Psychonauts 2

[b]9.5/10[/b]. Considering the level design, gameplay mechanics, and audiovisual experience as a whole, it's hard not to put [i]Psychnonauts 2[/i] on the same tier as some of the other platforming legends that have left a lasting impression like [i]Mario Galaxy[/i], [i]Mario Odyssey[/i], or the [i]Ratchet & Clank[/i] series. Maybe a small step below. Even so, I'd still put this a tier above anything that the [i]Crash Bandicoot[/i], [i]Spyro[/i], or [i]Jak & Daxter[/i] series have to offer. I haven't played [i]Astro Bot[/i], so I can't really compare it to that universally lauded title. Regardless of how you'd rank them according to your own tastes, if you're a fan of 3D platformers, [i]Psychonauts 2[/i] is a must-play. If I were going to be a little nit-picky (I am), I'd argue that the one department in which [i]Psychonauts 2[/i] falls short of its prequel would be the story. Not that the plot here is bad; in fact, it's a pretty fun romp of a YA spy thriller in which Raz has to overcome self doubt, the mistrust of his companions, and the antagonists on the other side of the narrative in order to achieve a "happily ever after". It just lacks the poignancy of [i]Psychonauts[/i]' heartfelt coming-of-age story. Your mileage may vary, of course, but I missed Raz's struggle to find his identity and place in the world that the first game featured. But really, that's the only problem I can identify, and if your tastes differ, it may not be a problem to begin with. Hell, 3D platforming hallmarks like [i]Mario[/i] don't even really feature much story to begin with, so it might not even be something that factors into your consideration. Mechanically, it stands up there with the greats. If the full price looks a little intimidating to you, don't worry. Although the 20ish hour experience is worth the full price in my opinion, you'll often see it discounted by 80% or so during the big steam sales. If you've played the prequel and somehow missed out on this instant classic, do yourself a favor and give it a well-deserved place on your wishlist. Oh, and for what it's worth, it's a great Steam Deck play. The visuals greatly benefit from playing it on the largest screen you can, but it's an outstanding portable experience as well. [url=https://backloggd.com/u/duhnuhnuh/review/5135420/]Full review on Backloggd[/url]

The original Psychonauts has been my yearly replay game since its release in 2005. I was seven years old, and my dad was really into platformers (As one would assume he had been since the NES and Super NES in his childhood, followed up with 3D action platformer games like Banjo Kazooie and Mario for the N64.) Psychonauts was not only a bonding experience between me and my distant, stoic father, but it instilled in me a love for the strange and artistic. Waiting the sixteen years between Psychonauts one and two, I obviously has some preconceptions about what a good Psychonauts sequel would be like (Hands up if you remember fan discussions of a Wii sequel called Mind over Matter on the old gamespot forums!). Psychonauts 2 delivers exactly what I hoped it would, and then some! Though I would have loved to have seen more Lili Zenatto than we got, the minds were infinitely creative and fun to explore! It was also easier to 100% than the original, looking at you, Waterloo!

I feel dirty buying this, i would not have bought it if i had known Anita Sarkeesian consulted on it.

No milk ?

Great world design, but the pacing killed it for me. Psychonauts 2 makes a fantastic first impression with its incredible thematic world design. Diving into the minds of different characters is exceptionally creative, and you can tell an immense amount of work went into making each mental world distinct and impressive. Unfortunately, the longer the game went on, the more frustrated and disengaged I became. What pulled me out: The Story Pacing: The game stops you dead in your tracks with forced cutscenes and dialogue wheels (very similar to Horizon Zero Dawn). It feels like unnecessary padding that slows the momentum to a halt. Furthermore, the narrative lost me. For a game that starts with a fun group of psychic interns, I didn't love that it quickly ditched them for an older cast. By the time Raz’s family was introduced, the plot had completely lost me. The ending of the story had a major disconnect from the start of the game as well. The Gameplay Disconnect: The level flow feels incredibly fragmented. Because the world is constantly split up by cutscenes, you never get a chance to fluidly traverse between areas, making the platforming feel clunky. You're constantly alternating between playing and putting the controller down. The Abilities: While some powers are great—like rolling on the thought bubble, slowing down time, or linking thoughts—others fell flat. I really disliked the Archetype (paper version) ability, and by the late game, using these powers felt like it actively dragged the gameplay down. Ultimately, I respect the immense effort Double Fine put into this game, but I can't see myself ever playing it again nor recommending it over other platformers. Get this game on sale if you want it. Don't buy it full price. Or play it on Gamepass.

saved my cat from dying and cured cancer

This game has groomer propaganda in it, there was a character that you're introduced to early in the beginning and they're talked about the entire early game like you're going to mee them later, they're very hyped up, and by the time all of the curtains drop the big reveal is that they were just gay and then there's just gay sex jokes and innuendos and graphic groomer propaganda in your face. It doesn't appear or switch up until past halfway through the game so you can't refund by the time they reveal it.