That fragile balance between hope and nihilism is where the game really shines for me. The communist vision quest is another instance, where a glimmer of sincerity shines through from the writers amid the bleak cynicism and satire. I always loved Steban’s soft, understated admission of why he believes in communism: “You could say we believe it because it’s impossible. It’s our way of saying we refuse to accept that the world has to remain… like this.”

Not only are there things worth finding in the world, but there are things worth fighting for, and it’s a gentle reminder that we ourselves must choose our beliefs. If we want to feel hope, we must choose to believe in it. Even when it’s impossible. We have to believe that there is a better future possible. To quote Steban again;

“In dark times, should the stars also go out?”