Psychonauts 2

92%
Game Brain Score Based on 13,785 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Psychonauts 2 Game Cover
Psychonauts 2 is a wildly creative, engaging, and thought-provoking masterpiece that bears the standard for all 3D platformers going forward.
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Psychonauts 2 is a 3D platformer adventure game that continues the story of Raz, a newly graduated Psychonaut with powerful psychic abilities. Explore vast and mysterious mindscapes, solve puzzles, and confront challenges to uncover the truth behind a psychic espionage organization. With improved controls and a deeper look into the Psychonauts lore, this game offers a thrilling and humorous journey through the depths of the human psyche.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Gog Com
  • Linux
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

92%
Audience ScoreBased on 13,785 reviews
story2,058 positive mentions
grinding118 negative mentions
  • story5,029 mentions

    The story of *Psychonauts 2* is widely praised for its depth, emotional resonance, and engaging character development, building upon the narrative established in the first game and the VR title, *Rhombus of Ruin*. Players appreciate the creative integration of mental health themes, humor, and plot twists, although some feel the pacing can be uneven and certain characters lack sufficient development. Overall, the game is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and rich world-building, making it a compelling sequel that resonates with both new players and fans of the original.

    • “The story is both captivating and humorous, with well-developed characters that add a lot of charm and personality to the game.”
    • “The strange artwork, gorgeous surreal environments, endearing characters, and brilliant writing come together to form an amazing story about mental health and how trauma changes people.”
    • “The story, art design, and characters are highlights of the game.”
    • “The story is trash too; they have a content warning for its serious mental health themes at the start, and it takes itself all seriously, only to have the depth of a Kirby game.”
    • “The story is rather well told and also can be as serious as it is comedic, but it lacks the 'bite' of the previous game's narrative.”
    • “The story is emotionally driven, the mindscapes are exquisitely detailed if a little more sprawling and less cozy than the first Psychonauts, and it's the first game in a long time I've found myself wanting to immediately play again even after 100%ing.”
  • gameplay2,307 mentions

    Psychonauts 2 offers engaging gameplay that builds upon the mechanics of the original, featuring smooth controls, varied abilities, and imaginative level design. While some players appreciate the polished platforming and creative environments, others feel the gameplay lacks the distinctiveness and challenge of the first game, with repetitive mechanics and excessive cutscenes disrupting the flow. Overall, the game is praised for its charm, humor, and storytelling, making it a worthy sequel for fans of the series.

    • “Psychonauts 2 delivers an incredibly fun platforming experience with a plethora of cool abilities that keep gameplay fresh and engaging.”
    • “The abilities you unlock throughout the game are so fun to use, the gameplay is so smooth.”
    • “The gameplay is very fun and the dialogue is great.”
    • “The gameplay is still just as it was 20 years ago, and it shows its age.”
    • “The gameplay itself is a boring and frustrating mess.”
    • “The worlds and graphics are mint.... but.. the gameplay is kind of stale, stuck in what feels like a pretty bland bad 3D platformer from the N64 days.”
  • graphics1,672 mentions

    The graphics of "Psychonauts 2" have received widespread acclaim for their vibrant and unique art style, which retains the charm of the original while benefiting from modern graphical enhancements. Players appreciate the stunning visuals, creative level designs, and the way the game effectively uses color and lighting to create immersive environments that reflect the mental states of characters. Despite some minor performance issues and a few graphical glitches, the overall aesthetic and artistic direction have been praised as a significant improvement over the first game, making it a visually captivating experience.

    • “The strange artwork, gorgeous surreal environments, endearing characters, and brilliant writing come together to form an amazing story about mental health and how trauma changes people.”
    • “The graphics and the art style are beyond incredible.”
    • “The colorful modern graphics accentuate the unique character designs and trippy mental worlds.”
    • “Firstly, while the graphics have improved since the first, and its cartoony aesthetic means that it won't necessarily be going for anything hyperrealistic, I found a lot of the textures seemed very low resolution and grainy, even on the highest settings.”
    • “For those who crave cutting-edge graphics or deep combat: you might want to adjust your expectations.”
    • “The worlds and graphics are mint.... but.. the gameplay is kind of stale, stuck in what feels like a pretty bland bad 3D platformer from the N64 days.”
  • humor1,363 mentions

    The humor in "Psychonauts 2" is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its clever writing, quirky characters, and the balance between lightheartedness and serious themes related to mental health. While some feel it lacks the edgy charm of the original, most agree that it still delivers plenty of laughs through witty dialogue and absurd situations, making it a fun and engaging experience. Overall, the game maintains the spirit of its predecessor while introducing a more mature tone, resulting in humor that resonates with both new and returning players.

    • “The story is both captivating and humorous, with well-developed characters that add a lot of charm and personality to the game.”
    • “A laugh riot: the game's humor is witty and often absurd, with plenty of pop culture references and self-aware jokes.”
    • “It's a hilarious and heartwarming adventure with inventive level design and a quirky charm that will stay with you long after the credits roll.”
    • “After a multi-year development hell, it's painfully unfunny, not fun, bloated, and doesn't touch the intrigue of the mental worlds of the original.”
    • “I understand he's supposed to be beyond excited given everything he has taken part in, the saving of everyone at the camp in the first game, rescuing Truman in Rhombus, and now on his way to the Psychonaut's headquarters to live his dream; but even considering all that, the language chosen and how frequently he talks to himself once you get in-game is downright bizarre, off-putting, and worst of all, unfunny.”
    • “Hell, the whole game thus far is unfunny, compared to the original that pulled you in with an interesting premise and slipped in a few good jokes within the first few minutes for good measure.”
  • music894 mentions

    The music in "Psychonauts 2" has received widespread acclaim for its diversity and ability to enhance the game's atmosphere, with many praising the return of composer Peter McConnell and the inclusion of catchy tracks, including a notable performance by Jack Black. While some players found certain tracks repetitive or less memorable compared to the original, the overall soundtrack is described as vibrant and fitting, effectively complementing the game's whimsical and emotional storytelling. The combination of nostalgic motifs and fresh compositions creates a rich auditory experience that resonates with players throughout their journey.

    • “The music was awesome and helped this game have a surprisingly engrossing atmosphere.”
    • “The soundtrack is brilliant and the music really adds to the mood of every place you visit.”
    • “The music reflects every situation perfectly and greatly helps players feel immersed in the emotions of the story and the environments.”
    • “No, it's not fun doing the same section with music that's repeating itself over and over for the 50th+ time, and when will you learn this?”
    • “The music uses motifs from the first game, which would normally be charming, except they're used for mostly unrelated things, which kills the effect.”
    • “The music in the game is forgettable and generic (grulovia track is good).”
  • emotional553 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game has been widely praised, with many players expressing that it evokes a range of feelings, from laughter to tears, through its heartfelt storytelling and character development. The narrative explores deep themes such as mental health, trauma, and personal growth, resonating with players on a personal level and often leaving them feeling nostalgic and emotionally connected. While some critiques mention a lack of emotional impact in certain areas, the overall consensus highlights the game's ability to deliver a touching and memorable experience that lingers long after playing.

    • “The biggest highlight is the wonderful story that nails exploring mental health, and the trauma associated with loss in a respectful, hilarious, and heart-warming manner.”
    • “The emotional depth goes beyond anything I've seen portrayed in other games.”
    • “The story is so wholesome it feels like a hug for my soul.”
    • “Snoozefest; a very boring story filled with quirky characters and obvious tropes.”
  • character development158 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the depth and emotional resonance of the narrative, particularly in addressing mental health issues, while others feel that the larger cast has led to less individual character growth compared to the first installment. The character designs are often highlighted as unique and expressive, contributing to the overall charm of the game, though some critiques mention that certain characters, particularly the interns, lack sufficient development. Overall, while the game excels in visual and artistic presentation, the character development is seen as a bit uneven, with some characters feeling underutilized.

    • “Character development was also a surprise to me since I wasn't sure if this game would be able to replicate the first one.”
    • “This time the game gave more emphasis to character developments and the conflict in our own minds and addresses some sensitive mental health issues which were really refreshing to see!”
    • “There is deep character development with many twists and turns.”
    • “All of the new character designs are bland and uninspired, and the characters aren't interesting.”
    • “I'm hoping if they do make another Psychonauts game we see Raz's character aged up a bit, as one of the drawbacks of this one picking up precisely where the last games left off is that he's still just a 10 year old and there hasn't really been much character development other than his gaining new abilities and becoming a more skilled Psychonaut.”
    • “Compared to the first game though, individual character development is a little lackluster because the cast is so much larger.”
  • optimization124 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback, with some players experiencing significant performance issues such as stuttering and frame drops, particularly in dense areas. However, many others report smooth gameplay and high frame rates, especially on more powerful hardware, indicating that performance can vary widely based on system specifications. Overall, while the game is praised for its polish and visual appeal, there are notable optimization challenges that could hinder the experience for some players.

    • “An absolutely wonderful experience, very well polished, optimized, and beautiful game with funny moments and jokes throughout the whole game.”
    • “Performance is smooth as butter, and this is achieved with Unreal Engine, which makes it even more difficult.”
    • “The game also looks great on Unreal Engine 4, and even though I have a beefy PC/laptop with a 3080 RTX, I can run it at 1440p at max settings and it generally even runs at close to 144 fps at all times, so it feels well optimized.”
    • “If you have had stuttering/crashing issues with Unreal Engine games in the past, I regret to say that this game is something of a minefield in that regard.”
    • “That's my biggest gripe with the game; it does need to be optimized better for smoother play.”
    • “Severe frame drops, hiccups, and stuttering occur way too often, which is not caused by weak, old hardware.”
  • grinding124 mentions

    The reviews highlight a mixed experience with grinding in the game, where some players appreciate the lack of excessive grinding and find the collectible hunting satisfying, while others criticize the gameplay loop as tedious and repetitive, particularly in terms of collecting items and completing missions. Many players noted that certain sections, such as combat and platforming, can feel frustratingly slow and drawn-out, detracting from the overall enjoyment. Overall, while some aspects of the game are engaging, the grinding elements can often lead to a tedious experience.

    • “Motivating, yes not too tedious, collectables.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The main issue I hold is the gameplay loop straight imported from the PS2 era where beyond the platforming (which is very fun) the only other goal is to gather pointless collectibles that quickly becomes tedious and boring.”
    • “The bosses were great but the regular mobs became tedious, and every single time you have to clear 2 or 3 waves of them, almost as if they were thrown in to pad out game time.”
    • “It's just tedious and makes the game seem reluctant to even let the player play it.”
  • atmosphere94 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its unique charm, vibrant art style, and engaging soundtrack, which together create an immersive experience that balances whimsical and serious tones. While some reviewers note a loss of the darker elements present in the original, many appreciate the new interpretations of mental health themes and the cohesive design of each character's mind. Overall, the game successfully evokes nostalgia while introducing fresh elements, making it a captivating journey for both new players and fans of the original.

    • “From the very beginning, I was immediately pulled into a world of fantastic atmosphere and charm, and I just could not put it down until the very end.”
    • “Cerebral symphony: the soundtrack perfectly complements the quirky atmosphere, with catchy tunes and whimsical sound effects.”
    • “The art design and atmosphere are very cohesive and pull you right into the world.”
    • “It didn't retain any of the atmosphere of its predecessor and only very little of its awkward humor.”
    • “But there are certain problems that I have with it though, the dark gloomy atmosphere is gone, and the interns are horrible characters that felt shoehorned into the story for no good reason.”
    • “Also, there is less atmosphere developed in each mind.”
  • stability80 mentions

    Overall, "Psychonauts 2" exhibits a mix of stability experiences among players, with many reporting occasional technical issues such as bugs, glitches, and performance hiccups. While some users enjoyed a mostly smooth experience with minor glitches, others encountered more significant problems, including game-breaking bugs and frustrating design flaws that required restarts. Despite these issues, the game is generally praised for its enjoyable gameplay and creative design, making it a worthwhile experience for fans.

    • “Though my playthrough has been almost bug-free, and the bugs I encountered were minor.”
    • “It's not an exaggeration to say that I have yet to experience an AA/AAA game this bug-free for a while.”
    • “- Stable frame rates and no freezes for me during the 38.1 hours to 100% complete it (I got stuck once in the terrain, but it was my fault, and a quick reload fixed it without even exiting the game).”
    • “Great sequel so far, tight gameplay, fun characters, nice quests, hilarious moments, basically everything about this game is great, except for the game-breaking bug when you go into your inventory or any vendor and the game freezes. How in the everloving hell did this make it past game testing? Seriously, you run into this less than an hour in depending on how much you like faffing about.”
    • “From graphical glitches to just brain-dead design, I've found four different areas where you can get stuck and the only thing you can do is quit the game and launch it again, praying you'll load in a different zone.”
    • “Warning: if you, like me, play these Double Fine games for all the achievements, be aware that this game is buggy. There is one bug in particular where you get all the keys in an area but it says you didn't, so you may not be able to get all the achievements because the game is also pretty buggy in non-game-breaking but irritating ways.”
  • replayability55 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag; while many players appreciate the fun of discovering collectibles and completing side quests, some feel that the linear structure and relatively short length limit its long-term replay value. Several reviews highlight the enjoyment of revisiting levels for 100% completion, but others express frustration with the necessity of returning to collect missed items. Despite these criticisms, many agree that the game offers enough engaging content to warrant multiple playthroughs, especially when on sale.

    • “And the collectables and replayability are well-designed and very fun to discover as you progress through both the normal and metaphysical worlds in the game.”
    • “There's not junk content in any of the stages to fill up game time, everything is well crafted and encourages replayability for those who want to 100% collectibles.”
    • “I'm happy to say, only 7 hours in, this game already has insane replay value, completionist aspects, easter eggs, and generally just more of the same good things the first game brought, in a much smoother, prettier package.”
    • “It would probably be a stretch to recommend this game at the €60 price tag because the game is not all that long and the replay value is quite poor, but the moment this game goes on sale you should get your wallet ready.”
    • “While the game doesn't have much replay value, it is well worth the price for its great story.”
    • “Replayability is a bit limited due to its linear nature, but collection completion will take a lot of time and effort in the meantime.”
  • monetization28 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been positively received, with users praising it as a genuine labor of love rather than a cash grab. Reviewers highlight the absence of microtransactions and paid DLC, appreciating the developers' commitment to delivering a complete experience without the pitfalls of modern monetization strategies. Overall, the game is seen as a refreshing departure from the trend of exploitative monetization in the industry.

    • “All in all this is a truly honest passion project made by a group of extremely talented people and a publisher who respects their vision; no padding, no microtransactions, no tacked-on multiplayer - just a good game done well.”
    • “+ no microtransactions nor paid DLC?”
    • “And not a game hindered and built around microtransactions.”
    • “To many games now not only release unfinished but are just vehicles for DLC and microtransactions.”
    • “It's a bit of a cash grab.”
    • “At first I thought it's just gonna end up being another one of those cash grabs on a pre-established IP with a massive fanbase.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Critic Reviews

87% average critic score

Buy Psychonauts 2

Play time

22hMedian play time
18hAverage play time
15hMain story
27hCompletionist
15-27hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 60 analyzed playthroughs

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