For nearly five years, Double Fine has been working on the sequel to Razputin’s adventures. The finished product proves that the wait was worthwhile. It’s a comprehensive game, with excellent attention to detail and near-perfect execution in practically every way. Simply play Psychonauts 2.
The tale not only continues the events of the original, but it is also a direct continuation of the game launched for VR platforms some time ago. The animation opening explains everything brilliantly, so no prior knowledge of this performance is necessary. However, it must be disputed that we will only completely enjoy the many allusions and tastes if we have played the first portion. After the introductory assignment, which takes place in the mind of a crazy scientist with dental inclinations, we arrive at the Psychonauts agency’s headquarters. We may explore it, engage with the people, and as time passes, there will be more and more options and routes to choose. The journal advises what we should do to continue the main narrative, which is unfolding in a fascinating manner.
The hero frequently enters the brains of other individuals while trying to track down the spy and avert the summoning of the terrible Maligula. Locations in the Mind is an incredible demonstration of Double Fine’s unfettered ingenuity. Sometimes we participate in an unusual culinary competition, other times we explore inside a dirty shoe, riding on bowling balls, and one of the initial missions leads us to a hospital that has been transformed into a wild casino. The locations seen are just breathtaking. At the same time, they delight and make you grin. It helps that the designers can use comedy precisely without overdoing it. Activities in various locales can also change greatly – sometimes we focus on battle, other times on platform aspects, and occasionally we have to use our minds to solve environmental riddles. He obtains access to the powers he learnt in the earlier part nearly immediately. Psychic skills allow you to float, lift items with telekinesis, shoot “psionic” bullets, or walk on – literally – threads between other characters’ minds, or gaze at the world through their eyes, in order to find certain mysteries. The hero has a wide range of abilities, which adds to the game’s variety.
As we improve, we gain all of our abilities, giving us the wonderful sensation of being stronger. We may utilize our enhanced powers to gather items in previously visited levels – and aficionados of mysteries and riches will not be disappointed, since Psychonauts 2 has many of them. Some allow you to get to know the characters better, while others are purely for collectors. Psychonauts 2 is a unique platformer since, unlike Mario or Ratchet games, it places a major focus on story, storytelling, and getting to know the characters. We can take a break between platform tasks or following missions to visit old and new acquaintances and share a few words with them. In fact, it’s worthwhile to do so since it occasionally unlocks optional chores or surprises. To be honest, the “slow” periods between the main objectives, when we may just explore the area around the base and chat to various individuals, remind us of LucasArts adventure games from the golden age. Which, of course, is not unexpected.
The storyline’s growth and conclusion are both enjoyable, although the previously stated characters are likely more significant than the plot. There are hardly none in Psychonauts 2 that are badly written. Everyone is intriguing, and we have a special fondness for those from the original. If we don’t know them already, we will after playing the sequel. The scriptwriters effectively play with stereotypes, altering them as needed. Everyone has something to give, and everyone is understandable. There are many heroes to choose from, and new ones arise even after a few hours of play. The entire journey took me 11 hours to finish, but finding all of the artifacts and completing the side stories would probably take another 2-3 hours. All of this time is jam-packed with quality information. At every step, the game has something new to offer. Okay, but what about the drawbacks? It’s not as if they don’t exist. Various minor issues arise from time to time, such as poor targeting while throwing items, a little awkward power shifting mechanism, or optimization that leaves something to be desired. However, all of this pales in comparison to the overall excellence of this sequel and its fantastic setting and characters.
Psychonauts 2 is not just one of the finest sequels, but also one of the best games I’ve ever played. It’s a dream come true for every lover of the original installment, but it’s also a terrific and unique platformer. This project’s brilliance and imagination will leave everyone who gives it a try with a lasting recollection of Raz’s new experience.