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During my first experience with the first Outer Worlds title, I was immediately drawn by its irreverent, Fallout-esque style of comedy. This title included lively conversations, individual logs, and promotional posters that illustrated a company-run society that was both dark and humorous. My main fear starting the sequel was that this installment – without blame on its part – could fail to be as comedic compared to the first.

Admittedly, things weren't perfect. However, life certainly seemed a bit less broken back then. The Outer Worlds showed a bleak future that didn't strike too close to home, and yet accomplished to be both touching and hilarious. I started the follow-up rather certain that the sequel wouldn't be able to pull this off again, but I'm happy to report that I was mistaken. The Outer Worlds 2 is as laughter-provoking as the game that preceded it, and furthermore presents original ideas instead of just recycling identical material comparable to an worn-out business tune.

Evolving Characters

Most of the non-player characters gamers met in the original game had been worn out by the actions of business corporations like the in-game corporation, and were acutely conscious of the extent to which their lives sucked. This installment progresses matters in an alternative path, presenting individuals who are programmed (sometimes figuratively, often literally). A lot of these NPCs aren't even aware of how extremely messed up their conditions are, or that there could be options to a life lived under the domination of a massive corporation or limited by the beliefs of a high-demand religion.

The sequel explores types of business domination that are more subtle than merely maintaining the masses poor. Numerous characters have been brainwashed into the kind of extremely eager "hustle mentality" language you might encounter on online profiles that vow to show the key to success should you purchase a costly program, or put money into a dubious blockchain project. Additionally, the title's company advertising has evolved.

Contemporary Issues

There continue to be numerous demotivating signs throughout facilities indicating reductions in staff compensation who so much as consider requesting leave, but there are also references to network marketing tactics, including a new hire handbook that proudly declares, "Strangers are just clients you still need to meet!" As an individual who grew up in a direct sales family, I immediately burst out in amusement upon viewing this mention, because it's a saying I have often heard stated precisely by those at the bottom of such schemes.

Thankfully, The Outer Worlds 2 is as comedic and irreverent as the initial release.

This sequel also examines the predicament numerous people experience regarding work, politics, and including buying decisions: Being forced to choose the smaller of multiple bad options. During efforts to choose whether to back a dangerous corporate entity or a dangerous religious group within the title, I found myself aligning with the familiar evil: A familiar business organization that is awful (though just utilizes propaganda to program its members), rather than the cult, which is equally bad, but uses a terrible method termed "psychological renewal" to control its members compliant.

Questionable Employers

Additionally, the individuals you work for may not be reliable. As an space operative, your assignment includes attempting to restore control to the Arcadia colony subsequent to an aggressive business acquisition, and you rapidly learn that both the aggressors and the residents follow differing (but similarly terrible) ideologies. However, a rapid examination of the transmissions on your ship's terminal reveal that this agency isn't precisely the universe's most principled authority either, as shown by an answer to an emergency signal that informs the caller it will take "three to five corporate years" for a reply to their transmission. (That time frame is roughly the duration it takes for numerous individuals to get a hold of a real customer service agent over the phone currently.)

Relatable Moments

Numerous instances in this sequel are extremely familiar, but it's a cleansing kind of recognition, and the game achieves equilibrium between its bleak societal vision with wit that's genuinely funny while avoiding incongruous. A primary concept is the rapid beginning of enshittification that seems to take place in the wake of any major corporate acquisition. Workers from each party of The Outer Worlds 2's major acquisition experience their living standards worsen consequently, while the leaders in control of the hierarchy are, expectedly, raking in profits hand over fist.

Well, at minimum I recognize my situation.

Comparable to the original title, The Outer Worlds 2 is intrinsically comedic, but it also doesn't hesitate to get serious. During a moment, while wandering around the game's first accessible planet, I discovered a corpse with a message close by. This recording showed that this character (associated with the indoctrinating cult) had been killed in an event during efforts to locate and kill her significant other. This romantic partner had reportedly deserted from their group, and the perished individual was incensed at her significant other's {traitorous