Psychonauts 2

[b][u]TLDR;[/u][/b] Psychonauts 2 delivers the same fantastic and whimsical writing the first one offered, with an expanded array of new powers and upgrades, more precise platforming, and expanded combat and enemies. Double Fine knew the formula worked and expanded it. If you are looking for a story driven platformer experience, the Psychonauts delivered once again. Taking place right after Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin, we follow Raz as he gets inducted into the organization at the main base known as the Motherlobe. Sasha Nein, Milla Vodello, Morceau Oleander, rejoin the story, as well as a whole new cast of characters to accompany Raz as we follow his story further. You'll jump through minds, complete puzzles, and find the collectibles as you traverse and explore the world set before you. Double Fine also took the opportunity through it's story telling on the importance of mental health; from the destruction of alcoholism to dealing with the loss of a loved one, and a lot more in between. Even using negative feelings to widen the enemy pool and give you a bit of satisfaction as you blast away regret and guilt. And I thought it was a nice gesture to extend a hand to those who may be struggling and offer them a way to get help at the start of the game. To start with story, it was a very enjoyable experience. Almost twenty years of the original game, Double Fine was able to deliver on another phenomenal work of art. Following Raz was engaging every step of the way and the humor hit the mark every time. While the story itself is easy to follow, a lot of the details were put into the world and scenery to help show it as well. Environmental story telling linked pieces together, and even provided foreshadowing at moments in the story. The hubs were fun to explore and search of objects of interest, and each mind provided a fun and unique challenge. Combat and platforming were improved from the last game. Platforming didn't feel as tedious as the first game. Jumping between platforms felt precise and the use of the shadow to indicate position above the platform was a huge help. Climbing and swinging is much better in this game as well. There is some funky geometry on some worlds that can mess with your jump arcs, and the levitation ball can be bugging at times as well. A personal gripe is that I swap from floating to riding the levitation ball anymore so it doesn't feel as smooth as before. Combat now has more variety of attacks to use. Most powers work not only as a puzzle solver but also incorporates into fighting. Along with the expanded arsenal, there are additional upgrades for every power, and the store in game sells modifications for the powers as well. Some powers do better for certain enemies, and some are just straight needed in some fights. Targeting can be a little funky, and sometime attacks have impact, sometimes they don't and it can kind of throw you off when you get interrupted randomly. The collectibles were hidden pretty well and the 100% achievements didn't feel like a slog. Figments were really the hardest thing to get, but with the way the Unconscious Collective works in this game, it is much easier to know what areas have stuff you need to grab still. You will need to hunt for some of the items and figments but it was fun in my opinion. Only other minor problem I have is that I wasn't able to get every upgrade before beating the game. There is technically a point of no return, however after the game is finished you can return to any area easily and finish exploring/gathering collectibles. But the upgrade you get a max rank would be fun to use, but is only really a bragging right. [spoiler]No cooldown on abilities would be fun[/spoiler], but what's the point if I already 100% the game? The overall game is an amazing and fun experience that tells a wonderful emotional rollercoaster of a story, that may actually feel personal to some. Even then, Razputin's adventure is thrilling as it is funny. For myself, casually playing and looking for everything in one play through took me about 31 hours. The full price may be a bit much for some, but it is a fully fleshed out experience and is an easy recommend on a sale as well.