Summary
Helldivers 2kicked off the year with a massive surprise filled with a lot of great humor and wit. In a far off future, the world of Super Earth stands as the pinnacle of democracy inHelldivers 2, but with a huge catch; people have to die violently for it. A lot. In the race to eradicate the Terminids and Automatons from existence, the titular Helldiversare aptly named, as the various battlefields featured in the game are truly hell itself.
Despite the terror, there is a deliciously morbid sense of humor attached to this ultimate sacrifice, and it could lead one to think of another game with a great sense of humor;The Outer Worlds. In a world where sci-fi RPGs can sometimes feel heavily similar,The Outer Worldsset itself apartby leaning heavily into an absurdist form of satire focused on corporate corruption.
Helldivers 2 and The Outer Worlds Have Similar Approaches to Different Issues
Helldivers 2 and the Absurdity of Ultra Authoritarianism
Helldivers 2may not focus on corporate corruption, but it does poke fun at the absurdity of fighting for an ultra-militaristic authoritarian government. The whole idea of “managed democracy” is hilarious, andHelldivers 2does a wonderful job at demonstrating how expendable soldiers can be when a society focuses solely on the prospect of winning.Super Earth can sometimes seem wonderfulon the surface, thanks to extensive propaganda, but the actual reality of how many Helldivers die in a fiery blaze or get shredded to pieces by a Terminid illustrates just how costly that can be.
Of course, the threats of Terminids and Automatons are so prevalent that it arguably gives Super Earth no choice but to build a strong military presence. Nevertheless, the goal of becoming a Helldiver has become so deeply ingrained into Super Earth’s society that dying in the name of “managed democracy” is something to celebrate instead of being tragic.Combat is the heart ofHelldivers 2, and developer Arrowhead Game Studios does a beautiful job at treating the game’s satire with a balanced nuance.
When Super Earth citizens turn 16, they are gifted a M2016 Constitution bolt-action rifle as a way to encourage military service.
The Outer Worlds Tackles Unchecked Corporate Control
On the flip side,The Outer Worldscalls out how unfettered capitalism can bring about a horribly oppressive environment. When profits become the main focus of a society, everything else falls to the wayside. AlthoughThe Outer WorldsandHelldivers 2both critique different forms of uncontrolled power,The Outer Worldsgoes much harderon being whimsical with its humor.
The Outer Worldssets itself apart with its approach to humor, and it can be downright goofy, which makes it a special game to experience. From the very beginning of the game, when players accidentally land on and crush the smuggler contact they’re supposed to meet,The Outer Worldsmakes it incredibly clear what its tone will be going forward. The upcomingsequel toThe Outer Worldslooks like it will bring even more humor to the forefront; it’s just a question of what Obsidian wants to poke fun at this time.
Both games offer some hilarious criticisms of real world problems while masked under a sci-fi blanket.The Outer WorldsandHelldivers 2tackle political satirein a really beautiful way that showcases how video games are more than just ways to pass time. WhileThe Outer Worldsshows the bleakness of a future run by corporate greed,Helldivers 2shows the underlying horrors of civic duty, but both games do it with a cheeky smile.
Helldivers 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Do you believe in freedom? Can you stand in the face of oppression – and defend the defenceless? Wage war for peace. Die for democracy.Join forces with up to three friends and wreak havoc on an alien scourge threatening the safety of your home planet, Super Earth, in this multiplayer co-op shooter for PS5 and PC from Arrowhead Game Studios.Step into the boots of the Helldivers, an elite class of soldiers whose mission is to spread peace, liberty and Managed Democracy using the biggest, baddest and most explosive tools in the galaxy.Helldivers don’t go planet side without proper backup, but it’s up to you to decide how and when to call it in. Not only do you have a host of superpowered primary weapons and customizable loadouts, you also have the ability to call on stratagems during play.Helldivers 2 features Arrowhead’s best cooperative gameplay yet. Collaboration will be vital: Teams will synergize on loadouts, strategize their approach for each mission and complete objectives together.1Enlist in Super Earth’s premier military peacekeeping force today. We are heroes… we are legends… WE ARE HELLDIVERS.
