Posted August 03, 2010
Psychonauts is one of those games that you hear was awesome and think about trying some day but never seem to get around to it. I was like that too, but once I did try it I regretted not playing it sooner. While I am no fan of platformers in general Psychonauts was a true joy to play, a true gem of a game that transcends what it is to become something more.
Though the controls were designed for a gamepad, I had no trouble playing it with a mouse and keyboard, and while the platforming sections can get quite hard I found the difficulty curve perfect, something I don't usually find. Combat is pretty straightforward, and while you have to keep reassigning the three psychic powers you want to be usable at a time (you can only have three powers assigned to the controls at any one time), it is quite easy to do and pauses the game while you do so. I'm not big on wanting to collect everything in the game, but seeking out the extra stuff in the game is quite fun, and ranking up your psychic powers can unlock alot of interesting stuff.
The story, though clearly not intended to be taken seriously, is really good, the characters colourful, if you have ever played one of the old LucasArts point and click adventure games expect the same sort of story, jokes and absurdity (which is unsurprising considering it was made by one of the creators of Monkey Island, Tim Schafer). You will love the detail put into your fellow campers, and if you are like me you will be compelled to see all their conversations and what they get up to despite having no bearing on the plot or how it turns out (try using Clairvoyance on them once you get the power to see what they see you as!).
Everything's not perfect of course (nothing ever is), there is a part early in the game where I found it fails to explain to new players how to use the inventory nor that the item they need is there, but that is more an issue with having things properly explained.
Overall, a classic game that truly warrrants the title 'Good Old Game'. and if you are on the fence I would heartily recommend it.
Though the controls were designed for a gamepad, I had no trouble playing it with a mouse and keyboard, and while the platforming sections can get quite hard I found the difficulty curve perfect, something I don't usually find. Combat is pretty straightforward, and while you have to keep reassigning the three psychic powers you want to be usable at a time (you can only have three powers assigned to the controls at any one time), it is quite easy to do and pauses the game while you do so. I'm not big on wanting to collect everything in the game, but seeking out the extra stuff in the game is quite fun, and ranking up your psychic powers can unlock alot of interesting stuff.
The story, though clearly not intended to be taken seriously, is really good, the characters colourful, if you have ever played one of the old LucasArts point and click adventure games expect the same sort of story, jokes and absurdity (which is unsurprising considering it was made by one of the creators of Monkey Island, Tim Schafer). You will love the detail put into your fellow campers, and if you are like me you will be compelled to see all their conversations and what they get up to despite having no bearing on the plot or how it turns out (try using Clairvoyance on them once you get the power to see what they see you as!).
Everything's not perfect of course (nothing ever is), there is a part early in the game where I found it fails to explain to new players how to use the inventory nor that the item they need is there, but that is more an issue with having things properly explained.
Overall, a classic game that truly warrrants the title 'Good Old Game'. and if you are on the fence I would heartily recommend it.