Re-Playing: "Psychonauts"
I’ve never been to summer camp, and after playing "Psychonauts," I know I never will. The reason: A normal camp just can’t compare to Whispering Rock’s Psychic Summer Camp. Instead of making lanyards and rowing canoes, the campers at Whispering Rock levitate and set things on fire ... with their minds!
The idea of "Psychonauts" came straight out from the mind of renowned video game designer and all-around nice guy, Tim Schafer (or THE Tim Schafer if you watched Spike TV’s Video Game Awards). Schafer had been inspired by his college psychology class and wanted to make a game where the main character would jump into his own mind to solve puzzles, kinda like a Jimmy Neutron “brain blast,” except not terrible. After a publisher misheard and asked about “that game where you jump into other people’s minds,” the idea for "Psychonauts" was born.
If you’ve never heard of "Psychonauts" before, don’t be ashamed. Although it was a critically acclaimed 2005 Xbox/PlayStation 2/PC game, it just did not sell as well as it should have. For me to even find a tangible copy of the game when I picked it up in 2006 took weeks of calls to various used game stores, for I had not been enlightened to the wonders of online shopping at that time. But after playing it, replaying it and then playing it once more, I’m confident in saying that this is a game everyone should play.
"Psychonauts" just does everything right. It has a gorgeous Tim Burton/Dr. Seuss/Pixar-esque look, spot-on controls and stunning voice acting. (The main character is voiced by Richard Steven Horvitz, the same guy as Invader Zim, Dagget from "Angry Beavers," and Billy from "The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy." You literally grew up on this man’s voice.) This game has so much polish, you can see yourself in it.
But the absolute best part of "Psychonauts" is its humor. Video games are not known for being genuinely funny, but Schafer has blended your favorite Saturday morning cartoon show with one of the best playing games of its generation.
Like a cartoon, "Psychonauts" is pretty light. There are a few stumpers in the way of puzzles, but generally, this game is easy, which actually adds to the game. Anyone can understand and play "Psychonauts." Its wonderful core gameplay and beautiful aesthetic allow gamers and non-gamers of all ages to find something to enjoy and it’s tutorial makes learning the game a cinch.
There are a few ways to pick this gem up. If you really want a retail Xbox, PlayStation 2, or PC copy, you’ll have to patrol Amazon.com or eBay. The discs are compatible with the newer Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles, so there should be no trouble in getting the physical. But the cheapest -- and by far the easiest -- way to capture this elusive title is to download it from the Xbox Live Marketplace or Valve’s PC Steam service.
There’s no reason not to play this game. Put down the macramé and pick up "Psychonauts." You’ll thank me later.
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