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When I first playthrough of the first Outer Worlds game, I was quickly hooked by its sarcastic, Fallout-esque style of comedy. The game included dynamic dialogues, character diaries, and propaganda materials that portrayed a business-controlled nightmare that was both grim and entertaining. My primary concern heading into the sequel was that this entry – without blame from itself – might not be as humorous as its predecessor.

Sure, situations weren't flawless. But the world certainly seemed slightly less fractured back then. This universe depicted a grim society that didn't feel too close to home, and yet accomplished to be simultaneously touching and hilarious. I commenced the sequel rather certain that the sequel wouldn't be able to pull this off again, but I'm happy to announce that I was mistaken. This sequel is equally smile-generating as the title that preceded it, and additionally brings new themes as opposed to merely repeating similar elements like an tired company slogan.

Changing NPCs

Most of the game characters users found in the original game had been worn out by the actions of company organizations like Spacer's Choice, and were painfully aware of the extent to which their situation was terrible. This sequel progresses matters in a different direction, presenting individuals who are brainwashed (sometimes figuratively, frequently actually). Numerous NPCs don't even realize of how deeply disordered their conditions are, or that there could be alternatives to a life lived beneath the control of a large business or limited by the doctrines of a high-demand religion.

The sequel investigates methods of business domination that are more insidious than merely maintaining the people destitute. Various personalities have been brainwashed into the sort of overly enthusiastic "grindset mindset" discourse you might encounter on digital platforms that promise to reveal the path to accomplishment should you purchase an expensive course, or invest in a sketchy crypto scheme. Furthermore, the release's business promotion has evolved.

Modern Themes

There are still many demotivating signs throughout facilities threatening to dock pay from workers who so much as consider taking a day off, but additionally there are references to network marketing tactics, featuring a new hire handbook that boldly states, "Strangers are just clients you still need to meet!" As someone who was raised in a network marketing environment, I promptly exploded laughing when I saw this mention, because it's a saying I have often heard stated precisely by those at the bottom of such schemes.

Luckily, this follow-up is equally humorous and satirical as the original title.

This installment additionally investigates the predicament numerous people experience when it comes to occupation, political matters, and even personal purchases: Having to choose the smaller of several poor choices. While attempting to decide whether to back a harmful business or a concerning cult within the title, I realized I became siding with the familiar evil: An established corporate entity that is awful (yet merely employs promotion to indoctrinate its followers), rather than the cult, which also sucks, but utilizes a horrible approach named "mental refreshment" to maintain its followers obedient.

Unreliable Masters

Even the people you serve could fail to be dependable. As an Earth Directorate agent, your mission involves working to return control to this settlement after an aggressive business acquisition, and you'll soon discover that the two the aggressors and the defenders adhere to separate (though equally awful) beliefs. But a quick review of the transmissions on your vessel's computer reveal that this organization isn't exactly the world's most ethical authority as well, as evidenced by a reply to a help request that notifies the contact it will take "several corporate years" for a reply to their transmission. (This period is roughly the duration it takes for many people to reach a human help desk employee via telephone these days.)

Relatable Moments

Numerous instances in this installment are highly recognizable, but it's a therapeutic kind of recognition, and this release manages to balance its depressing dystopian setting with humor that's genuinely funny without feeling out of place. A primary concept is the rapid beginning of deterioration that appears to occur after large company takeovers. Staff members from all factions of this installment's major acquisition find their existence decrease as a result, while the leaders in charge of the hierarchy are, naturally, raking in profits hand over fist.

Okay, at the very least I understand where I stand.

Comparable to the initial release, this sequel is naturally humorous, but furthermore doesn't hesitate to become dramatic. At a certain time, while traveling around the release's primary discoverable location, I discovered a body with an audio log close by. This recording revealed that this NPC (who was aligned with the indoctrinating cult) had died in an accident during efforts to track down and eliminate her romantic partner. This loved one had seemingly abandoned from their group, and the now-dead NPC was incensed at her significant other's {traitorous