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Upon my initial experience with the initial Outer Worlds title, I was quickly hooked by its sarcastic, Fallout-esque brand of humor. This release boasted lively conversations, character diaries, and advertising displays that portrayed a company-run society that was at once dark and entertaining. My primary concern starting The Outer Worlds 2 was that this entry – without blame of its own – might not be as funny compared to the first.

Certainly, things weren't perfect. But the world undoubtedly appeared slightly less fractured at that time. The Outer Worlds showed a bleak future that didn't feel too close to home, and still managed to be simultaneously touching and uproarious. I began the sequel rather certain that this release wouldn't manage to pull this off again, but I'm happy to announce that I was incorrect. The Outer Worlds 2 is as laughter-provoking as the game that came before it, and additionally brings fresh concepts instead of merely repeating the same content similar to a worn-out business tune.

Changing NPCs

Most of the NPCs users found in the original game had been defeated by the deeds of company organizations like the fictional company, and were fully cognizant of how much their situation was terrible. The Outer Worlds 2 moves events in an alternative path, presenting individuals who are brainwashed (occasionally metaphorically, often literally). A lot of these NPCs aren't even aware of how deeply screwed up their situations are, or that there may exist options to an existence spent beneath the control of a large business or restricted by the doctrines of a demanding cult.

The sequel explores types of corporate control that are more insidious than merely maintaining the people destitute. Numerous characters have been programmed with the kind of excessively zealous "hustle mentality" rhetoric you might encounter on online profiles that claim to disclose the secret of achievement should you purchase an expensive course, or participate in a questionable digital currency plan. Furthermore, the release's corporate propaganda has progressed.

Current Topics

There remain numerous demotivating signs throughout facilities threatening to dock staff compensation who dare to contemplate having a break, but there are also mentions of network marketing methods, including a staff guide that boldly states, "Unknown people are merely patrons you still need to meet!" As an individual who grew up in a network marketing household, I instantly erupted in amusement when I saw this mention, because it's a refrain I have frequently encountered repeated exactly by those at the bottom of those structures.

Fortunately, this sequel is as comedic and satirical as the first game.

This sequel additionally investigates the dilemma numerous people find ourselves in concerning occupation, politics, and even personal purchases: Being forced to choose the reduced of multiple bad options. While attempting to determine if to back a risky company or a problematic faith organization throughout the experience, I found myself supporting the familiar evil: A recognized corporate entity that sucks (yet merely employs advertising to indoctrinate its followers), as opposed to the cult, which also sucks, but utilizes an awful technique termed "cognitive reset" to maintain its followers obedient.

Doubtful Authorities

Even the people you represent might not be reliable. As an space operative, you're tasked with attempting to restore control to this settlement subsequent to an aggressive business acquisition, and you'll soon discover that both the attackers and the defenders adhere to distinct (but similarly terrible) ideologies. However, a rapid review of the transmissions on your spacecraft's system reveal that this organization isn't exactly the universe's most principled authority as well, as evidenced by an answer to a help request that informs the caller it will take "several business years" for an answer to their message. (This duration is approximately the time it takes for me to reach a real customer service agent over the phone nowadays.)

Familiar Situations

Numerous instances in The Outer Worlds 2 are painfully relatable, but it's a therapeutic type of familiarity, and this title achieves equilibrium between its depressing dystopian setting with humor that's genuinely funny without feeling out of place. An important idea is the near-instant onset of enshittification that appears to occur following significant business mergers. Staff members from all factions of The Outer Worlds 2's big merger experience their living standards decline therefore, while the CEOs in charge of the structure are, expectedly, accumulating profits hand over fist.

Well, at minimum I understand my position.

Comparable to the initial release, this follow-up is inherently funny, but it also doesn't hesitate to turn solemn. During a moment, while traveling around the title's initial accessible planet, I came upon a deceased individual with a message close by. This recording disclosed that this NPC (associated with the indoctrinating cult) had died in an accident while attempting to track down and kill her romantic partner. This loved one had seemingly abandoned from their group, and the deceased character was angry about her significant other's {traitorous