While it has been over a decade since the first game, Psychonauts 2 is not going to let the public forget their story any time soon. Read what the long-awaited sequel coming this 2021 has in store for new and returning fans alike.
What Is Psychonauts 2?
What Kind of Game Is It?
The Psychonauts series is an action-adventure experience filled with fantastical elements. Players will join Razputin Aquato, a talented young psychic, in his quest to become a part of the Psychonauts. Psychonauts 2 is a continuation of the game’s previous two games, which have both been successful enough to develop a cult following. This time around, though, the game offers better closure to Raz’s story: he finally gets to join the Psychonauts. As with any game, Psychonauts 2 cannot promise smooth sailing from there. Raz soon discovers that there is something wrong lurking around Psychonauts headquarters. It is up to him and his powerful psychic abilities to bring back the pristine conditions of the Psychonauts. It will be difficult, though, to keep secrets in a team full of psychics.
Developer
Developed by Double Fine Productions, Psychonauts 2 is in award-winning hands. Founded in 2000, Double Fine Productions is still run by Tim Schafer and people from the original Psychonauts game. At the time, it took them five years to make Psychonauts, which was met with positive reception from fans: so positive, in fact, that it is regarded as a “cult classic” in video gaming. While it has been a while since the last official Psychonauts game, fans have not lost faith in the game series mainly because of the company behind it. Times have changed, but the people behind the game still include the original team from Psychonauts back in 2005. There are many selling points for Psychonauts 2 beyond this, though. Double Fine Productions could not be making Psychonauts without the help of their fans. As Psychonauts 2 was announced in 2015, a crowdfunding campaign was launched to make the game. Thousands of people rallied in support of a sequel, and now they can expect it in 2021. The crowdfunding endeavor was more than just a success; it met over 116% of its goal. Without this support, Double Fine Studios and Psychonauts 2 could not exist. The game’s publisher is Xbox Game Studios. This means that it will be available for anyone with an Xbox Game Pass immediately.
Release Date
The first original trailer for Psychonauts 2 was released in 2018 through Double Fine Productions’ YouTube channel. While it wanted to release the game in 2019, production delays were imminent. Fans do not have to wait any longer, though, because Psychonauts 2 will be arriving in 2021. It is one of the many games flooding the year, including Little Nightmares 2, Resident Evil Village, and Kena Bridge of Spirits. There is no final date for the Psychonauts’ sequel release. However, people do know which platforms the game will be accessible on. Here’s to hoping Psychonauts 2 will no longer experience production delays, unlike other cult classic Cyberpunk 2077.
Platforms
Published by Xbox Game Studios, Psychonauts 2 will be available on Xbox consoles. Given the technology of the game, however, this will only be available on the Xbox One and the much-awaited Xbox Series X|S. Other available platforms for Psychonauts 2 are Microsoft Windows, Linux, and the PlayStation 4. macOS users will not be missing out on this game either, but those using a 10.15 Catalina OS are down on their luck. Psychonauts 2 will not be compatible with this OS. People can get this game through their Xbox Game Pass, Steam, and other platforms seen on the official Psychonauts website.
Prices
There are no official prices for Psychonauts 2 as of late. However, fans can get an idea through the game’s Fig (crowdfunding) campaign. Within the $33 – $69 tier is a digital download of Psychonauts 2 on Windows, OSX, or Linux. A physical copy of the game can be sent to any backer who adds on $18. The reason for this is that making physical copies takes more time, resources, and codes. Double Fine Productions would be happy to provide fans with a copy of their own, though. You can check out other features of Psychonauts 2 through their Fig campaign. Unfortunately, it is now closed. It gives you a better idea of add-ons that may be available in the future, though! You can also check out Psychonauts 2 on Steam.
System Requirements for Psychonauts 2
Since not much has been revealed of the Psychonauts 2 game, there is not a lot of information about its system requirements. On Steam, however, some details are stipulated. Other gamers have had predictions of their own.
Minimum Requirements
Psychonauts 2 requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. Predictions for minimum requirements include an Intel Core i3-2115C 2.0 GHz or AMD Athlon II X3 455 processors, 15 GB of hard drive space, and 2 GB of RAM. A DirectX 9 Compatible Graphics Card is also predicted to be included in the game’s minimum requirements.
Recommended Requirements
The same processor and operating system are recommended for Psychonauts 2: a 64-bit processor and operating system. Predictions for the game’s recommended requirements include Intel Core i5-750S 2.4 GHz or AMD Phenom II X4 965 processors, 6 GB of RAM, and 15 GB of hard drive space. The game may require a DirectX 11 Graphics Card, but this, like everything else above, is only a prediction. Once the official system requirements are up, heading on to Steam for more information is still the best way to go.
Psychonauts 2: Everything You Need to Know
Gameplay
Psychonauts 2 is a platformer game with single-player access. Played in third-person, the game lets players control (and get in the mind of) Raz, a new member of psychic espionage team Psychonauts. Included in his powers are telekinesis and pyrokinesis. According to the Psychonauts 2 gameplay walkthrough, he may also have the power to go on a psychedelic trip inside others’ minds. Levitation is also a power that is not out of bounds for Raz. Like the previous games, Psychonauts 2 will not be open-world, but it will give players a more open view of the Psychonauts’ world. As Raz learns the ropes of being a psychic spy, he will have to meet a powerful similarly-abled team. By doing this, he (and you) will go on adventures inside Psychonauts’ headquarters, and people’s minds. When doing this, you will be challenged to combat like never before. This game will not be far from a more clunky and cartoonish version of Inception and the Matrix. Rax hops from wall to wall, fights in continuously changing rooms, and more.
Story
Psychonauts 2, in many ways, reimagines the potential of the first game. Since its release in 2005, many changes are underway. However, along with significant technological changes is more leeway to take the Psychonauts plot as far as one wants to. In this game, Raz finally joins the Psychonauts headquarters, after spending years as a highly-skilled psychic and acrobat. While discovering what it means to be an international Psychonaut, he slowly realizes that there is something wrong in the organization. Once Psychonauts founder Truman Zanotto goes missing, many changes happen. This can only be traced back to his second in command, who values necromancy and other odd behaviors over peaceful psychic practices. How far can this necromancy go? Well, Raz has to stop these practices from escalating before a murderous psychic villain comes back from the dead. With a hypnotizing and interesting gameplay, the people behind Psychonauts 2 know that these will only work with a believable and high-stakes plot. Play the game and see how this all ties into Raz’s family history and struggles. Like all good stories, the conflicts intersect. This gives players a riveting story with twists and turns at every corner; apt for a game called “Psychonauts.”
Graphics
Psychonauts 2 is optimized for the Xbox Series X/S, which is a next-generation console. Because of this, the game’s graphics are expected to perform to its very best of abilities. Included in these are the use of variable-rate shading and hardware-accelerated DirectX Raytracing. As Psychonauts takes you on a psychedelic and mind-altering journey graphically, this makes sure movements are dynamic and realistic. With this also comes higher and steadier frame rates. Psychonauts 2 players can now enjoy frame rates up to 120 FPS. Playing the Psychonauts sequel in a next-generation Xbox console is a long way from the first Psychonauts game. This in itself is very value-adding for fans.
Features
As for Psychonauts 2’s game features, the people from Xbox promise “unparalleled” visuals and responsiveness. Adding the graphics mentioned above, you have got an immersive and mind-altering experience from Double Fine Productions. Probably another exciting feature of this game includes faster loading times, made possible with the Xbox X/S’s velocity architecture. Without getting too technical, it basically means Xbox’s new software can give you your ideal playing situation. Less waiting for the game to load and more playing of the game. As for game features, it is not surprising that many are looking forward to the whole new world of “Psychonauts HQ.” Beyond this, the psychedelic gameplay has also made fans excited for Raz’s ability to sneak into the minds of people. By doing this, players will have access to non-playable characters’ demons, emotions, and deepest secrets. While this may get you in trouble in the real world, the game encourages Raz to hone these powers. Only by doing this will he get to the truth about Psychonauts, his powers, his family, and himself. All while taking down an evil plot concocted by a psychic mastermind, mind you.
Replayability
Psychonauts 2 is promising—from its out-of-this-world graphics to its varied gameplay options. Since there are no definitive answers to the game’s length and other features, there is no saying yet how replayable this game can be. However, fans of the series can expect the game to be full of surprises and beautiful rendering of sights and sets. Psychonauts 2 is proving to be a crisp game unafraid to take its time (with a production delay already experienced). Given the game’s previews so far, it seems like Psychonauts 2 is packing many punches for its debut. It is giving Raz a new set of abilities, new characters to mull over, and a story with many plot twists. While not a jumpstart to the series, this game will be breathing new life in a decades-old story with a large fan following. Psychonauts 2, at the very least, will be replayable for long-term fans. It packs sentiment, inventiveness, and enthusiasm for the future of the Psychonauts franchise. This game is Raz’s biggest adventure yet; it is understandable why so much of Psychonauts 2 is still under wraps.
Value
There are not many games that survive as long as Psychonauts has. The action-adventure genre has been blessed with many new titles over the years, so Psychonauts’ longevity is special, given its 2005 debut. Those who have been active members of the video game industry do not always get to see how technology changes alongside stories. Without a doubt, Psychonauts 2 would not have been possible without the technology of its time, which shows the big difference a decade can make. Gone are the sharp edges and underdeveloped backgrounds; Psychonauts 2 promises a trip inside the mind, with all its nightmares are beauty. There is also no doubt that this game is already of value to many people. Backed by its fans (meeting over 116% of its goal), Double Fine Productions should be sure that the game will (at the very least) be met with reactions. Many have vied for Psychonauts 2 since its announcement in 2015, so here is to hoping that this boosts the game with a lot of fanservice. Lastly, the game’s value does also rely on its Xbox X/S optimization. Through here, many can enjoy Psychonauts 2 hassle-free. Not just that, they can also make the most out of a high-power next-generation console.
Other Psychonauts Titles
Psychonauts
After years of production in a then-rookie game development company, Psychonauts was released on April 19, 2005. It was a classic but new take on platformer games, following the story of Razputin. A young psychic, Razputin, or Raz, chases his dreams of joining Psychonauts. Comprising this organization is a team of high-profile psychic spies. Without a shot, Raz breaks into their training facility to make his own dreams come true. Here, he hones his powers: from telekinesis all the way to levitation, but not in the way he expected. The Whispering Rock Psychic Summer Camp is met with a villain lurking in the shadows, taking over what makes psychics so special in the first place: their brains. Putting his powers and mind-reading to the test, Raz tries to get to the bottom of things without being caught. Unbeknownst to him, he has to face hidden memories, demons, and the nightmares of one’s self along the way. Join Raz as he jumps from mind to mind, seeing each character, monster, and misfit for who they truly are. Psychonauts has aged, but visiting the Psychonauts website will reveal the fun of the classic action-adventure game. If you are interested in playing the game, you can also get Psychonauts on Steam.
Psychonauts: Rhombus of Ruin
Before Psychonauts 2 is Psychonauts: Rhombus of Ruin. Given the nature of the Psychonauts’ world, it is no surprise that its next release was a VR spectacle. Almost a decade since the last Psychonauts release, the people behind the game decided to migrate it to the world of VR for the time being. Experience the mystery and paranoia of the Psychonauts world in virtual reality! This game is not a filler, either. Serving the original plot, Rhombus of Ruin finds Raz as a full-fledged member of the Psychonauts. His first mission, however, is not for beginners: he and his friends must rescue the Grand Head of the Psychonauts. This mystery’s trail leads them to the Rhombus of Ruin, which is basically a product of two Bermuda Triangles—one of the most mysterious places in the world. As with any game, things will go awry. When Raz’s team slowly dissolves, he must use his powers yet again to the best of his abilities. This time, however, more high-profile rescues are at bay. And if this was not enough, he must carry out this mission before everyone’s minds are consumed by the “madness of Rhombus.” See through Raz’s eyes and others’ on Rhombus of Ruin. This game is available for PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, and Oculus headsets. These are only some of the best VR headset models you can get for immersive gaming. If you already have a VR headset, go ahead and check Rhombus of Ruin out on Steam.
Xbox Game Pass: Games Like Psychonauts You Can Play
There are many benefits that come with the Xbox Game Pass. Most of these include the games you have access to. Psychonauts 2 is only one example from this list. Below are similar games.
Project Winter
New on the Xbox Game Pass, like Psychonauts 2, is Project Winter. This game will be available on mobile, console, or PC. It is also one of the most fun multiplayer games on the Game Pass today. An eight-person multiplayer, Project Winter aims to draw a fun rift between you and your friends. Calling itself a game to “backstab” your friends, this game is reminiscent of another popular 2020 game, Among Us. This time around, however, you have to survive the tumultuous winter. You and your friends must communicate effectively and efficiently, functioning like a well-oiled machine. Together is the only way you can escape and survive your situation. Rebuild structures, gather resources, and explore the wilderness. Like Among Us, there is more to some members than meets the eye. There are traitors lurking around your team, willing to do whatever it takes so that you do not get home! Survivors must board an escape vehicle as soon as possible, and traitors must get to them before they can do so. This game is like a long-form version of the Among Us game. Best yet, you can play this directly from your Xbox Game Pass.
Minecraft
Included in the Xbox Game Pass is the standard version of Minecraft, a game that needs no further introduction. Popular amongst people of all ages, streamers, and gamer Youtubers, Minecraft is a game with little to no boundaries. In the game, you are to explore a world of your own making. Go on adventures, make your own structures, and go deep within the infinite worlds of the game. Many also enjoy fending off monsters with their friends, which is available through the game’s (up to four players) split-screen setting. The world is your oyster with Minecraft. Enjoy the beauty of complex and infinite worlds through the immersive game. You can see it for yourself through your Xbox Game Pass.
Grounded
Released on the Xbox Game Pass in July 2020, Grounded offers another fantastical and immersive gameplay. See things like you have never seen them before when you shrink into the size of an ant. It is a tale as old as time: humans have always imagined what the world would be like for an ant. Now, experience the big and dangerous backyard alone or with your friends with this coop survival game. Grounded is somewhat similar to Minecraft in that you can explore, build, or play the game in survival mode. While the world of a backyard is full of tall dewy grass, beautiful flowers, and more, there are still large insects to fend off. You can also craft weapons and bases of your liking. Anything to see the backyard’s ecosystem for another day. Throughout the game, you will also experience a mysterious story about the soil you stand on. Learn what makes the small world you explore go round. Get Grounded through the Xbox Game Pass.
Alice: Madness Returns
Alice in Wonderland is a classic Disney animated movie. In fact, it is one of your must-see films when watching Disney animated movies in order. However, this is not all her story is good for. Alice: Madness Returns is subversive, and imagines Alice’s story in a darker setting. A horror hack-and-slash game, Alice: Madness Returns finds Alice struggling with traumatic personal losses. As a grown woman, she hopes for shelter (again) in Wonderland. Escaping her demons, Alice runs to this oddly familiar world that protects her from the real one. Unfortunately, Wonderland has been dealing with problems of its own. As evil lurks through its shadows, Alice is thrust to be a hero once more. But can she step up to the plate when her own mind cannot be trusted? Experience this riveting single-player tale through the Xbox Game Pass.
Voodoo Vince: Remastered
Voodoo Vince offers settings and art styles similar to Psychonauts 2. However, their similarities are also more than that. Like Psychonauts, Voodoo Vince is a character platformer with a history spanning over a decade. Backed by a cult following, Voodoo Vince: remastered revisits the tales of Vince’s Louisiana adventures in HD. Play Vince and help him find his keeper Madam Charmaine, at all costs. Thrusting a cartoonish and brightly colored world voodoo style, this game will introduce you to quirky villains. Confront or escape them using everyday tools imagined largely, since you are only the size of a Voodoo doll after all. Partake in over 30 combat styles and use your dangerous environment to your advantage. Chase the danger signs, and use your voodoo powers to the best of your abilities. Explore the world of magical Louisiana and all the types of creepy crawlies with Voodoo Vince: Remastered. You can get this game through your Xbox Game Pass today.
Final Word
Psychonauts 2 exists because of its fans’ support and backup. More than this, it is a game that keeps on giving because of its developers, Double Fine Productions, who have been there since the very beginning. While there are still many questions left unanswered when it comes to Psychonauts 2, the previews are the light at the end of the tunnel. The game offers psychedelic graphics, Inception-like gameplay, and a riveting story. Psychonauts has outlived most of the games of its time; Psychonauts 2 will remind you why.
