Psychonauts 2
Released: August 24, 2021
Game Length: 19 Hours
Grade: A
Preparations
Story: As I mentioned in my previous review, I felt it was necessary to complete the first game before attempting this one. My feelings were dead on the money as much of the content references many things in the first one. In fact, there are a few sections in people's minds where they duplicate things seen and heard during those events at camp. There are also occasional jokes that only those who know of its history would get. The problem is that I did not play or watch the game that was released between these two. Similar to how confusing it might be for someone to play only the sequential Kingdom Hearts games, quite a bit of content is lost in translation unless you experienced Psychonauts: In the Rhombus of Ruin. Although this game is designed to be exclusively played through the virtual reality platform, you could easily get filled in and watch it as some sort movie in someone's playthrough. Although Psychonauts 2 does have a video to catch you up to current events, you will only be shown how people perceive those events after-the-fact. To know for sure, you'd have to check it out for yourself.
Warning: One thing to be aware of is the initial warning that gets displayed on the screen before the game begins. There is a wide-range of accessibility options to help make the game easier for those that are having trouble playing it, but the story contents is nothing to laugh about. Unlike Psychonauts wacky minds filled with personality, the minds you visit here are going to cover pretty much every single mental illness. These include fear of dentistry, vomiting, gambling, post traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, sensory overload, depression, anxiety, drunkenness, identity disorder, delusions of grandeur, war, and a few other things I might be forgetting. As much as they try to play it down in a silly fashion, the content definitely contains a more serious tone over its predecessor. The game does a beautiful job presenting these things as careful as they can, but it is something that needs to be said for people thinking about getting the game.
Release: One thing you must be aware of is the game is not cheap. $60 is quite a gamble for a game you may or may not find yourself enjoying. I'd advise you to take part during one of the many sales events where the game drops down to a more reasonable $40 price tag. The game's graphics are pretty top-notch and might require a decent computer to run it. I did personally have a few stuttering moments, but that's because my computer's specifications didn't quite meet the recommendations. You'll also be needing a good 35GB of hard drive space for installation. Do not panic when first booting up the game. I think my computer took roughly 60 seconds on a black screen while initializing the content. This is a one-time thing. I'd advise watching the beginning videos and then skipping them every other time you start the game.
Gameplay
Mechanics: They have vastly improved the psychic abilities in this game. That's because they have automated, or stream-lined, many of its abilities. The "snappiness" is near perfect, and barely any problems arise with the camera. Most of the moves you spend the entire first game unlocking become available to you through the first mind (or the tutorial level if you want to call it that). You can now map out 4 abilities to your gamepad, instead of only 3. You no longer need to lock onto targets where skills like telekinesis and psi blast target what you are currently looking at. Levitation now has an added ability to gently float you downward like a giant balloon. However, the one thing to beware of are the many "hidden secrets" that require certain abilities that are unlocked later in the game. What annoyed me the most is how the game locks the entire first half of the game after a certain point. At least it does warn you both times when you are reaching a point of no return. In fact, there is about an hour of dialogue (spoilers) with various people after the credits roll. So if you see any tiny mailbox holes around or things locked behind bars, know that you won't be getting what is behind them until much later in the game.
Worlds: What is interesting this time around is that many of the minds "transform" or "open-up" after you perform certain actions. Don't worry if you miss things. Your little nose-snot bubble buddy is still there to move you around the areas to collect those pesky things you missed the first time around. Do know that there are two minds that are introductory to the game, six minds you visit, and four segmented parts of one specific mind. I guess technically there are 13 levels. Collectibles are easier to collect now that they don't move around as much. What's brilliant about the sequel is how there are 4 open areas waiting to be explored. They are filled with multiple paths, secrets, a scavenger hunt, auxiliary activities, plenty of people to carry some extensive conversations, and an overall interesting backdrop to the premise of the game. However, the last world only becomes available after you have essentially completed all other content in the first three. Like in the original Psychonauts, this section is all done during the evening portion of the game. If at any time you want to see what is left, the handy-dandy notebook is right there to tell you.
Extra: Like any other modern game, Psychonauts 2 automatically saves at certain points in the game. These are quite frequent and happens at any transition. What is neat is that the game tells you how long it has been since your last save when you are about to exit the game. This lets you know if you need to hop on over to somewhere after bumbling around the world for 5 minutes. Crates will remain closed if the collected amount would hit your current cap. Another cool feature that returns from the first game is being able to use your abilities on anything you see. This also includes catching paintings and camps on fire.
Summary
Review: Psychonauts 2 builds on the foundation laid all those years ago by making it the perfect specimen to modern players. Although many features were revolutionary at the time, the sequel removes the need of constantly locking onto targets and worrying in which direction the camera is facing. The graphics and worlds are beautifully rendered with the openness of choosing from multiple paths in its playground fashion. The difficulty of the game has been toned down to the point where even those who have a hard time with platform games will feel better with how their actions easily snap to the environment. The one caveat I have is how certain activities are locked until after you complete the game. I must also again warn players that the content the developers cover in the game might be too much for those who are easily triggered by certain phobias or mental situations. If you aren't the squeamish type and want to try out fantastical worlds with great gameplay, I would totally recommend getting this game.
3-19-2022