The Outer Worlds 2 Continues to Be Funny, Despite Everything

Upon my initial encounter with the initial Outer Worlds game, I was quickly hooked by its sarcastic, Fallout-inspired brand of humor. This release included dynamic dialogues, character diaries, and promotional posters that illustrated a corporate dystopia that was at once bleak and entertaining. My biggest worry starting The Outer Worlds 2 was that this installment – through no fault of its own – wouldn't be as comedic as its predecessor.

Admittedly, situations weren't flawless. However, life certainly seemed somewhat less damaged at that time. This game presented a dystopia that didn't hit too close to home, and nonetheless succeeded to be at once touching and comical. I began the follow-up feeling quite confident that the sequel wouldn't manage to accomplish this again, but I'm happy to report that I was mistaken. This follow-up is as smile-generating as the title that came before it, and furthermore presents original ideas rather than merely repeating the same content like an worn-out business tune.

Evolving Characters

Most of the NPCs gamers met in the initial release had been beaten down by the actions of corporate entities including the in-game corporation, and were fully cognizant of the extent to which their situation was terrible. This sequel takes things in an alternative path, including personalities who are brainwashed (occasionally metaphorically, regularly truly). Many of these NPCs aren't even aware of how deeply screwed up their circumstances are, or that there might be choices to a life lived under the boot of a huge company or limited by the beliefs of a high-demand religion.

The sequel investigates methods of company influence that are more insidious than merely maintaining the masses poor. Numerous characters have been indoctrinated into the kind of extremely eager "grindset mindset" language you might encounter on digital platforms that vow to show the key to success when you buy an expensive course, or put money into a dubious blockchain project. Additionally, the title's corporate propaganda has developed.

Modern Themes

There remain plenty of discouraging displays in various locations threatening to dock staff compensation who dare to consider requesting leave, but additionally there are mentions of pyramid scheme methods, featuring a staff guide that boldly states, "Strangers are just patrons you have yet to encounter!" As an individual who grew up in a direct sales household, I immediately burst out laughing upon viewing this reference, because it's a phrase I have regularly listened to stated precisely by people at the base of these systems.

Luckily, The Outer Worlds 2 is as comedic and irreverent as the first game.

This sequel furthermore explores the situation various individuals experience when it comes to occupation, government, and even personal purchases: Needing to pick the lesser of multiple bad options. While attempting to determine if to assist a risky company or a dangerous religious group throughout the experience, I found myself supporting the devil I know: A recognized company structure that is awful (though just utilizes advertising to program its members), instead of the cult, which is equally bad, but utilizes a terrible method termed "mental refreshment" to control its members compliant.

Doubtful Authorities

Even the people you work for might not be reliable. As an Earth Directorate agent, your mission involves trying to reestablish stability to the Arcadia colony after a forceful company buyout, and you rapidly learn that each of the attackers and the invadees subscribe to differing (though equally awful) beliefs. But a quick inspection of the transmissions on your spacecraft's system reveal that this agency is hardly the universe's most principled authority either, as evidenced by a response to a help request that informs the caller it will take "three to five corporate years" for an answer to their transmission. (This period is about how long it takes for numerous individuals to get a hold of a real support representative through calling currently.)

Relatable Moments

Various situations in The Outer Worlds 2 are highly recognizable, but it's a cleansing type of familiarity, and this title succeeds in balancing its grim future world with wit that's authentically amusing while avoiding inappropriate. One major theme is the quick commencement of deterioration that appears to occur in the wake of significant business mergers. Employees on both sides of this sequel's significant consolidation find their existence decrease therefore, while the leaders in charge of the hierarchy are, expectedly, raking in the cash quickly.

Okay, at the very least I recognize my position.

Comparable to the initial release, this sequel is naturally humorous, but it also doesn't hesitate to get serious. At a certain time, while exploring around the title's initial explorable world, I stumbled across a corpse with a message in the vicinity. This recording showed that this character (associated with the indoctrinating cult) had perished in an incident while attempting to locate and eliminate her romantic partner. This romantic partner had reportedly deserted from their organization, and the deceased character was angry about her significant other's {traitorous