Game Review: Psychonauts

Psychonauts

[PC-Windows]Wiki

   Psychonauts is a psychic adventure themed action platformer. The game itself deals with aspects regarding mental health and sanity. You play as Razputin, a mentally gifted boy who unofficially enrolls himself into a psychic summer camp without the approval of his father. Now you must race against time to improve his abilities before his father comes and takes you away.

Story: 8.5

   The whole plot isn't really that unique, but the game itself gives a lot more focus on character development. Every person you interact with holds a special role, but only a few of them can be considered core plot development elements. Story progression is also made entertaining by key scenarios that involve humor and sometimes the small plot twist.

Graphics - 9.5

   This game uses a pleasantly quirky art style for character and level designs. Both of these components blend well together to form a lovable game setting. Each stage carries with it a particular theme reflecting the mental state of the person whose mind you're diving into. Each is unique, using scenery portrays the target's personality, personal demons, secrets, and memories.

Gameplay - 9.0

   I'm more of an RPG fan, but good platformers like Psychonauts will always manage to frustrate challenge my dexterity. The stages were really solidly built (along with back story and theme, sometimes coupled with odd physics) but I encountered some problems with button responsiveness and the occasional lag. Though both may be attributed to my inadequate skill or non-optimal hardware, it can still get quite frustrating especially with timed jumps. "WTF? I pressed the damn space bar, I swear!"*

Audio - 9.0

   Though the BGM didn't really have any lasting impact on me, the voice acting was very well done. The dialogue was pretty convincing, and it also helped character development and atmosphere buildup for the game. What impressed me most was that the characters all had recorded reactions for items and abilities even when the chances that the specific interaction would take place were slim or non-existent.

Overall - 9.0

   What really makes this game great is how well the components are stitched together. Though it isn't carried by a mind-breaking, philosophically-driven plot, it stands out as a game that people will remember for the awesome presentation and platforming mechanics. Also, meat.

   At first, this game would seem ideal for younger audiences but I would advise against giving this to gamers who are younger than 10. Not because of the T rating (presence of blood and disturbing imagery), but because of  the required amount of skill and patience to get through the game.

   If you're someone who's looking for a way to exercise hand-eye coordination or someone who's pretty good at handling Megaman, Psychonauts will be a very entertaining title.

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*Note to self: Get that RAM upgrade and get a separate KB.