Since Mario 64, it could be argued that 3D platformers have been few and far between. It’s a pretty popular genre, but it almost feels like larger companies aren’t willing to invest the money into them. Sure, we have the likes of Ratchet and Clank or Astrobot, and there are indies such as Yooka-Laylee and A Hat in Time, but there never seems to be any big releases in the 3D platforming space. When we do get a new 3D platformer, they are often trying to recapture the magic of Mario 64 or Banjo Kazooie, and I can understand why, but there’s so much scope for individuality and unique experiences within the genre, and that’s where Psychonauts shines through.
Although there’s now a great cult following, Psychonauts seems to have flown under the radar of mainstream players, and it really deserves far more attention than it’s ever gotten.
The main selling point for Psychonauts is potentially its downfall when it comes to mass appeal - the art style. I adore the art direction personally, but it could be considered quite niche, and not everyone will be into the off-kilter nature of the game.
In a strange way, I’m glad that Psychonauts hasn’t hit the mainstream - for me, it’s like when you find a band you really love before anyone else, you want everyone to hear them, but you also want to keep them for yourself, almost like it’s yours and nobody else’s.
Psychonauts has the DNA of the surreal Saturday morning cartoons from the late 90s/early 2000s. All of the characters are incredibly unique, and almost…wonky? A character may have a large head, eyes almost clawing their way off the face, oversized hands or long spindly legs. They don’t really appear human, but have such human qualities, it really helps you buy into their stories. This may be too far into the abstract for some, but I think it should be celebrated for its brilliant, expressive character design. There’s simply no other games like it. Not to mention how ahead of its time the game was, delving into the world of mental health - relevant more now than ever. Raz (the main character) is forced to enter characters’ minds to help confront their trauma - which is explored even further in the second game.
The world design is again, like no other, and really adds to the charm and beauty of the game. There’s no straight edges or parallel lines, adding to the unsettling feeling. Even ladders are curved and skewed, making climbing them feel so different to any other game.
Another feature of Psychonauts that is absent in most other games is humour. Many games have tried and failed, but Tim Schafer just understands how to write funny and charming dialogue without feeling forced. All of the characters have such a charming feel to them, there’s genuine laugh out loud moments throughout. It may actually be the only game that’s ever actually made me laugh.
I’m not going to type out a thousand words, describing a game. I’m simply here to plead with you - give it a try. It’s worth your time. Take a look at some trailers, or some gameplay and try and see the beauty in the art style. If you enjoy it, grab Psychonauts 2, a worthy sequel with all the charm and surrealism of the first - now with an added Jack Black musical number. What’s not to love?
Now Double Fine (the studio behind Psychonauts) has been released from Microsoft’s grip, I really hope they take this opportunity to release some of their titles on other consoles, namely the Nintendo Switch. Psychonauts just feels perfect for a Nintendo console. It’d be a great way to quickly bring in some capital, and also build their reputation with Nintendo fans.
Please Tim, I need Psychonauts on my Switch.
Screenshots courtesy of Double Fine
