On this Game Pass Monday, I want to offer you a most unique journey. A journey into the depths of the mind. A place where thoughts take unimaginable forms and where the subconscious evokes the most twisted and dark realities of human beings. Welcome to a different, dangerous and very, very funny psychonaut adventure. Today, we are dedicating our Game Pass Monday to Psychonauts, one of Tim Schaffer’s big projects in video games.
The Californian has worked on a multitude of titles, including some as iconic as Grim Fandango, the saga Monkey island, oh Tentacle day. These games have been a great success, and moreover, some of them are relaunched to the delight of the most nostalgic., but if there was one game that tagged original Xbox users, it was Psychonauts. After leaving Lucas Arts, Schafer founded Double fine In 2000, whose first project would be this acclaimed Psychonauts. After a long wait, its sequel is just about to hit our systems, and for that reason, we want to remember what that legendary video game was that many could enjoy on their original Xbox.
The crazy proposition of the Psychonauts
Double Fine’s debut couldn’t be sweeter. With Tim Schafer at the helm, his first video game would become a timeless classic. Psychonauts he was born to shape what apparently doesn’t, the human mind. In this adventure, we put ourselves in the shoes of Raz, a boy who must overcome a series of obstacles, as if it were a military obstacle course, to become the best psychonaut. Corn… What does it mean to be a psychonaut? I won’t empty the plot, much less, but I will tell you that the mind is ultimately the great protagonist.
Shortly after starting your adventure, Raz will discover the truth behind the camp where he begins his training as a psychonaut. He will have to harness his mental powers to avert a tragedy of epic proportions and get to the bottom of a mysterious plot. Throughout the plot, in addition to improving his powers, Raz will be able to penetrate the minds of different characters. There will be many challenges to overcome and very different from each other, since each brain is different from the last. In them, the personality of each character is reflected. And what better way to get into those minds with Raz to become a veteran psychonaut in his sequel?
Classic platforms to switch from one mind to another
If you’re a particular fan of 3D platforming titles, I think you’ll have another compelling reason to try this one. Psychonauts. The Double Fine game bets on a classic gameplay of the genre, with very different scenarios, but at all times retaining the essence of its playable base. There are things like double jump, swing between snap points, or hits with which to take down enemies. Due to the material limitations of the time, He is Psychonauts does not allow too much freedom when exploring, but it guarantees a multitude of collectibles throughout the adventure.
As secondary objectives, the game presents a sufficient amount of content alongside the main adventure, and can also interact with many characters that we meet on the road. The idea of entering into different minds also grants a highly variable artistic section, which although it has improved tremendously for the sequel, I think that has always been another of the remarkable aspects of Psychonauts. Unfortunately the controls have not aged as well as I would like.
The title offers some options for camera control, just like reversing the axes, but overall it feels pretty clunky compared to current games. Keep in mind that it has been raining a lot since its launch in 2005. The technology has come a long way, and even the responsible study itself has been acquired by Microsoft, taking a giant leap forward. Although at the controls it looks like a bit outdated game, it is still perfectly enjoyable, and being on Game Pass, there is no excuse not to try it.
The main barrier of the original Psychonauts
It should be noted that Psychonauts it also has other drawbacks. For an original Xbox game, the title hasn’t aged well in some playable aspects, but the most annoying part is the language issue. I’m talking about the game, although it is included in Game Pass today and may have some performance improvement, always in full english. Dialogs and menus will need to be read and heard in English, which can be a problem for many.
It is possible to enjoy the game like a normal platform, without knowing the plot inside out, but as you can imagine this means a lack of information and immersion for the player. If you have a minimum of the language, I think it won’t be very difficult for you to understand where Raz’s adventure is leading us.. If on the other hand English is not your thing, know that there are many cutscenes loaded with dialogues, as well as interactions with other characters in full gameplay. Like I said, while that’s not a major issue for you, the game is nonetheless very enjoyable.
In terms of sound, it must be said that dubbing continues to maintain a good level (in plain English). And comparing it with the trailers and gameplays seen so far Psychonauts 2, I can say that the original has not aged badly at all in this regard. With the soundtrack the same thing happens, we can see that in the sequel the witness of this first game was perfectly collected, further rounding off its virtues.
Prepare to leave for Maligula
There are several reasons why this Psychonauts it’s worth it. It is a classic 3D platform game, with a very original staging, and a rather interesting narration. One of those games which, despite the years, want to come back for the pleasure and the originality of their proposal. Raz’s first adventure was a milestone for Double Fine and the Schafer team., but after years and years of waiting, his suite is already around the corner.
I think there is no better time to get into Psychonauts than now. the 25 august We will finally have its sequel, a title that aims higher than we initially imagined. Like his original opus, we can enjoy it on Game Pass, and… what better way to get closer to his world than to enjoy the original game? Meet Raz and his friends, the spirits he could already understand back then, and enjoy the unique artistic section of a game that, without a doubt, is a must in the Game Pass catalog. And don’t forget, don’t miss any Game Pass Mondays in the Xbox Zone.
About the Author
I have traveled to worlds you would never believe, finished with enemies that escape all mysticism. I felt my pulse quicken with each battle, and the sigh of who knows he will have to get up. There is always a villain waiting and an adventure around the corner.
Table of Contents
