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When I first encounter with the first Outer Worlds game, I was immediately drawn by its satirical, Fallout-esque type of wit. The game included dynamic dialogues, personal journals, and propaganda materials that illustrated a company-run society that was simultaneously grim and amusing. My primary concern starting The Outer Worlds 2 was that this installment – not due to of its own – might not be as comedic like the original.

Admittedly, conditions weren't ideal. But the world definitely felt slightly less fractured at that time. This game showed a bleak future that didn't strike overly familiar, and yet accomplished to be at once touching and comical. I commenced The Outer Worlds 2 feeling quite confident that this installment wouldn't manage to pull this off again, but I'm delighted to report that I was wrong. The Outer Worlds 2 is as laughter-provoking as the game that came before it, and furthermore presents fresh concepts rather than merely repeating the same content similar to a worn-out business tune.

Changing NPCs

Most of the game characters players encountered in the first title had been worn out by the deeds of business corporations like the in-game corporation, and were acutely conscious of the extent to which their lives sucked. The Outer Worlds 2 takes things in a different direction, including personalities who are programmed (sometimes figuratively, frequently actually). Numerous personalities aren't even aware of how profoundly screwed up their situations are, or that there might be choices to a lifetime passed under the boot of a massive corporation or limited by the creeds of an intense faith.

This follow-up explores types of company influence that are more deceptive than merely maintaining the masses poor. Numerous characters have been indoctrinated into the type of extremely eager "work ethic" language you might encounter on digital platforms that claim to disclose the secret of achievement if you pay a costly program, or put money into a sketchy crypto scheme. Furthermore, the release's business promotion has progressed.

Modern Themes

There remain plenty of discouraging displays on the walls threatening to dock pay from workers who even think about having a break, but additionally there are allusions to pyramid scheme strategies, such as a new hire handbook that proudly declares, "Unknown people are merely patrons you haven't met yet!" As someone who developed within a direct sales environment, I promptly exploded in amusement when I saw this allusion, because it's a refrain I have often heard repeated exactly by people at the base of these systems.

Luckily, The Outer Worlds 2 is as comedic and irreverent as the original title.

This sequel additionally investigates the dilemma various individuals find ourselves in when it comes to occupation, government, and even personal purchases: Having to choose the smaller of several poor choices. During efforts to determine if to assist a harmful business or a dangerous religious group within the title, I found myself aligning with the familiar evil: An established corporate entity that is awful (but only uses propaganda to indoctrinate its followers), rather than the cult, which also sucks, but employs a horrible approach called "psychological renewal" to keep its adherents in line.

Questionable Employers

Additionally, the individuals you represent may not be reliable. Playing as an Earth Directorate agent, your mission involves attempting to restore control to the Arcadia colony after a forceful company buyout, and you will quickly find that the two the aggressors and the invadees follow distinct (but similarly terrible) ideologies. Yet a speedy review of the transmissions on your ship's terminal show that this organization isn't exactly the galaxy's most moral authority as well, as shown by an answer to a distress call that notifies the contact it will take "several business years" for a response to their transmission. (This duration is approximately the time it takes for many people to get a hold of a real help desk employee over the phone nowadays.)

Relatable Moments

Many moments in this sequel are highly recognizable, but it's a cleansing sort of relatability, and this title succeeds in balancing its grim future world with comedy that's truly humorous while avoiding out of place. An important idea is the rapid beginning of decline that happens to unfold following any major corporate acquisition. Employees on both sides of The Outer Worlds 2's major acquisition see their quality of life worsen consequently, while the leaders at the top of the hierarchy are, naturally, raking in profits hand over fist.

Hey, at least I know where I stand.

Similar to the initial release, this follow-up is intrinsically comedic, but furthermore doesn't hesitate to get serious. At a certain time, while wandering around the release's primary discoverable location, I stumbled across a body with a message in the vicinity. This message showed that this character (who was aligned with the programming faith group) had died in an accident while attempting to locate and kill her romantic partner. This loved one had reportedly deserted from their organization, and the perished individual was incensed at her partner's {traitorous