The Outer Worlds | A Post Release Retrospective

[@maxym9483]

Obsidian liked the review so much they proceeded to release "The Outer Worlds 2" trailer 5 days later

[@dankduck]

It's today 👁️👄👁️

[@toolatetothestory]

It feels nice to seee the heart there, after that ending to the video

[@toolatetothestory]

@Lucky Demon JC Denton is just very popular.

[@tinyman1144]

@Lucky Demon The answer to many things is "A goodly large number of people like/know of x"

[@metawarp7446]

@@tinyman1144 Or there's a meme

[@danflan05]

Sounded like ventricular tachycardia. Amiodarone works well to suppress it but can have long term negative side effects, particularly on your lungs. I was actually your nurse briefly before your first surgery and we of course discussed video games and it was how I learned about your channel. I now work in the pre and post procedure area for cardiovascular electrophysiology. You probably have lots of resources for info, but if you have any questions let me know and I hope it goes well and there are no more episodes. Definitely enjoy your takes on RPG's.

[@StratEdgyProductions]

I had a a heart cath yesterday and yeah, as you predicted, they didn't find anything. Turns out advent does good work. They went in through transverse radial and now my pointer finger is swollen and hurts like a motherfucker. I'm thinking onset of compartment syndrome. Finger and forearm just below the wrist is swollen slightly. Mostly the pain in the finger tip is crazy. As far as the tach and crazy arrhythmia, You are probably right. My doctor said that I might need to see an electrical specialist if the arrhythmia gets worse. Is a pacemaker possible? Really don't want that.

[@danflan05]

@@StratEdgyProductions probably not, but sometimes they put AICD in to shock you out of abnormal rhythm. I'm glad they did radial access and not the groin, but if the swelling is bad you may want to get it checked out. Any hard area near the puncture site? Is the swelling getting worse?

[@StratEdgyProductions]

Nah, now that the dressing has been removed, the pain and swelling are going down. Must've just been a circulation issue. Hit me up here if you want to chat more. (discord stratedgy#6668)

[@amiiboae2241]

@@StratEdgyProductions Do you just sit there and make videos, and then your body tries to destroy you?

[@itzybitzyspyder]

Awesome. Just awesome.

[@jondubz267]

I died on an operating table for almost five minutes a few years ago. Since I've came back and a few years later healed up I've had to try and rebuild my life. It caused a lot of stress for me, wondering why I was still here, and how I survived just for things to get harder. I even listened to Stanhope in the ICU when I was conscious and waiting to transfer to general recovery. I remember how much it hurt to laugh with all the tubes and staples in my guts. But as down as I feel sometimes I dont think it'll always be that way. A part of me is like, the worst has already happened, you died in a lot of pain, so what else could there be to terrify you? And then you find out things still take so much time. There's no instant revelation and reparation of your mind. It's a process. Forgive my rambling, I just wanted you to know that I have sorta been there, and I wanted you to know that your videos have helped me fill my time trying to put my life back together and figure out who and what I want to be since I got another chance. You are very appreciated, man.

[@kummakummakummakummakummac8606]

Even though I don't know you but I'm glad you got a second chance.

[@TheBreadB]

5 minutes is impossible.

[@asiamatron]

Glad you are still here mate.

[@Tyufoe96]

@@TheBreadB no its not?

[@AveSicarius]

@@TheBreadB You can flatline, which is considered technically dying (because death is the point from when your heart stops, not completely neurological death), and as long as you remain fairly oxygenated, which you will because you are supplemented with high oxygen atmosphere for the entirety of your surgical procedure, you will not experience brain death, or at least significant neurological trauma. Five minutes is a LONG time for lack of cardiovascular activity, but it does actually happen fairly often, sometimes even longer periods have been recorded (which becomes rarer and rarer and significantly increases likelihood of neurological trauma). You have to remember that a surgical procedure has everything going for you, you are monitored, hooked up to various supplementary LS machines to keep your body going (because realistically speaking many more intensive surgeries would outright kill you without various methods of LS), and if you flatline during, you will have people working to both restart your heart, and keep circulation flowing during that time (cardiovascular massage is a very real technique during invasive surgery if the heart stops). It is very well recorded, and certainly not impossible.

[@romulocasas4906]

I beat this game and my reaction was “did I really just beat the game??” I felt like I never did much and my guy was so charismatic that I could talk or lie my way out of most fights to get what I want. The enemies are literally the same on whatever planet you’re on. The way points take out any sort of exploration. But I still had a good time??

[@gh0rochi363]

You just described fallout

[@bearandthebull2372]

@@gh0rochi363 At least fallout,New Vegas at least,masks itself with unique occurrences and funny dialogue. Outer worlds feels like I'm playing a rip off of a better game.

[@user-tl6qg6cz5e]

@@bearandthebull2372 Uhm I think *hot take* that the Outer Worlds was more fun than NV, its a corporate hellscape and I love it, the corporations treat their employees worse and worse everyday and this is something that the real world is looking more and more like The Outer Worlds, corporations realizing people can't stop them, and its just perfect I just love it, fallout NV is a buggy, glitchy, laggy mess, I dont like the story, I dont like the gameplay, people are blinded by nostalgia, the dialogue is not good, the story line is... lacking creatively, and it was BORING, when I played NV I struggled to find an excuse to keep playing I felt like I was doing a chore. The story in The Outer Worlds was engaging I felt like I was doing something, like my choice had a real impact, whereas NV's story had a few choices Good, Bad, Neutral, but in the Outer Worlds its, Bad, Worse, and Terrible, even if you choose the "good" ending millions of people will die countless more will lose their jobs, hundreds of cities will be lost to time and the creatures, if you choose the "bad" ending, few people will die, but the rich stay rich, and the vast majority of the world is cryogenically frozen forever.

[@mattshuey1]

That credit roll monologue really hit me hard Strat. I hope you make it through this brother. You'll never know how much you changed lives but I still want to tell you that you changed mine. All the love in the world to ya.

[@JustFeral]

Yea, just finished the episode and now just filled with worry.

[@bishoptrees]

Agreed. Strat, sending some love from Australia. Through the video, when you were talking about what was going on with the last video, it was a oh shit moment, but you were through it. On the other side looking back. To hear this at the end... Well, I don't know what to say other than good luck, and know that your works here have bought joy around the world. See you soon mate

[@MrBoo-dj9yk]

You can get through this Strat

[@mattshuey1]

@All_lives_matter, reject fabricated racism by govt I've been watching Strat for years. I'm in a similar situation as him where I became the guardian of a special needs person. Our lives ran in parallel for a while in ways I didn't think I'd encounter. A lot of his fears were my fears and it was nice knowing I wasn't alone in feeling like an island on the ocean during those times. Hearing him put his heart and fears out there isn't something I expected from the guy making funny informative rpg primers. Its a shame you need someone to specifically affect your needs for them to have value. Sometimes its enough just to say you are there for them.

[@pullt]

Sounds gay.

[@MaximusOverhead]

I don’t understand why the hardcore mode from New Vegas isn’t used more in games, I found the balance a perfect mix of hard and quality of life additions. Like fast travel you can use it but it dehydrates you and makes your sleep go up.

[@devinplayseverything3764]

I tried playing Oblivion the other day and Found myself wishing my character would get thirsty

[@MaximusOverhead]

@@devinplayseverything3764 lol smart ass

[@Cunnysmythe]

It was great, I enjoyed having to incorporate the survival skill to account for it The sleep counter didn't go up nearly enough though

[@devinplayseverything3764]

Naw man, for real, I was just playing new Vegas not long ago and switched to oblivion and it’s just kinda...boring, like there’s no point in collecting anything and you can just use the wait command to heal

[@MaximusOverhead]

@@devinplayseverything3764 ahhh ok so you were being serious ! Ya Oblivion for me is most just an exploring thing. I really enjoy the dungeons and environment but your right it's a little bland sometimes

[@Bassist-Beneath]

I don’t expect anyone to see this but on the off chance someone needs to hear it I want to put it out there. At the beginning of Covid, around when I found your channel, I was in a seriously bad place. It’s nowhere near the severity of your medical issues, but at 20 I had been suffering from a severe herniated disc for about 2 years and was convinced that it was something I’d have to live with my entire life. I was super unhealthy diet and weight wise, I couldn’t exercise, I was deep into drugs and alcohol and genuinely saw no way out. Then I decided to just go for surgery as a genuine last resort, since no amount of physical therapy or epidurals would help. Once I had recovered some, I began to make small positive changes in my life that started to impact my weight and mental health. I started walking and running, and eating better. I found a sport that I can practice for fun and genuinely enjoy. But I went through so much insecurity and ego issues and all that, along with super unhealthy self-hatred that I honestly saw as my greatest motivation to change my life. And here I am today, 75lbs lighter with great bloodwork, a good looking physique, and if you showed past me a picture of me today I wouldn’t recognize the person or believe it was who I’d be in the future. I viewed my weight and health as my biggest obstacle in life, and assumed that once I’d overcome it everything would be so much easier and better. And it definitely is, but I still struggle every single day. I guess what I’m trying to say is that we will always have struggles and hurdles to overcome, which was something I didn’t necessarily realize due to how seemingly big the obstacles in my life were at the time. I hope the best for you and your family. I know I speak for a lot of people here when I say: Thank you for being there at the end of those awful, brutal workdays. Thank you for reigniting my love for wonderful games at a time in my life when I needed it. Thank you for being one of the channels whose new upload notifications genuinely make my day.

[@Wenjo936]

I love hearing you talk about your existentialism And coping. My depression has been building more and more. This layer of Vaseline has clouded everything I see. But I heard everything you said, and understood. Maybe my self reflections have been in the wrong direction

[@boobalooba5786]

My release from depression was coming to terms with, and accepting wholly, that there is no meaning to be found. It released me from searching for meaning, for trying to find a reason. Now I create my own reason, if I don't like someone or something I tell them and leave them for dead. I quit any job I don't like doing for more than one week. I go hiking by myself, for myself, with no one else, for hours or days. I don't talk to anyone, or I talk to everyone on a whim. I do not think about what other people think ever, they will either accept what I decide to do or they will not be a part of my life but I don't waste any time in worrying. Time is all we have and I have claimed 100% of my remaining time and I will decide how that time is spent, not other people, not my "job", not my "health".

[@Enward834]

@@boobalooba5786 wow.. I fell like I could have wrote this word for word. Brovo

[@dikasmusha6194]

cope

[@baronsengir187]

@@boobalooba5786 Hard to get to that point

[@desmondm728]

@@boobalooba5786 I might save this comment - thank you.

[@quinnobrien4639]

Good luck dude, hopefully everything goes well

[@LittleBits.]

We are all hoping for your well being?

[@raziyatheseeker]

As I said from the Patreon preview, I'll say it again. It's been a blast to see you grow and understand yourself, Strat. I'm glad you gave Outer Worlds a fairer shake this second time around, flaws or not.

[@ShippoFoxD]

Dude; hearing this really breaks my heart. I hope everything is going okay and that your medical issues resolve. Your videos have helped me extremely in such bad times and given me comfort in a world without a lot of in-knowledge. Dude I hope everything goes well and please keep us updated; you keep strong man.

[@jonathonnicholson5651]

P000

[@jonathonnicholson5651]

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[@jonathonnicholson5651]

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[@jonathonnicholson5651]

Pretty good actually p pop

[@jonathonnicholson5651]

OP

[@porcelainchips6061]

Dude, you keep me company while I'm sketching and inking illustrations. Your insights teach me a lot about game design and I love your unabashed sense of humor. Hope everything goes as well as it can and please, please take as much recovery time that you need. No matter what happens, I will always recommend and re-watch your videos.

[@Harry_S._Plinkett]

I do love the idea of the flaw system, take Fallout’s trait system and make it something you earn through gameplay. I hope it carries over to the sequel, but it needs to be done better. The execution in this game really fell flat. Instead of giving a perk point when there aren’t many perks in the game to begin with and most of them are really bland, what I would do to make it more interesting is either: A. Give a unique perk that corresponds with each flaw B. Have a separate, more unique, perk list that you can only choose from by getting a point from a flaw The drawbacks need to be more varied, too. It seems like every flaw gives the same debuffs: either you take more damage from a certain source, or you permanently take a hit to three attributes. There’s gotta be more they can do with the sandbox they built here. Edit: Just finished watching the video. This is a terrible thing you and your family have to go through, and I wish you all the best.

[@dattebenforcer]

Fallout had traits that gave benefits and deficits. Like Jinxed, unlucky things happened to you, but also your enemies. Or Large Frame, you were stronger but couldn't fit everywhere.

[@jamesbrincefield9879]

I never got my Totino’s™ Pizza Rolls™

[@GrandmasterofWin]

Mr. Plinkett, didn't you stop gaming with the Atari 2600?

[@doctorbrown5957]

I love the idea of losing a limb from landmines, and it gives you the option to use it in charisma checks. Basically forcing people to pity you into getting what you want because you weren't watching where you step.

[@PancakemonsterFO4]

Also the cleaner bot shoud not trigger your robophobia flaw or be inacessable as soon as you take it

[@Geologese]

I really appreciate this opening.

[@gaigehoff1132]

I came here to watch funny strats on games, not some metamorphosis about changing and anger and his emotions.

[@vlad7275]

It was truly shocking when I first recognized this thing he's talking about. When strong emotions basically turn on your autopilot, and then backwards rationalization (mental gymnastics he's talking about - when after the fact your brain finds logical explanation for stuff you did while on autopilot) makes it seem in your memory like you acted rationally. As an impulsive person I had a lot of trouble with that. I think learning to deal with this can greatly improve person's well-being. If you interested in learning to deal with it - awareness meditation is somewhat helpful for me - it helps you become a "watcher of your thoughts", builds a kind of filter, that recognizes and analyzes what is currently going on in your head.

[@DrGhoztz]

@@vlad7275 Highly recommended watching The Midnight Gospel if you’re into this introspective stuff- Duncan Trussel (?) basically did podcast-like interviews with people who explore the ideas of mental stability, religion and belief, doomer and drug culture then turned them into a cartoon with a meta-narrative to make it easily digestible.

[@vlad7275]

@@DrGhoztz Thanks! Midnight Gospel is awesome - sometimes deep, sometimes bizzarre. Definitely a worthwhile experience!

[@linfraredl4906]

this man always has top tier opening

[@ravensflockmate]

The corporations are still lazily written. The fact that the only way for the game to get its "message" across is by hitting you over the head with a sledgehammer isn't exactly praiseworthy

[@angquangnguyenthac2833]

The problem here is that Obsidian.....became the very thing they try to criticized. Corporate.

[@comicsans1689]

@@angquangnguyenthac2833 I appreciate Obsidian's dedication to being meta lmao

[@educprof2160]

its because some things arent supposed to be "deep", billionare villlains dont need to be complex for us to understand that they are evil, because real life billionares ARE evil, just look at how corporations like facebook and twitter give plataforms to death cults like antivaxxers just for proffit, even tho it can perfectly back fire and harm the company itself.

[@ravensflockmate]

@@educprof2160 no if you want to have a "message" you're going to have to try harder than a reductive one dimensional strawman like the one you present

[@RaidenPSX]

This was the main reason I stopped playing after 5 hours and uninstalled it. I felt like I was going to lose my mind if I had to listen to the "message" of how WORK BAD for the 10 millionth time again.

[@chavezchavo]

The whole problem I had was the same problem Fallout 3 had: The enemies level together with the player. So, if the game is easy for you, the entire combat experience will be somewhat similar through almost the entirety of the game. I did enjoy Outer Worlds but it I'm not sure if I wanted to spend time playing it again. Maybe my bias was formed by expecting it to have a good amount of depth like Fallout New Vegas did.

[@xBINARYGODx]

FO76 and the MS purchase made people think this game was more than it was - good thing it looks like they want the sequel to be what they had wanted to create (the game got funded like a high-budget indie, not the AAA I think people were expecting or what they would have wanted to make given other circumstances).

[@gh0rochi363]

I don't see why people thought that though. It's but baked by a company like zenimax or ea. It was a low budget game.

[@jeffreymarksworld534]

The enemies leveling up with the player was so much worse and blatant on New Vegas as opposed to 3. People always blame 3 for things even though the exact same thing happened in New Vegas

[@chavezchavo]

@@jeffreymarksworld534 New Vegas had enemies leveling with player character? Don't recall having the same experience at Quarry Junction when i was level 3 and when i was at level 20.

[@flowerthencrranger3854]

@@chavezchavo He is probably referring to the “levelled” enemies the game has, like the generic enemies we fight on the DLC (marked man and white legs for example). But I highly disagree on the take that “it was so much worst on new vegas”

[@White_Mourning]

I can't understand why some developers think that the hardest difficulty should involve tedious af chores, like not fast travel at all, weirdly restricted safe points and so on. The difficulty per se should only involve the difficulty of the game, damage taken, number of enemies, enemies with more skills, ammo quantity, etc. Then, as an add-on to difficulty, there should be a "roleplaying/realism" option that forces you to do roleplayish stuff, like eating, drinking, sleeping or limiting fast travel. And you should be able to enable this regardless of the difficulty. Maybe I like roleplaying but I don't want to play in the hardest difficulty to access this features. Oh, and btw, roleplaying features should be used to immerse you, not to screw with you. Like, if you limit fast travel, have some in-game method to do so between specific locations. Drinking and eating are a cool way to immerse yourself, but not so much if the game forces you to drink an entire river every two steps.

[@gaspar4440]

Great words.

[@FinneousPJ1]

Why *should* the difficulty only involve those things?

[@White_Mourning]

@@FinneousPJ1 It was not an exact list, of course there are many other things included there. My point is that things like fast travel have nothing to do with a game being difficult. It just makes it... tedious. And tedious is not difficult, it's just boring. Take The Outer Worlds for example, if you only allow the player to fast travel to the spaceship, and to save the game there, it doesn't force the player to play good or to come up with new strategies. It just forces you to constantly fast travel to the spaceship just to save the game, having to walk all the way back to where you were before. The same goes for drinking and eating. That's only difficult the first 20 minutes, when you don't have supplies. Past there, it's just a system that forces you to constantly open your inventory to drink.

[@amuro9624]

This reminds me of breath of fire 5 where you could only save a limited amount of times during your playthrough. That game was trying to be hard but only made it not fun to play because you're punished for doing basic stuff.

[@roonicous2256]

There are 2 different hardest difficulties on the game, supernova is just hard with survival elements

[@ChRoNicBuRrItOs]

1:25:30 Pharmacy student here with a fun fact: nicotine doesn't actually calm you very much - you were likely just going through withdrawl before you smoked. A lot of people feel like they have to smoke when they wake up, and that's because nicotine withdrawl starts pretty quickly (within a few hours) and they haven't smoked all night

[@vincentmarcellino7183]

Yeah. Nicotine is a stimulant so unless you're ADHD and get the weird reversal of stimulant effects then it's not gonna really calm you. It's not very powerful on the stimulant side of things either so even with that reversal it's not gonna do much if at all. The withdrawal effects add more energy(being jittery, temperamental, etc) in fact.

[@slimpickens32]

Hi Strat, longtime listener first time caller: After getting to the end of the video and listening about your health, I just wanted to say: THANK YOU. Your videos are always enthusiastic, and your narration, jokes, and overall delivery help create an inclusive, amiable atmosphere that makes your viewers feel welcome, and helps them relate to you. (I'll point you to the DOOM 2020 video thumbnail, but there's any number of other things that help us all know: oh yeah, this is a Strat Edgy video. Time to strap in and feel the G's). I'm one of the people who, despite not playing half the games you review, always enjoy your take on gaming and life and general. You're much more than just another edgy gamer youtuber. Thank you again for the laughs, and the more serious videos and takes you have. I hope you stay healthy whether or not you continue this channel in the future.

[@grantapeck]

Leaving the first world is like playing a level 20 dnd character for a whole campaign. You are like too powerful and there isn't really that drive to get stronger to defeat that enemy you tried to beat for 20 tries and gave up.

[@Cunnysmythe]

The 'Is there anybody in there?' segment makes me think of something I saw yesterday that talked about how modern millennial-made cartoons have no sincerity because they're draped in layers of irony instead of having straightforward messages that children can pick up and take away. This sounds similar, there's no sincere meaningful core to anything and everything is a joke or reference Best of luck on what's ahead, we'll see you again soon

[@cyberninjazero5659]

Yeah it's a recent trend in criticism I've noticed people complaining about the lack of sincerity in all forms of media and art even traditional forms of art have been reduced if not to infinite irony than to a crude form of propagandistic politicization with nothing meaningful conveyed.

[@cjhebert94]

Was it that LotusEaters clip? Killer.

[@Cunnysmythe]

@@cjhebert94 It was indeed, great segment

[@asiamatron]

I saw a video where David Foster Wallace was saying the same thing. I agree.

[@alexxx4434]

Yeah, I think that describes why I dislike the hugely popular "Rick & Morty" show.

[@albeon81]

Came for the critique, left with an epiphany. And can’t wait for your next video bro. You will make another video. Best of luck my man.

[@janedoe1787]

Ahhhh, another long one. Thank you! *edit* reading through the comments and listening to the intro has got me worried. Want to say I hope the best for you strat, always. People like you help people like me (us, the commenters) survive in these stressful times and stressful lives in general. I was talking to my girlfriend about how I grew up watching my big brother play video games and following that I’d watch friends play and when I had no one left to watch I adopted KZbin and I’ve grown from watching game play to listening to the philosophy of games and even philosophies of life from people like you, specifically you sometimes. It’s my security blanket, it helps me sleep, it helps me relax. I can’t thank people like you enough for being here for ME even if they never know I even exist. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@thepopemichael]

I can really relate. I almost died three times last year due to my own rare disease. By the end of it, I was 60 pounds lighter, many organs are still damaged, and I had to rewrite my life. Now that I'm in an upswing of health, I had to prioritize. I had to discover what is important to me. In recovering my mind, I started getting panic attacks again. I've not had them since I was a teenager (I'm 38). I had to realize that this is due to being in a similar mindset. I don't know where I'm going or what I'm doing. Finalizing a divorce didn't help either. So right now I'm dealing with not knowing what tomorrow will bring and that scares me. Thank you for sharing with us all. You will never be forgotten so long as I live. So no worries on that.

[@vazilin4ik]

A litle extra for the cig and booze thing, cigs are also a ligth maoi(they inhibit the enzyme that breaks down seratonine and dopamine hence giving u a bit of euphorea) aswell as a dopamine modulator(again +1 to feelgood). Booze on top of calming effects also makes your brain dump a little bit of dopamine(the stuff that gives amphetamines the euphoric effect and what gives both amphetamine and booze the next day sadness). so the combo of two calms you down, increases dopamine levels and makes it so that dopamine lingers for longer.

[@tequilawhiskey]

Well that explains a bit

[@AC-hj9tv]

Hell yea 🚬😎👍

[@birdmandan9456]

You'll probably miss this among the rest of the comments but I'll say it anyway, even though you don't know me, Strat, I have to express my appreciation to you for the encouragement and amusement your work has given me over these past few years. Thank you for what you've done and I hope for you all the best.

[@sokumotanaka9271]

Listen Strat dont say that. I hope you make it through I'll be rooting for ya. Hope to hear from ya soon.

[@TheSpazzDragon]

I lost My best friend to aneurisms. It was over a year ago now. But it still feels like it happened only a short while ago. I know this is something a bit different than what got my friend, but doesnt make it any less terrifying. I know the random words of a stranger on the internet dont mean much. But I wish you the absolute best.

[@solid_snake9708]

Funny how people with no heart seem to live forever and the ones with the biggest always need the most surgery. See you when you review the DLC brother.

[@charlesklein6399]

What?

[@footthunder485]

@@charlesklein6399 I think they’re trying to be deep lol

[@Vladimir007smart]

Concerning the ending portion of the video when it got REAL, I just wanted to say that you have helped me with your videos and that I really appreciate you as a creator and a person, as much as that is possible from such a parasocial dynamic. I do not want this to be an empty platitude and I do hope everything goes well for you, I don't know what else to say. Thank you, Strat.

[@jamesmj1632]

That opening basically just put things into words that I have failed to for my whole life. You're a fucking legend, dude. Keep this shit up.

[@minutestodawn]

you spent about the first 4 minutes of the video saying things i really needed to hear today. i needed an outside perspective. thank you.

[@Zambukaneer]

Totally.

[@Strawhalo]

Where is your avitar from

[@Romeo-le2ez]

Ani me girl

[@youngthinker1]

The Renaissance Man comes to mind, in regards to a meta-science view of humanity. A human consists of several parts: body, heart, mind, spirit, and will. Each one governs a part of the whole. The body dictates the physical and allows the rest to interact with the world. The heart governs desires and uses emotions to sway the rest of the being to it's ends. The mind governs logic and knowledge. It acts as the control center, but lacks any enforcement. The spirit governs morality and uses emotions to sway the rest of the being. The will represents the deciding factor, when conflict happens.

[@ishiggidiggi]

christ here I am, a grown fuckin man, getting choked up and about to spill over with tears over someone i've never actually ever met, yet I feel I know better than a member of my own family. God I hope the best for you man. Stay strong.

[@thepancakemann]

If you're feeling like you know a KZbin man more than your real family, you need to take a step back and reevaluate.

[@AC-hj9tv]

Parasocial relationship

[@toolatetothestory]

Tbh, I do like the "You could have chosen anything, but chose the simple pleasures" type of ending. It does have a certain charm :3

[@BiggDoggJake]

Always love to hear a good shoutout to Wilmington, DE! Grew up just outside in Elsmere next to the B&G Club, behind McDonalds. Fucking hate that place. New Castle could be better, though..

[@thespaghettidetective5914]

I found your content recently last year. I've watched nearly all of your videos and really enjoy what you do. You are one of the few people out there looking to do serious critiques on games and how they can impact a player. Regardless of what happens in the next couple of weeks, I hope you make it through this and keep fighting. You made it through this once, you can do so again.

[@daddybrownman8422]

Your content is amazing and your in depth analysis of these games are a testament to your passion. You have keen eye for nuance in video games that are often overlooked by most players. You have accurately articulated the feelings I have playing this game and a couple others I’ve seen on you channel. You are an amazing content creator and a person; I wish nothing but the best for you and I hope to keep watching more of your work. You earned the fuck out of my subscription!!! :)

[@JustFeral]

Can I just say I appreciate how open you are? It's stupidly rare to find anyone on KZbin who speaks the way you do in your videos and it's valuable. Monologues on your channel feel like a full ass conversation. Makes me think about shit I don't really think to normally. Especially for a gaming channel.

[@crookedribcage5292]

man I get that I finally recently got a secondary treatment to a heart related birth defect that's four defects wrapped in one and now, after 20 years waiting a solution got invented and I got to be one of the first of a rarer defect to get this treatment. It went from open heart to cath for me and metal wire and plastic sheets to prosthetics made of organ/metal/nondegradable materials. The profession and treatment has come along way and I hope it gets easier.

[@MrFengus]

Man, I re-read The Power of Now once a year, roll my eyes a lot, but I end up so much better after reading it again. This thing really helps with emotional pain and mind-made bullshit

[@DrGhoztz]

8:50 sounds like someones been watching the midnight gospel. Remember an episode of that where Duncan’s interviewing someone who talks about what they call “the disease” - the idea that if they confront and fix their issues, become ‘healthy’, they cease to have that spark that made them inherently creative - the mental illusion that if you were to become happy and stable, you’d no longer be able to write or come up with funny jokes.

[@IdioticUlt1mara]

Be safe dude. I sort of understand that "nearly death" thing at the start, as I have recently had a Heart Attack myself - still taking the 6 month medication I need to. Hope all goes well dude and hope to see you soon enough ^_^

[@devinplayseverything3764]

This video reminds me that no matter where we’re at in life and what’s happening to us, we always find time for video games

[@sgtcortez19]

I've been following you for the last 2 or 3 years, and your content, along with some other long-form YT essayists, has helped me get through tough times. From the other side of the pond, hang in there man. We, as a community, are rooting for you.

[@MrAvaricia]

My near death experience did nothing for me in a sense. I was ready to die long ago. What it did do is make people around me understand I could be gone and to fucking enjoy my presence (its chronical and it will kill me eventually)

[@smoothtown90886]

Hey man - found your stuff, then found this. Spent weeks in the hospital and ICU with COVID last year, pretty touch and go, with months on ox and recovery, and you're the first person I've heard saying what's in my head out loud during this time of processing the whole thing. Just wanted to say thanks and that I appreciate the work.

[@18mitndi]

"It's sorta like a magic trick. Once you know how the magic is done, it's no longer magical--it's just a trick." Lowkey heavy-hitting quote.

[@Snout007]

This is easily the best video you have ever made. I hope your operation goes well.

[@ronakino]

I’m gonna cry. Best of luck and here’s to many more videos.

[@slimchelmi6940]

dude, I found your channel a couple days ago, maybe a week, first I watched some videos on TES and Fallout, then KOTOR 1+2, then Dishonored and the first Outer Worlds, and now I landed here not only are you someone who knows how to express hiimself and his feelings, be it in the moment or upon reflection, but you are honest and grounded while doing so I really like your stuff, your walkthroughs are in depth and analytical but not boring or drawn out, and your analysis of game mechanics, their limitations and purpose are enlightening and then you hit me with that intro.... showing vulnerability, reflection and growth, and why all of that is important and how they affect our thoughts and life you are exceptional, in my opinion I'm glad I found this channel you are appreciated, dude

[@DelinquentChibi]

Best of luck, Strat, and I hope you make a full recovery!

[@shmeebs387]

10:35 There's a great bit in Dostoyevsky's The Idiot that goes into this. The MC tells a story about a guy he knew that was going to be executed but it was called off at the last second (something that actually happened to Dostoyevsky irl).

[@Syenthros]

I wish you the best of luck with the surgery. You can make it through this - I'm sure of it.

[@MLucaj]

I found you just after the first outerworlds video. Loved it and felt a strong connection after that video and to your story. So much so I instantly started going through all your content. One of the most genuine and best content creators I follow and honestly the only one I cant wait to see what you put out next. Love everything you've done so much I even follow you on twitter. Seeing this now and the way this video ends I'm hoping all the best for you. I'm not the praying kind but I will be now and hope you make it through this next challenge like you did the last one. Let's not say our goodbyes just yet.

[@BanzaiBenzai]

I'm sure someone else has already brought it up, but if you wear the moon helmet and talk to the guy, he does break character for a moment. "Oh god, they got you too?" In a hushed whisper.

[@nunoq.ramalho8809]

What a vast world we live in, wasn't expecting all that happened in this video, hope everything works out in the best possible way. Great insight and very interesting to see how you change as a person. Godspeed

[@stackflow343]

Yea if there's one thing that really kills it for me in a rpg, it's when your dialog choices simply don't have any real bearing on the game world or playthrough. Like the game doesn't want the player to feel bad or miss out on stuff for picking responses with consequences. Which makes it feel like the plot is on rails, and your choices ultimately don't matter. Really nerfs the role-playing aspect.

[@sgtkasi]

It took me three days to get through this video, but I finally got to the end. Thanks so much for your videos my dude, top tier quality and humor. Hoping for the best for you, it's gut-wrenching to listen to someone grapple with their mortal coil.

[@Bonified369]

No matter what happens, it's an honor to be here. The style, the humor, the analytical approach you take and the unique experiences that color your opinions have all made me sit down and think about things I often felt I either ignored on principle or never knew existed at all. I can't speak for everyone but I know I'll be here for you in the weird and distant capacity I am till the end. You're not alone, and in regards to the sentiment I hope this message conveys, I don't think I am either. Stay safe and stay Edgy. -Will

[@brajkraft]

Damn strat, that intro was really something. Got nothing else to say about it, made me stop, think, and act, so thank you for making me aware of my feelings in a week filled with shity thoughts, stress and fear suddenly i feel a bit more optimistic about were I am in life.

[@Sebbyc101c]

I really enjoyed this take on the outer worlds-its changed my perspective on how I view RPGs alot more and for that, thank you. Good luck with the surgery :)

[@thehalfinstream1630]

I hope your health improves! I love your content, and its always a huge improvement to my day when I see your videos. I just wanted to say thank you, and I really hope you can continue doing what you love for years to come.

[@covvardice8296]

I really resonate with way you describe your issues and thoughts in the beginning. I suffer from extremely severe ADHD and have only recently decided to understand how much it affects me, a lot in the way that you describe the mental processes you go through. If you haven’t, I’d do a little research into adult ADHD and what it looks like, it’s extremely misunderstood by most people and really getting educated on it, has changed my life. Not sure or even close to suspecting it may be the same. But to the T man, I’ve experienced all and often the insights you shared that you got when self reflecting. Doubt you’ll see or read this, but I’m a huge fan of your videos and content, and thank you for remaining so vulnerable and active man. Hope you’re doing well, good luck.

[@Drifter422442]

I have also been struggling with mindfulness and being more present. I also don't normally comment, but in a way this was therapeutic to me. Thank you.

[@timothygrady2905]

Brother, you combining your real life experiences, the way you feel at the time and in the past, and your passion for game development are incredible. I'm so excited every time I see a new post from you. Come back soon brother.

[@phantomstrider]

Been really enjoying going over your videos lately. So glad to see you're still producing. However long you decide to stick around for, your previous videos have already had a profound effect on me as far back as "morrowind less is more." And the little effects we have on others are important too. Best wishes

[@Nocturne989]

When you notice someone else's Disco Elysium detective is a GODDAMN SUPERSTAR

[@ED2THEMAX]

Praying for you, I messaged you about a year ago when my dad was going though strokes and open heart surgery, you were kind and responded with some kind words that comforted me when nothing else could. Thankyou for being you.

[@darkcheaker]

I've tried this game several times but it hurts my eyes so bad.

[@tgreaux5027]

DUDE I wish you the best of luck with all your medical issues and I just wanted to tell you that I think your content is awesome. This was one of your best videos to date IMO. Im in a rather unique position to personally empathize with what you're going through as I have been battling crippling intestinal issues and have had to have multiple surgeries that always seem to hold the promise of correcting my issues but never seem to work out. I am at doctors offices every single week. Usually, multiple times a week and its pretty much bankrupted not only myself, but my parents who are helping me with the cost of treatment. Just this year (the past 12 months) alone its cost me over 60,000 in medical expenses. People have no idea how truly all consuming and life impacting having an ongoing condition like you are dealing with is. I wish you the best and Im def gonna hop on over to your Patreon and support your work. Good luck man and hopefully youll be back to making the content we all enjoy very soon. Godspeed fellow traveler.

[@AllMuscle1]

I, too, am a step-father to an autistic child. It was a huge transition and as her condition started to manifest at around 10-years of age, I found myself seemingly outclassed by the stress and trauma that 9-hour meltdowns causes. I have nothing but massive respect for you as you step into the role and continue to care for that child.

[@WeaponZero2000]

I just discovered your channel a few weeks ago and love your Videos. I put them on, on work, before I go to be ans watch them more than once. I had no clue you are fighting for your life and I hope it goes well. I choked, hearing you say goodbye. Stay positive and keep on fighting. I stare your Videos to my friends at Facebook as soon as I get unbanned. Lots of love from Germany

[@Deoxys_Used_Mimic]

What is the ‘Flow State?’ That’s *you....* Pecking. That. Button.

[@JohnSmith-ox3gy]

Is it bad to exist in a state of harmony of toughts, emotions, motivation and action? This is the state you stay in but something disrupts the still waters. Something is misaligned with these other aspects. Restless like a shareholder being denied by majority.

[@Enward834]

I don't know your being entirely fair. You know when your driving and your on auto pilot. Making turns and following firmiliar roads. That's also a flow state. Same thing with getting really into your work

[@rubberduckiedogs]

@@Enward834 firmiliar

[@thinredpaste]

I first heard of the flow state as a thing that fighters will get into where they can run on just pure instinct and all the little distractions and overthinking and whatnot that slows down their decision making and action disappear. If a fighter can get into a flow state, their reactions will get dramatically faster and they'll get a lot more dangerous.

[@Deoxys_Used_Mimic]

@@Enward834 Don’t misread me, though I understand how one could have. It’s not so much that going into a more base, instinctual state is a ‘bad’ thing per se... but the end of the day, deep down in our DNA... We are still animals. Animals with evolved habits... and animals with natural, primal instincts. ...and if you pay attention, you might notice that they become patterns. They are... *Predictable.* It’s psychological thing is what I’m trying to say. ...but you see... It’s not about ‘us’ and our habits... It’s more about the people that prey upon it. Utilize it. *Capitalize* on it.

[@Paag603]

Strat I hope everything goes well with your surgery, your videos have helped me on many a late night at work and many a lonely day off. I’ll be sure to donate

[@cyberiusrex2343]

Good luck man, ever since I found you, you always had a more down the earth "reasonable" take on videogames than most people out there, you are one of the people filling the void old school reviewers like total biscuit used to fill, and while your production may not be up there with the professional attitude, you definitely make up for it in sheer passion, and THAT, THAT is very important. In a landscape were many take on the mantle of game critics, more concerned with thinking about what people would like to hear, rather than actually speaking their mind, you truly stand out. I (and I'm sure, most people here) await your return.

[@BackPalSA]

I am extremely hype to see this opening. I'm only about 1:30 in and I'm pretty sure you're about to give people a lesson on mindfulness!

[@adammusia9527]

That he did.

[@josefdinzes9434]

You're one of my favorite youtubers, I hope it goes well. You've been a part of my life for 3 years and I wont forget you, no matter what happens. From what I've heard about your life you've had a pretty remarkable one. Thanks you for everything

[@mirteoda]

The intro was amazing in every single way. I can't believe i missed this video till now. Thank you for making great videos like these.

[@beaujohnson8216]

I'm glad you opened up about your personal life. I am wishing you the best with your surgery. Good luck my man.

[@xXvironXx]

Fuck, man; I sincerely hope things work out for you... I really enjoy your vids, you truly are a unique voice on this platform, if there's any justice in the world -- we'll hear again from you soon.

[@theunicornsrock]

Love you strat, can't think of anything non corny to say but I hope you pull through man. Thinking of ya

[@MillywiggZ]

It’s weird watching this after the ‘StarField’ video. I just want to say that we’re all glad you’re still with us Strat. Gaming and the world would be a much worse place without you.

[@NeflewitzInc]

I hope you pull through this man. Your videos have been very entertaining and really helps me get through the nights.

[@nbkhnzzr]

I think that we need to get rid of level systems entirely

[@OnStrike69]

I really appreciated the Wilmington rant. Man fuck that place

[@ScoutSniperMC]

45:18 1) Developer makes fun gameplay mechanics 2) Lock said mechanics behind leveling 3) Devs rush leveling b/c they’re eager to let you use them

[@goshohgosh4568]

Man thanks for sharing. I am dealing with a lot too lately and it's really nice get your insights and perspective over the last month of the production of the video because it helped me process how I've been feeling over the whole ordeal. I am here hoping your heart keeps on being as strong as you are

[@fabiogoulart1987]

I really like The Outer Worlds and its premise of attacking corporations (just like Cyberpunk 2077), BUT, it's too far-fetched. This exaggerated and fanciful way that corporations and capitalism are bad, evil etc is very childish and forced.

[@XxMeatShakexX]

Couple days before they announce the next one, great timing.

[@chrisalexander13]

Strat, these videos you make are more than videos, they're like spending time with good friend. Your new ones bring excitement and your older ones bring comfort. As for worrying about being for forgotten, don't be. All of us watching your content are strangers, to you and to each other, and from around the globe. But we watch because of you. Dude, your going to be remember by thousands of people you've never even met. That's pretty wild, right? Hell I haven't played most of the games you've talked about but I keep tuning in just to listen to you talk. You always say something I can relate to, or that makes me laugh or say "Man, I thought I was the only who felt like that". So thank you, not just for the content, but for making smile when I'm depressed. Take care of yourself. Love you dude.

[@Macynlace]

This video really hit me. Its not easy to be vulnerable, honest like you are here about things. Its not easy to admit things about yourself sometimes, to examine your ego. Not often a review comes with real food for thought. And get better soon my dude! Will not be goodbye!

[@Visigoth_]

1:47:15 that's weird, I remember getting him to "break character." Maybe you just gave up too soon? 🤔

[@Skyfox94]

41:10 You make a very good point there, though what should be noted is, that, if you don't know the game, you have no idea which weapon type you'll encounter first. So for example in Fallout 2 you might gimp your character from the start - or at least make the starting dungeon a lot harder than you'd need to - if you play it for the first time and don't invest in melee.

[@marteronde]

it has been an awesome run! and i hope everything goes well! *edit* now that i have collected myself. you have been a fantastic source of "a different perspective" and self growth. i have seen most of your content, only recently discovered your live streaming channel and i have enjoyed it all, learned more then just a few things. even gotten a few new ideas of how things are connected despite looking like they should not be connected. and your latest skids, has been fantastic. i really hope that in 40 years time that you can look back to this video. i cant imagine how it is for you right now, but i hope that you will have many many more decades to live

[@worstideayet725]

Hope you’re alright. Your long form videos have entertained me to no end. I go back to them often. Thanks for putting so much effort in for us.

[@Austin-ho2cg]

This has been one of your better vids as of late, just from the opening. I will be honest I prefer this type of content compared to the comedy bits.

[@abelardadebayor5642]

a zombie!

[@TwistedScarlett60]

The Power of Now was a lifechanging book for me too, truly a must-read for the world

[@shiiche]

I liked the way you spoke in this video. Even beyond the first bit where you talked about your personal life, you sounded pretty real.