hooked by its sarcastic, Fallout-esque brand of humor. The game included lively conversations, personal journals, and advertising displays that illustrated a corporate dystopia that was simultaneously bleak and entertaining. My primary concern starting the follow-up was that this version – not due to of its own – wouldn't be as funny compared to the first.

Sure, things weren't perfect. However, life undoubtedly appeared somewhat less damaged in those days. This universe showed a bleak future that didn't hit too close to home, and yet accomplished to be simultaneously touching and uproarious. I commenced The Outer Worlds 2 feeling quite confident that this release couldn't succeed to accomplish this again, but I'm pleased to state that I was wrong. The Outer Worlds 2 is just as laughter-provoking as the title that preceded it, and also introduces fresh concepts rather than merely repeating similar elements similar to a tired company slogan.

Changing NPCs

A large portion of the non-player characters users found in the original game had been defeated by the deeds of business corporations including Spacer's Choice, and were fully cognizant of the extent to which their situation was terrible. The Outer Worlds 2 takes things in a distinct route, presenting individuals who are indoctrinated (periodically symbolically, often literally). Many of these NPCs aren't conscious of how deeply messed up their conditions are, or that there could be alternatives to a life lived under the boot of a large business or limited by the creeds of a high-demand religion.

The sequel examines forms of company influence that are more deceptive than merely maintaining the people destitute. Numerous characters have been indoctrinated into the type of excessively zealous "work ethic" rhetoric you can discover on online profiles that claim to disclose the path to accomplishment if you pay an expensive course, or participate in a sketchy crypto scheme. Additionally, the title's company advertising has developed.

Modern Themes

There are still numerous discouraging displays on the walls threatening to dock pay from workers who even contemplate requesting leave, but furthermore exist references to pyramid scheme strategies, such as a new hire handbook that confidently announces, "Strangers are just customers YOU haven't met yet!" Being a person who grew up in a network marketing family, I immediately burst out with laughter when I saw this mention, because it's a saying I have often heard stated precisely by individuals in lower positions of these systems.

Luckily, The Outer Worlds 2 is just as funny and sarcastic as the initial release.

This installment additionally investigates the situation many of us find ourselves in regarding work, politics, and even consumer choices: Needing to pick the smaller of several poor choices. When trying to determine if to back a dangerous corporate entity or a dangerous religious group in the game, I discovered I was supporting the known negative: A recognized company structure that is terrible (but only uses propaganda to indoctrinate its followers), as opposed to the cult, which is equally bad, but employs a terrible method termed "psychological renewal" to maintain its followers compliant.

Doubtful Authorities

Additionally, the individuals you represent may not be dependable. Playing as an Earth Directorate agent, your assignment includes working to return stability to this settlement after a forceful company buyout, and you rapidly learn that each of the invaders and the residents follow differing (yet equally horrific) ideologies. But a quick inspection of the communications on your spacecraft's system show that this organization is hardly the world's most ethical organization either, as demonstrated by a response to a distress call that notifies the contact it will take "3-5 corporate years" for a response to their transmission. (This duration is approximately the time it takes for numerous individuals to get a hold of a human help desk employee via telephone nowadays.)

Recognizable Scenarios

Many moments in The Outer Worlds 2 are extremely familiar, but it's a cleansing sort of relatability, and this release manages to balance its bleak societal vision with humor that's truly humorous without feeling incongruous. One major theme is the rapid beginning of deterioration that appears to occur following any major corporate acquisition. Employees on both sides of The Outer Worlds 2's big merger experience their living standards decrease as a result, while the executives in charge of the structure are, of course, accumulating profits rapidly.

Okay, at the very least I recognize my situation.

Just like the original title, The Outer Worlds 2 is naturally humorous, but furthermore doesn't shy away to turn solemn. At a certain time, while exploring around the game's first accessible planet, I stumbled across a body with a recording in the vicinity. This recording disclosed that this NPC (who was aligned with the brainwashing religious faction) had been killed in an event while trying to locate and dispatch her romantic partner. This loved one had seemingly abandoned from their faction, and the deceased character was angry about her partner's {traitorous