What to say about Psychonauts 2.
I've held off on writing this review for months, even finishing it 2 times and 100%ing it once in that time, as I wanted my thoughts to sit, I wanted to play other things and be sure my nostalgia didn't deceive me. I was a massive fan of the original, and have fond memories of the worlds Double Fine had built, the stories they told, and the characters they introduced us to. So when I heard this game was on the horizon, I was so excited yet so scared of what was to come.
And to say this game is good, is an absolute understatement. I would wait for a decade all over again.
Psychonauts 2 is an absolute gem of a game, rivaling any of the triple A games I'd played in recent time. When starting this game you are met with a nice refresher, throwing you right back in like you never left, and from start to finish, keeps you locked in and dialed in to every conversation, every moment, every mystery. Double Fine not only made creative worlds, but they snorted creativity juice and worked every aspect of a character's mental state into a world for you to put back together or untangle.
Also, the respect they give to mental health, and the way they represent these illnesses and issues is absolutely incredible. To be frank I myself suffer from mental health issues, and usually media never handles the subject well. But to see a game not only handle it well, but run with the concept and create something that can touch someone, is a beautiful thing.
Now these worlds are amazing, the design and feel to every mind is unique and beautiful. But the characters who's minds we heal? They are some of the best characters in a video game in a long time. Each being just as unique as the worlds in their heads, offering amazing, interesting, and genuinely funny dialogue. These characters are fleshed out, and the voice actors who play them bring their all to the table, making them feel like someone you'd genuinely know.
The gameplay feels amazing, like psychonauts one was hit with tons of polish and made tight, clean and snappy. It's a modernized platformer that just feels whimsical to play. The powers feel fun to use, as well as offering many ways to fight off the hordes of mental distresses thrown your way.
I absolutely love this game, and though I could go on and on, I'd just be repeating what everyone else is saying. This game is an absolute masterpiece, and my only complaint is that I want more Psychonauts.
If you are on the fence, maybe haven't even played the original, let me just say, buy this game. Don't make the mistake of not experiencing this amazing and beautiful gem. Don't make the mistake of not funding more games like this. This is the type of game that, in a time where most games don't hit like they used to, I look at that quirky art style, I hear those beautiful songs, see those worlds, and I am reminded why gaming is great and life is sweet. This is everything the original was and much much more. It's a crime this game isn't getting more awards than it has. This is my favorite game in the last 10 years for sure, and I could not recommend this enough.
And Tim Schaffer, thank you so much.

Edit: I got to meet Lili's VA, Nicki Rapp and ask questions about double fine and Tim, and how their ideas came to life and a million other things, and she was not only super sweet to me, but answered and confirmed all of my lovely suspicions about how great this team and Tim are. Thank you Nicki <3 and thank you again Double Fine <3

What to say about Psychonauts 2. I've held off on writing this review for months, even finishing it 2 times and 100%ing it once in that time, as I wanted my thoughts to sit, I wanted to play other things and be sure my nostalgia didn't deceive me. I was a massive fan of the original, and have fond memories of the worlds Double Fine had built, the stories they told, and the characters they introduced us to. So when I heard this game was on the horizon, I was so excited yet so scared of what was to come. And to say this game is good, is an absolute understatement. I would wait for a decade all over again. Psychonauts 2 is an absolute gem of a game, rivaling any of the triple A games I'd played in recent time. When starting this game you are met with a nice refresher, throwing you right back in like you never left, and from start to finish, keeps you locked in and dialed in to every conversation, every moment, every mystery. Double Fine not only made creative worlds, but they snorted creativity juice and worked every aspect of a character's mental state into a world for you to put back together or untangle. Also, the respect they give to mental health, and the way they represent these illnesses and issues is absolutely incredible. To be frank I myself suffer from mental health issues, and usually media never handles the subject well. But to see a game not only handle it well, but run with the concept and create something that can touch someone, is a beautiful thing. Now these worlds are amazing, the design and feel to every mind is unique and beautiful. But the characters who's minds we heal? They are some of the best characters in a video game in a long time. Each being just as unique as the worlds in their heads, offering amazing, interesting, and genuinely funny dialogue. These characters are fleshed out, and the voice actors who play them bring their all to the table, making them feel like someone you'd genuinely know. The gameplay feels amazing, like psychonauts one was hit with tons of polish and made tight, clean and snappy. It's a modernized platformer that just feels whimsical to play. The powers feel fun to use, as well as offering many ways to fight off the hordes of mental distresses thrown your way. I absolutely love this game, and though I could go on and on, I'd just be repeating what everyone else is saying. This game is an absolute masterpiece, and my only complaint is that I want more Psychonauts. If you are on the fence, maybe haven't even played the original, let me just say, buy this game. Don't make the mistake of not experiencing this amazing and beautiful gem. Don't make the mistake of not funding more games like this. This is the type of game that, in a time where most games don't hit like they used to, I look at that quirky art style, I hear those beautiful songs, see those worlds, and I am reminded why gaming is great and life is sweet. This is everything the original was and much much more. It's a crime this game isn't getting more awards than it has. This is my favorite game in the last 10 years for sure, and I could not recommend this enough. And Tim Schaffer, thank you so much. Edit: I got to meet Lili's VA, Nicki Rapp and ask questions about double fine and Tim, and how their ideas came to life and a million other things, and she was not only super sweet to me, but answered and confirmed all of my lovely suspicions about how great this team and Tim are. Thank you Nicki <3 and thank you again Double Fine <3