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When I first experience with the initial Outer Worlds, I was immediately drawn by its sarcastic, Fallout-esque style of comedy. The game included lively conversations, individual logs, and propaganda materials that depicted a corporate dystopia that was both grim and amusing. My primary concern approaching the sequel was that this entry – through no fault from itself – wouldn't be as humorous compared to the first.

Certainly, conditions weren't ideal. Yet society definitely felt a bit less broken in those days. This game showed a bleak future that didn't hit overly familiar, and yet accomplished to be simultaneously heartwarming and comical. I started The Outer Worlds 2 rather certain that this release wouldn't manage to pull this off once more, but I'm happy to announce that I was incorrect. The Outer Worlds 2 is equally smile-generating as the game that came earlier, and additionally brings fresh concepts instead of simply reusing similar elements similar to a worn-out business tune.

Evolving Characters

The majority of the non-player characters gamers met in the initial release had been beaten down by the deeds of corporate entities such as the fictional company, and were painfully aware of how much their existence was miserable. This installment takes things in a distinct route, presenting individuals who are indoctrinated (occasionally metaphorically, frequently actually). Many of these characters aren't even aware of how deeply disordered their circumstances are, or that there may exist options to a lifetime passed beneath the control of a large business or restricted by the doctrines of a demanding cult.

The sequel examines forms of corporate control that are more subtle than simply keeping the masses poor. Various personalities have been brainwashed into the sort of overly enthusiastic "grindset mindset" language you might encounter on online profiles that claim to disclose the key to success when you buy an expensive course, or put money into a sketchy crypto scheme. Additionally, the title's corporate propaganda has evolved.

Contemporary Issues

There continue to be plenty of discouraging displays on the walls threatening to dock pay from workers who so much as think about taking a day off, but additionally there are references to network marketing strategies, featuring a new hire handbook that proudly declares, "Unfamiliar individuals are simply clients you still need to meet!" As someone who grew up in a direct sales household, I promptly exploded in amusement upon viewing this mention, because it's a phrase I have frequently encountered repeated exactly by those at the bottom of those structures.

Fortunately, this sequel is equally humorous and irreverent as the initial release.

This sequel additionally investigates the dilemma numerous people experience concerning employment, politics, and even consumer choices: Being forced to choose the reduced of multiple bad options. During efforts to determine if to assist a harmful business or a concerning cult in the game, I realized I became supporting the known negative: A recognized company structure that is awful (but only uses propaganda to program its members), as opposed to the cult, which is similarly terrible, but utilizes a horrible approach termed "psychological renewal" to keep its adherents obedient.

Unreliable Masters

Additionally, the individuals you serve could fail to be trustworthy. As an Earth Directorate agent, you're tasked with attempting to restore order to this settlement subsequent to an aggressive business acquisition, and you will quickly find that each of the aggressors and the invadees adhere to differing (though equally awful) doctrines. Yet a speedy review of the messages on your vessel's computer demonstrate that this organization isn't exactly the world's most ethical employer too, as demonstrated by an answer to a distress call that tells the sender it will take "3-5 business years" for an answer to their communication. (That time frame is about how long it takes for me to get a hold of a real customer service agent via telephone these days.)

Familiar Situations

Many moments in The Outer Worlds 2 are painfully relatable, but it's a cathartic sort of relatability, and this release achieves equilibrium between its depressing dystopian setting with humor that's truly humorous yet not seeming out of place. An important idea is the quick commencement of deterioration that seems to take place in the wake of large company takeovers. Employees on both sides of this installment's big merger experience their living standards decline therefore, while the executives at the top of the hierarchy are, expectedly, raking in profits quickly.

Well, at minimum I understand my position.

Similar to the initial release, this follow-up is intrinsically comedic, but it also doesn't shy away to get serious. During a moment, while traveling around the title's initial accessible planet, I stumbled across a body with an audio log close by. This recording showed that this character (associated with the programming faith group) had been killed in an event during efforts to track down and eliminate her significant other. This partner had apparently defected from their faction, and the now-dead NPC was incensed at her significant other's {traitorous