Psychonauts 2 Reviews
A sequel that was worth the 16-year wait. Just don't make us wait that long for another one.
Psychonauts 2 is not the most difficult game you will ever play but it is one of the most enjoyable and will keep you coming back for more whether that be to enjoy the comedy again or to get that 100% score of collectibles, pins, and badges that are on offer. I often talk to people about why gaming has sometimes managed to lose focus on what is important and that is the sheer fun of playing games: playability. How many games are there now that look amazing but play like utter tripe? Too many. What Psychonauts 2 does is bring stunning cartoon-style graphics that made me feel as if I was in a cartoon show, intuitive controls, and a narrative that will both bewilder and amaze in equal measure. I feel there is so much more of the game I have not yet explored and what really stands out for me is the games’ understanding of human frailties and character flaws. If Psychonauts 2 helps others to do the same then it has achieved something very special and for me personally, this is a game that will forever hold a special place in my gaming heart.
Above all else, Psychonauts 2 is unapologetically Double Fine. It’s sweet, funny and has a deep reverence for the games that came before it. The graphics and art direction are some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen, a shining example of the value that a strong visual style can have over mere graphical prowess. Psychonauts 2 is the result of a studio operating at the absolute top of its game. It’s an absolute must-play for anyone looking for a great story, deep characters and jaw-dropping visuals.
Many of the characters in Psychonauts 2 struggle with loss, heartbreak, and coming to grips with mistakes they made in their past. It’s hard to imagine that a sequel released 16 years after the original game can handle tough topics in a mature and modern tone, but Psychonauts 2 nailed the landing with superb storytelling, character development, and rewarding gameplay.
Once in a while comes a game that reminds you of the bottomless potential of this medium. A game that escapes the molds of the industry and "unfolds" without reins into something authentically its own. With a gigantic heart and inexhaustible imagination, Psychonauts 2 never ceases to amaze from the first to the last minute. A modern classic fairy tale.
Review in Greek | Read full review
With Psychonauts 2, Double Fine has firmly planted down a pedestal of their own, creating one of the best platformers of all-time.
Witty, charming and full of character, Psychonauts 2 manages to keep what made the original so memorable, and add worthwhile additions to improve the experience. It tackles dark subjects with tact, humour and is like nothing else on the market. There are not enough of these types of games these days and Psychonauts 2 stands tall, proud, and nearly alone in its field.
Overall, 16 years later nets you 16 hours worth of content at it’s base. Buying this for $60 USD is a steal for the spectacular time; even if you play this via Xbox Game Pass, it’s worth every penny. The message provided in this game helps you come to terms with things in your own life. In the world we live in, we need something like this that moves us to communicate with each other again.
One of the most impressive platformer action series comes back! Psychonauts2 shows down its unique style, humor, and thrilling gameplay.
Review in Korean | Read full review
We have been waiting a very long time for the return of the Psychonauts series, but to be honest it was worth it! This is a game for loyal fans of the first installment. The title proves one thing: Double Fine Productions is a gigantic (and unique!) enhancement of Xbox Game Studios.
Review in Polish | Read full review
I needed 35 hours to finish Psychonauts 2 100%. Just passing the main missions should take you about 15. It's an outstanding game. It may not be doing anything revolutionary, but it proves that the formula from years ago can still entertain. You will get here a very good story, unique and phenomenal levels, as well as gameplay that perfectly affects what is most important in platformers. And although I consider one to be a more atmospheric game, two is better in every other way. Is this the best platformer of the year? Quite possibly, after all, the second such series simply does not exist. Smell the Universe! And hopefully this time it will not end in a financial flop, because I will consider the brand cursed.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Psychonauts 2 is a great sequel which lives up to the lofty ambitions that the original struggled to execute. There's a lot of brains - but more importantly a lot of heart.
The original Psychonauts hasn’t held up extraordinarily well, but time will likely prove to be far kinder to Psychonauts 2. This is the kind of rare, memorable game that’s as polished and well-paced as it is unapologetically weird.
The psychedelia-infused trip inside the Psi King's Sensorium.
I really enjoyed Psychonauts 2 despite not having played the first game and as someone who generally ignores mascot platformers. The unique visual style may not be for everybody, but the charming and heartwarming story can really get you into the groove. Coupled with an easy control scheme mixed in with a semi-open world enabling you to explore different mind mazes, there's a lot to love about this game.
Psychonauts 2 is a formidable work. It is not only fun, exciting and spectacular, it has also managed to deal with such sensitive issues as mental health in an exceptional way. If you want to live an unforgettable experience, give it a chance. You won't regret it.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
In this way, Psychonauts 2 is absolutely everything it should be. It does not do everything perfectly, but it builds on what fans loved about the first Psychonauts in a way that keeps the spirit of the series alive and well.
The 20 or so hours we spent completing Psychonauts 2 saw us indulging in plentiful side quests and content, simply to spend more and more time in a world we still don't feel entirely done with. There are very few games that offer an experience as good as this, with ingenious level design and heavier themes that never feel sludgy or, more importantly, preachy. Brilliant aesthetics go hand in hand with tremendous gameplay here and it's a genuine delight to say that it's all been worth the wait. It's so good, in fact, that we now want the original Psychonauts to be remade in this engine, with this fidelity, in order to finally do it justice. Psychonauts 2 is consistently creative, enormously fun to play, visually inventive and spectacular and spins a cracking yarn to boot.
Psychonauts 2 is a wildly creative, engaging, and thought-provoking masterpiece that bears the standard for all 3D platformers going forward.
In short, it is an outstanding sequel where imagination has dominated the development of the title. Accompanied by a stunning visual detail and a plot that is worth living. One of the indispensable ones of this 2021.
Review in Spanish | Read full review