Psychonauts (XB) - Completed
I just finished playing through Psychonauts (shortly after my son Jonah beat the game).
There are million reviews of this game so I’ll keep this post just to my thoughts.
The Game
Psychonauts is mainly an adventure-platformer. You’ll jump, double-jump, bash things to find goodies, flip switches to unlock other areas, etc… pretty standard stuff. However, a number of psychic abilities add some extra spice to this game. You gain powers such as psi-blast, levitation, telekinesis, clairvoyance, shield, invisibility, etc… You earn these powers over time and you’ll upgrade these powers as you collect arrowheads and psi-challenge markers and your character levels up.
The game takes on a very ugly (but cute) cartoonish look. Nothing is in proportion. Characters have bulging eyes, mis-shaped heads, just odd looking; but it works perfectly. The voice acting and storyline are top-notch.
Humor is riddled throughout and I found myself laughing out loud many times. At one point in the game I’m projected into a very ugly lake monster’s mind (to free it from someone’s evil grasp) and while in its mind, I’m a giant within a city with all these little lake monsters running around, screaming like I’m Godzilla; but they call me Gargalor. The comedy that ensues from actions I take like crushing buildings and such are priceless. Another time I have to defeat some wrestlers and after defeating them they’re found tending to a garden. Walking up to them and talking my character says (in a very polite tone); “I just want to say that the way you took that ass kicking I handed you really shows how how much you care.” (or something like that). Very funny stuff.
Game-play
For the most part, the controls are great. Jumping, blasting, bashing all work well. At times, however, it is difficult maneuvering your character due to wonky camera controls or you just may not be able to see your next objective. I found the worst moments during the end of the game; so much so I thought I’d have a conniption - maybe I was just having a bad day then - but man it was extremely frustrating performing some of these moves or reaching a certain goal.
As I’ve mentioned before in some of my other game reviews, I’m a save-aholic. Psychonauts has a generous save system that allows for 3 profiles and about 8 save slots per profile. Saving can be done at any time and if you’re in the middle of a long mission and croak, chances are you’re able to pickup at an invisible checkpoint (very helpful during the last phase of the game).
Speaking of the save system. It has the coolest interface I think I’ve ever seen. The setting of the game is a camp and when you go to create your profile for the first time, you pick a bunk, you character jumps up on the bed, grabs the chalkboard from the foot of the bed and you key in your name. As you’re keying in your name, your character writes on the board. When reloading your game, you choose your bun, you guy jumps in the bed and your name appears on the board. It’s nice touch.
There’s only one difficulty level and I’d say it was sufficient. As I mentioned, there are some rough spots that made some portions overly frustrating. My 9 year old finished it and he didn’t even level up as far as I did. Apparently top level was 100 but I finished the game around level 65. I can’t remember what level Jonah was at, but I think he was in the 50’s.
Graphics
As I stated before, the game takes on this very odd, mis-shaped look. The environments are very nicely detailed. Everything is very imaginative and different looking. It fit the tone of the game perfectly. I can’t imagine it looking any other way.
Final Thoughts
I fully enjoyed playing Psychonauts. I could have done without the extra-frustrating ending, but overall it was great experience and one that never got dull. Replay value isn’t there, however. I’m sure you could play through again and try to get ALL the items scattered throughout the game, as there are many, but finding those items only really make your character stronger or upgrades his skills so I don’t see a major need to go back.
By the game’s timer, I finished in just under 20hrs. I’m one to wonder around and find everything (although I was unable to). I don’t like rushing through. I spend good money (albeit cheaply as possible) on my games and I want to enjoy the experience and I think I got my money’s worth here.
I would love to see Psychonauts 2 as they did leave you with an open-ending (of which I won’t spoil). However, even though the game received critical acclaim, it apparently did not sell as well as they hoped. So I’ll keep hoping to see Psychonauts 2 some time in the future on my 360 - but I’m not holding my breath. If you find this little gem in a bargain bin, pick it up, you won’t be sorry.
I’ll give Psychonauts a 9 out of 10.
Next game
I’m not sure what I’m going to play next. I tried getting into Enclave, but grew very frustrated with the controls and game-play, so I’m ditching that. I also tried picking Spider-Man: The Movie back up, but man, my controls were really wonky and I just couldn’t get the swing-of-things (pun intended). Maybe I’ll pickup Oddwold: Munches Odyssey. I’ll have to look over my library again. Still plenty left for me to play.