Helldivers 2 burst onto the scene at the start of the year with a blend of humor and wit that surprised and delighted players. Set in the distant future, the game portrays the world of Super Earth as a bastion of democracy, albeit with a grim twist—violent death is a prerequisite for maintaining this democracy. The Helldivers, tasked with eradicating threats like the Terminids and Automatons, navigate battlefields that truly embody hell itself.
Despite the grimness of the setting, there’s a darkly comedic undertone to the game’s theme of ultimate sacrifice, reminiscent of another title known for its humor: The Outer Worlds. While many sci-fi RPGs can feel similar, The Outer Worlds distinguished itself by embracing absurdist satire focused on corporate corruption.
In Helldivers 2, the humor stems from poking fun at the absurdity of fighting for an ultra-militaristic authoritarian government under the guise of “managed democracy.” The game showcases how expendable soldiers become when society is solely focused on winning, illustrating the stark contrast between the propaganda-fueled perception of Super Earth and the grim reality faced by Helldivers.
Despite the prevalence of threats like Terminids and Automatons, which necessitate a strong military presence, the goal of becoming a Helldiver is celebrated within Super Earth’s society, highlighting the normalization of sacrifice in the name of “managed democracy.” Arrowhead Game Studios masterfully balances satire and nuance, portraying the game’s themes with depth and complexity.
On the other hand, The Outer Worlds tackles the dangers of unchecked corporate control and unfettered capitalism, portraying a society where profit takes precedence over everything else. While both games critique different forms of power imbalance, The Outer Worlds leans into a more whimsical brand of humor, evident from its early moments where players inadvertently crush a smuggler contact they were meant to meet.
Looking ahead, the upcoming sequel to The Outer Worlds promises even more humor, leaving players curious about what new targets Obsidian Entertainment will take aim at this time. Both games offer hilarious critiques of real-world issues within a sci-fi framework, showcasing the medium’s ability to engage with political satire while still entertaining players with a cheeky smile.