![]() The team also likely knew how great this final product turned out to be. They knew they were improving everything about the original. There’s also this incredible sense of self-awareness that Double Fine and Schafer flex throughout the game. From start to finish, the narrative flows well into establishing a reason for Raz to keep pushing even though he’s been knocked down a few pegs. The entire experience of playing this title was a joyous adventure. This game is my favorite platformer I’ve played since Super Mario Odyssey in 2017. I review games on a scale of 1-10 Psychonauts 2 a 10. It’s why it’s one of my favorite games of the year. The game looks good, it feels good to play, and truly handles tough topics in such a refreshing manner. Combat feels wonderful this time around too, with ability mapping allowing players to set up Raz’ arsenal of abilities as they see fit. There’s so much to explore in the Motherlobe itself that you can easily spend hours walking around and learning about the in-game world before tackling a single mission post-intro. The gameplay itself is fantastic as well. Artistic interpretations of these issues are done tastefully and in a way that doesn’t bog you down in the depths of the subject’s struggle but rather points to an empathic approach to these conditions. I can’t point to a single thing the team at Double Fine don’t nail here.Įach mind that Raz explores has various elements that point to things like anxiety, fears, and even PTSD. There’s usually an area in games with this large of a scope where things feel lacking. What makes this game great however, is its melding of mental health and psychological themes, humorous writing, and great gameplay. With great abilities unlocked from the start and plenty of collectibles to find, it checks the boxes of any good platformer. He’s prepared to throw himself fully into the hunt for a mole inside the Motherlobe that’s posing a risk to the whole organization.Įven before returning to HQ, you’re thrown into the platforming genius of the title. It’s a blow to his self-esteem and his sense of self, but not to his determination. Instead, Raz shockingly learns that he’s only an intern. Raz returns to head back to headquarters, the Motherlobe, after a big mission thinking he’s finally an official member of the team. Over 15 years later, Psychonauts 2 is even better than its predecessor and not simply because it’s on more powerful consoles. What I do remember is a genuine sense of awe and wonder for the world I entered in that game. I loved it, but I can’t recall beating it. In 2005, I remember playing Psychonauts on the OG Xbox. In an absolute tour de force of platforming, the long-awaited sequel is one of the year’s most memorable experiences. Immediately in progress of this review, Psychonauts 2 left me pausing the game and smiling ear to ear. It’s a joy that more people will be able to play this game, and they should. Double Fine Studios, the Tim Schafer-led studio now two decades in the game, changes that with the release of Psychonauts 2. Yet, few titles stand out as genuine hits. The collective under Microsoft’s gaming branch grew exponentially these past few years. 2021 brought gems like Resident Evil Villageas well as indie gems like Arietta Of Spirits. One thing we haven’t seen yet this year, however, is a blockbuster release from Xbox Game Studios. It’s a total no-brainer.Despite pandemic delays and unconventional rollouts, it’s been a good year for games. If you missed out on backing the Fig campaign for Psychonauts 2 in 2016, now’s your chance to own a piece of Double Fine history. Written by acclaimed writer and host Ashley Esqueda and featuring design & layout from Lost in Cult’s Jon Doyle, this The Art of Psychonauts 2 features never-before seen concept art, interviews, and more insights into the development of the acclaimed platformer from the fine humans at developer Double Fine Productions and publisher Xbox Game Studios. This is a celebration of Psychonauts, through and through, so you can count on a boatload of whimsy and quirk in addition to lots of pretty pictures. Sure, you expect beautiful, full-page art and lovely contextual words, but hey - we’ve got bigger and better surprises in store. Thanks to this 250+ page luxurious hardcover artbook, The Art of Psychonauts 2, fans will get special access and an exclusive glimpse behind the creative curtain of games development. Yet, Psychonauts is more than just wild imagination set loose on screens - each level is masterfully crafted, each character thoughtfully designed, and each figment realized with meticulous intention. From campfire-lit clearings and abstract “psychescapes” to candy-striped circus tents, the universe of Psychonauts is a vibrant pastiche drawing on eclectic inspirations. ![]()
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