Psychonauts 2 (2021)
Game Description:
In "Psychonauts 2," released in 2021, players rejoin Razputin “Raz” Aquato, a newly minted Psychonaut with acrobatic prowess and psychic abilities. As Raz, you delve into the minds of others, exploring surreal landscapes to uncover hidden truths and emotional baggage. The game follows Raz as he aids the Psychonauts in unraveling a sinister plot threatening the organization. Alongside new allies, including a magical mote of light voiced by Jack Black, Raz must confront dark secrets about the Psychonauts and his own family. With a blend of humor, adventure, and mind-bending puzzles, "Psychonauts 2" challenges players to expand their mental horizons and solve the mysteries lurking within the human psyche.
Game Details
Platforms:
Linux, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series
Genres:
Platform, Adventure
Game Mode(s):
Player Perspective(s):
Developer:
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Publisher:
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
Psychonauts 2 is rated T for Teen by the ESRB with Alcohol Reference, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, and Use of Tobacco. This is an adventure game in which players help a psychic uncover the culprit behind a series of kidnappings and misdeeds. Players search an organization's headquarters for clues and project themselves into the minds of others to free victims from mental/emotional imprisonment. As players traverse platform environments, they use psychic abilities (e.g., pyrokinesis, telekinesis) to defeat boss creatures and manifestations of negative emotions (e.g., panic attack, regret). Battles are sometimes frenetic, accompanied by screen-shaking effects, explosions, and cries of pain. During one boss encounter, players use punches and flames during one-on-one combat. The game contains some suggestive innuendo in the dialogue (e.g., “Oh, they are definitely doing it”; “Trying to have a baby is exhausting”/“Well it does have its fun bits”; “We used to sneak in here and fool around on the beanbags”; “…he was so understanding about our affair.”). A handful of sequences and levels depict instances of crude humor: a girl picking her nose; giant noses with green mucus/slime hanging from them; goat hand puppets vomitting towards players; references to gas and foul smells in a bathroom. Some characters are depicted smoking cigars and cigarettes; some sequences reference alcohol (e.g., “Time for one more beer before we die”; “Triple Whiskey Smooth-Out, and make it quick”; “Try our home-brewed maple beer”). The word “a*s” is heard in the dialogue.
Content Warnings:
Alcohol Reference, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Tobacco
Interactive Elements:
In-Game Purchases:
Parental Notes
While many parents praise the gameplay experience, they caution that Psychonauts 2 contains mild language, including the word “a*s,” and suggestive dialogue that may not be suitable for younger children. The violence is mostly comical and involves psychic abilities used against fantastical creatures, but it can be frenetic with screen-shaking effects and cries of pain. The game also includes crude humor, such as characters picking their noses and references to bodily functions. Some scenes depict characters smoking and drinking, with references to alcohol. Parents often recommend this game for teens 13 and older due to these elements and the mature themes explored within the storyline.
Positive Notes About The Game From ParentsParents appreciate Psychonauts 2 for its creative storytelling and the way it encourages problem-solving and critical thinking. The game’s exploration of mental health themes is seen as a positive aspect, offering opportunities for discussions about emotions and empathy. Its imaginative worlds and engaging puzzles provide a unique and enriching experience for players.
Why Your Kid Might Like Psychonauts 2
Psychonauts 2, rated T for teens, offers a unique blend of humor, adventure, and mind-bending puzzles that keeps players engaged. The game’s imaginative worlds and quirky characters provide a refreshing escape from reality, allowing teens to explore creative landscapes and solve intriguing mysteries. The storyline, filled with twists and turns, keeps players invested as they uncover secrets about the Psychonauts and Raz’s family. The combination of platforming challenges and psychic abilities adds depth to the gameplay, making it both fun and rewarding for those who enjoy a mix of action and strategy.
Teens appreciate the game’s witty dialogue and the way it tackles complex themes with a lighthearted touch. The voice acting, including a standout performance by Jack Black, adds to the game’s charm and humor. The vibrant art style and detailed environments make each level a visual treat, encouraging exploration and experimentation. Psychonauts 2’s ability to balance humor with meaningful storytelling resonates with players, offering an experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. This blend of elements makes it a standout title for those looking for a game that challenges both their reflexes and their minds.