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Upon my initial encounter with the initial Outer Worlds game, I was instantly captivated by its satirical, Fallout-inspired brand of humor. The game featured dynamic dialogues, character diaries, and propaganda materials that portrayed a corporate dystopia that was both bleak and humorous. My primary concern approaching the follow-up was that this installment – through no fault of its own – could fail to be as humorous as its predecessor.

Sure, things weren't perfect. However, life certainly seemed somewhat less damaged at that time. The Outer Worlds depicted a grim society that didn't hit too close to home, and yet accomplished to be simultaneously emotional and comical. I began The Outer Worlds 2 pretty sure that this release couldn't succeed to accomplish this a second time, but I'm pleased to report that I was incorrect. The Outer Worlds 2 is just as chuckle-inducing as the title that came earlier, and furthermore presents new themes as opposed to simply reusing identical material comparable to an overused corporate jingle.

Changing NPCs

Most of the non-player characters gamers met in the original game had been worn out by the activities of corporate entities including the fictional company, and were painfully aware of the degree that their existence was miserable. This sequel progresses matters in a different direction, presenting individuals who are programmed (occasionally metaphorically, frequently actually). Numerous characters don't even realize of how extremely messed up their conditions are, or that there might be options to a life lived under the domination of a huge company or restricted by the creeds of a demanding cult.

This second installment investigates methods of corporate control that are more deceptive than only making the masses poor. Numerous characters have been programmed with the type of excessively zealous "hustle mentality" discourse you'll find on online profiles that claim to disclose the secret of achievement should you purchase a costly program, or participate in a questionable digital currency plan. Additionally, the title's company advertising has evolved.

Modern Themes

There are still numerous demotivating signs throughout facilities threatening to dock staff compensation who even think about taking a day off, but additionally there are mentions of pyramid scheme tactics, including an employee manual that boldly states, "Strangers are just customers YOU still need to meet!" As an individual who grew up in a direct sales environment, I promptly exploded with laughter when encountering this mention, because it's a saying I have frequently encountered spoken verbatim by individuals in lower positions of such schemes.

Thankfully, this follow-up is just as funny and irreverent as the first game.

This sequel additionally investigates the dilemma many of us find ourselves in when it comes to work, politics, and including buying decisions: Needing to select the lesser of multiple bad options. While attempting to choose whether to back a dangerous corporate entity or a problematic faith organization throughout the experience, I found myself supporting the familiar evil: An established business organization that sucks (yet merely employs promotion to indoctrinate its followers), rather than the faith organization, which is equally bad, but uses a horrible approach termed "psychological renewal" to maintain its followers obedient.

Unreliable Masters

Additionally, the individuals you serve may not be dependable. In the role of an Earth Directorate agent, your assignment includes working to return stability to this outpost subsequent to a forceful company buyout, and you will quickly find that each of the attackers and the invadees subscribe to differing (though equally awful) beliefs. Yet a speedy review of the communications on your spacecraft's system demonstrate that the Earth Directorate isn't exactly the universe's most principled organization as well, as evidenced by an answer to a distress call that informs the caller it will take "3-5 organizational cycles" for a reply to their transmission. (This period is approximately the time it takes for many people to reach a real support representative through calling currently.)

Relatable Moments

Many moments in this installment are highly recognizable, but it's a cathartic kind of recognition, and this release succeeds in balancing its grim future world with wit that's truly humorous yet not seeming out of place. A primary concept is the quick commencement of deterioration that seems to take place following any major corporate acquisition. Employees on both sides of The Outer Worlds 2's big merger see their quality of life decrease as a result, while the executives in charge of the hierarchy are, expectedly, collecting money rapidly.

Okay, at the very least I know my position.

Comparable to the original title, this sequel is inherently funny, but additionally isn't afraid to turn solemn. At one point, while wandering around the release's primary explorable world, I came upon a deceased individual with a recording close by. This recording disclosed that this individual (who was aligned with the indoctrinating cult) had died in an accident while trying to hunt down and eliminate her significant other. This loved one had reportedly deserted from their organization, and the now-dead NPC was incensed at her lover's {traitorous