Psychonauts

"Crazy! In a good way."

First, I'd like to say, this is my first review.

Second, Psychonauts is an excellent platformer game created by a new developer called Double Fine, which includes one of the classic gaming gods, Tim Schafer, creator of Grim Fandango. Now lets get to the game.

Story- This is about a young psychic boy named Raz who is trying to become a psychic special agent called a psychonaut at a special psychic summer camp. First, though he must save the world from a madman named Dr. Loboto and ....................... (I can't say you have to play it. It would give part of the story away). The problem is that his dad is coming to get him, due to him HATING psychics and never actually giving Raz the permission to attend the camp.- Anyway the story is excellent and can keep you playing the game, just to see how it ends.

Gameplay- Psychonauts is a platformer with something for everyone. This is because each level in the game takes place in a number of people's minds, so as the person changes, the world inside the mind changes. Plus, many of the minds you enter are of insane people, so its always interesting on how they perceive things. For instance, you go from military themes to a festive party theme as you meet new people. This adds a lot of variety because sometimes it doesn't feel like a new level, it feels like a new game. In each level you will collect figments, which raises your psychic ability rank, which upgrades Raz. Your character Raz has quite a few psychic abilities that you earn throughout the game. Some of these powers allow you to be able kill enemies in different ways, which adds to the variety.- In other words, is always different, but it's always good.

Value- There are 2 conditions on its length- 1. If you like to collect everything in a game it will take you a while to beat, as there are in most cases more than 100 figments in each level and these things called psy cards and psy challenge markers which raise your rank. Also, there is a scavenger hunt along the overworld, which also raises your rank. There are 100 possible levels in the game (unless you cheat).
2. It's short if you don't like to collect things.

Either way its incredibly fun and if you're like me, you'll replay the game.

Sound- Excellent. I liked it so much, that I bought the soundtrack (shop.doublefine.com). The music is vivid and just plain fun sounding. Plus, the voice work is well done and also hilarious (especially the crazy people).

Graphics- They fit the game. They are vivid and fun. Like the music and voice work, they are well done.

Overall, the game is excellent for most people and is very fun. I would recommend this to anyone.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/24/06