Psychonauts 2

After who knows how long (16 years), Double Fine finally released in 2021. I got around to playing it in 2023. I got the game for free so please take everything I am about to say about the game with a grain of salt.

I did make fun of this game when it finally came out because it took around 6 years for the game to come out. This was for a number of reasons outside of game development, but Psychonauts 2 was certainly a game I thought came out in 2019. Besides that the game is great. The use of space and perspective while exploring the levels, other peoples mindscape, is phenomenal. The game DOES play the same as the first, but why fix what’s broken. They introduce a new power early, the mental connection, and we see the ramifications of using it poorly early. And though I would’ve liked for that to be explored throughout the game, it’s for a good reason why it isn’t. The game’s theme centers around the same as the first game: mental health. Mental health, like physical health is important, and both Psychonauts’ games it’s handled that way. It’s good to have a piece of media, especially a video game, focus on something we should be focusing on on a personal level.

In essence: It’s the perfect sequel to a beloved game