Outer Worlds 2 by Obsidian, now under Microsoft's umbrella, attempts to tackle themes of capitalism and autocracy but offers little more than shallow satire. This game, though offering better role-playing options and sharper writing than its predecessor, feels emotionally dry and fails to provoke deeper thought.
Content and Themes
The game positions late-stage capitalism and fascism at its core, yet its execution is lackluster. Key entities like Auntie's Choice and the Protectorate come across as overly simplistic, undermining potential critiques of economic and political systems. This approach contrasts sharply with more nuanced works like Disco Elysium.
Belated Satire
The game's villains appear cartoonish, and non-player characters (NPCs) serve more as plot devices than vehicles of meaningful criticism. Despite being entangled in capitalist frameworks it gestures at, Outer Worlds 2 delivers moderate entertainment with its gameplay but misses impactful commentary on real-world ideologies.
Market and Reception
The game is likely to achieve commercial success, benefiting Microsoft as it continues to grow in the gaming space. However, the lack of depth in its thematic exploration raises questions about the purpose of integrating complex socio-political topics if substantiated critique is missing.
