Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin

86%
Game Brain Score Based on 490 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin Game Cover
Impressive efforts with a few noticeable problems holding them back. Won't astound everyone, but is worth your time and cash.
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Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin is a virtual reality adventure that continues the story of Raz and the Psychonauts. Immerse yourself in a paranormal world as you rescue the Grand Head of the Psychonauts from the dangerous Rhombus of Ruin. Using only your psychic powers, you must reunite your friends and free Truman before it's too late. This game is a must-play for fans of the original Psychonauts, offering a unique and mind-bending experience.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Virtual Reality
  • Windows
  • Oculus Rift
  • Play​Station
  • Play​Station VR
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

86%
Audience ScoreBased on 490 reviews
story61 positive mentions
replayability4 negative mentions
  • Great visuals and art style that captures the essence of the Psychonauts universe.
  • Engaging story with familiar characters and humorous writing that fans of the original will appreciate.
  • Fun use of psychic powers and clever puzzles that enhance the VR experience.
  • Very short gameplay, typically completed in under 3 hours, which may not justify the full price.
  • Controls can be awkward, relying heavily on head movement without utilizing hand tracking, making interactions feel limited.
  • Technical issues such as 'Outside Game Area' warnings can disrupt immersion and gameplay.
  • story170 mentions

    The story of "Psychonauts: Rhombus of Ruin" is widely praised for its engaging narrative, humor, and character development, serving as a bridge between the first and second games in the series. Players appreciate the well-written dialogue and the charming art style, although some note that the gameplay is more linear and puzzle-focused than in previous installments. While the experience is relatively short, it effectively expands on the Psychonauts universe and is recommended for fans, though some suggest watching a playthrough if VR access is limited.

    • “With the charming cast, fantastic humor, awesome art style, and fabulous storytelling pulling you into the experience, it's easy to have a good time.”
    • “The story complements the Psychonauts world perfectly, and was very well thought out and written.”
    • “This is a continuation of the same writing, humor, and story of Psychonauts.”
    • “This game has no story.”
    • “Not much of a stand-alone story - it's all a short teaser towards Psychonauts 2; however, the character moments make up for it.”
    • “The story itself is quite short and can even be finished in one go; however, if you want to relish the taste of returning to the Psychonauts universe, consider splitting your playthrough into a few sessions.”
  • gameplay89 mentions

    The gameplay is primarily a basic point-and-click experience, heavily reliant on teleportation and limited mechanics, which some players find underwhelming for a VR title. While it features unique puzzles and a captivating story infused with humor, many reviews note its short playtime and lack of depth compared to traditional Psychonauts games. Overall, it appeals to fans of the genre but may disappoint those seeking more dynamic VR interactions.

    • “While the gameplay is simpler than most VR titles, it makes up for it with that unique style and humor that only Double Fine can bring.”
    • “It offers a unique gameplay mechanic, a captivating story, and a lot of humor.”
    • “The gameplay is simple, puzzle-based 'escape room' style where you have to progress with three different abilities.”
    • “The gameplay, even by VR standards, is pretty basic.”
    • “It's rather mechanically limited as you have to stay seated in one place and select from a limited number of powers.”
    • “The gameplay is just not good.”
  • graphics87 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their vibrant art style, high production values, and immersive VR experience, making it visually stunning and engaging. Many reviewers highlight the unique and charming character designs, as well as the detailed environments that bring the Psychonauts universe to life. However, some criticisms include occasional graphical issues and a lack of advanced settings, which can detract from the overall experience.

    • “The graphics are top-notch and the voice acting is as excellent as ever.”
    • “The environments and graphics in Rhombus of Ruin are stunning and highly immersive.”
    • “The visual design and graphics are really beautiful; it feels like you’re playing inside a Pixar movie.”
    • “The game's graphics are also not very impressive, especially compared to other VR titles.”
    • “The tutorial is confusing, almost no graphic options (like turning off anti-aliasing), anti-aliasing is killing the immersion and making everything blurry.”
    • “From the music to the dialogue; even the upscaled models hold very true to a grotesque art style that’s only fit alongside mid-2000s PS2/Xbox games.”
  • humor65 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised, characterized by witty dialogue, quirky characters, and the signature style of Tim Schafer, which fans of the original Psychonauts will find familiar and enjoyable. Players appreciate the clever writing and funny moments that enhance the overall experience, making it both charming and entertaining, despite some noting that the gameplay may not be as engaging as expected. Overall, the humor is a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's appeal and enjoyment.

    • “Funny writing with some familiar and adorable characters.”
    • “The game's humor, charm, and personality are intact, with witty dialogue and quirky characters.”
    • “The quirky humor and art style make this game a unique VR experience.”
  • music21 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its high quality, engaging soundtracks, and effective integration into the gameplay experience. The intro and outro songs are particularly highlighted as standout features, while the voice acting complements the music beautifully, enhancing the overall atmosphere. Overall, the sound design, including both music and effects, is described as top-notch, contributing significantly to the game's charm and enjoyment.

    • “I loved the art, the music, the writing, the setting, the acting...basically all of it.”
    • “The presentation, writing, pacing, and music doesn't miss a beat, despite the 13 years between the games.”
    • “Fantastic setting, voice acting, music, character and aesthetic.”
    • “The presentation, writing, pacing, and music don't miss a beat, despite the 13 years between the games.”
    • “From the music to the dialogue; even the upscaled models hold very true to a grotesque art style that’s only fit alongside mid-2000s PS2/Xbox games.”
    • “Music and sound effects are also top-notch as expected, with writing that includes some real laugh-out-loud moments.”
  • replayability14 mentions

    Overall, the game is criticized for its short playtime of around 2-3 hours and minimal replayability, with most players noting that once completed, there is little incentive to play again due to a lack of alternative paths or significant content. While some mention minor replay value through achievements or exploration, it is generally considered insufficient to enhance the experience significantly.

    • “🔲 infinitely replayable”
    • “I feel like it has good replay value as well because there are so many things to goof around with in each scene.”
    • “This is a relatively light and short VR experience (although there's some easter egg achievements to add some replay value).”
    • “It is also very short and not replayable.”
    • “Near zero replay value, since you know exactly what has to be done - there are no 'alternative' ways through the game.”
    • “The game can be completed in about three hours, with little replay value or extra content.”
  • atmosphere13 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its fidelity to the original, maintaining its cute and humorous tone while delivering an immersive experience. Reviewers highlight the impeccable graphics, sound, and voice acting, which contribute to a cohesive and entertaining environment. However, some express disappointment over the lack of diverse environments compared to the original, particularly in the VR adaptation.

    • “Graphics, story, atmosphere, sound, voices are impeccable.”
    • “It captures the unique atmosphere and style of the original rather nicely.”
    • “Great atmosphere and very inventive and immersive use of VR.”
    • “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the charm of the original.”
    • “Despite the visuals, the atmosphere fails to engage, making it hard to immerse myself in the game.”
    • “The world feels lifeless, and the atmosphere doesn't evoke the emotions I expected from the series.”
  • emotional6 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, particularly through nostalgic callbacks to the original Psychonauts, which evoke feelings of joy and longing. The experience is heightened by impactful character developments that challenge preconceived notions, leading to unexpected sympathy for previously villainous figures. However, the emotional depth may be lost on those unfamiliar with the original game, making it less accessible for new players.

    • “Loading up and seeing the characters from one of the most classic games of all time in VR was a little, I don't know, emotional... *cough*...”
    • “And then... they made me feel sympathy for a character we always thought was a one-sided Disney-like villain!”
    • “I almost can't recommend this game if you haven't played the original game pretty much almost to the end... lots of callbacks and jokes from the original Psychonauts game, and a surprise character return near the end, and the emotional baggage you reveal will be impactfully meaningless to someone who hasn't played Psychonauts 1.”
  • stability5 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while it runs smoothly with impressive visuals and minimal stuttering, users report bugs, particularly with newer VR sets, and express frustration over the need for troubleshooting. If you're willing to deal with potential issues, it may still be worth considering, especially if on sale.

    • “It runs great with no stuttering, and the textures/models blew me away.”
    • “Runs great, minimal repro.”
    • “If you're asking for money, troubleshooting and extra software shouldn't be necessary to play your game.”
    • “Pretty buggy with newer VR sets.”
  • optimization5 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is mixed; while it runs smoothly without bugs or hiccups on standard platforms, users report graphic issues such as blurriness, latency, and stuttering, particularly in VR mode, indicating that it may not be fully optimized for that experience.

    • “Runs very well and is fully optimized with no bugs or hiccups.”
    • “The game ends with a full-length performance of the hilarious title theme - maybe the best I've heard in a video game.”
    • “Not optimized very well for VR.”
    • “Graphic issues such as blurry images, latency, stuttering, and framerate spikes are prevalent.”
    • “Performance issues detract from the overall experience.”
  • character development2 mentions

    The game offers valuable insights into the backstory and character development between the first and second installments of the series, despite its short length. Players appreciate the depth of character development, particularly for unexpected characters, enhancing the overall narrative experience.

    • “Although it's a short experience, it provides valuable insight into the events between Psychonauts 1 and 2, along with important backstory and character developments.”
    • “Great game with excellent character development, especially for some unsuspecting characters.”
    • “Although it's a short experience, it does give some insight into what happened between Psychonauts 1 and 2 and some important backstory and character developments.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization strategy for this title has been criticized as a cash grab, with users feeling that it offers insufficient content for its price, particularly in the context of a beloved franchise transitioning to virtual reality. Many perceive it as a lackluster effort by developers, suggesting a failure to meet fan expectations.

    • “This seems almost like a Psychonauts-branded cash grab.”
    • “Often, when a console-born franchise steps into the world of virtual reality, fans are treated to a $40, 10-minute-long cash grab made by developers who are too lazy or inexperienced to give people what they paid for.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious and unpolished, with frustrations arising from the need to restart and achieve precise positioning.

    • “The grinding in this game feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged.”
    • “I found myself doing the same tasks over and over again just to progress, which quickly became frustrating.”
    • “The amount of time required to level up is excessive, turning what could be an enjoyable experience into a chore.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

77% average critic score

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Play time

2hMedian play time
2hAverage play time
2-3hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 9 analyzed playthroughs

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