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Psychonauts 2

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, Xbox Series X|S, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2021

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Quick resume

Combining quirky missions and mysterious conspiracies, Psychonauts 2 is a platform-adventure game with cinematic style and tons of customizable psychic powers.

Global score

96/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Platform

Pros

  • Creative and imaginative level design
  • Engaging story and characters
  • Polished platforming and combat
  • Strong narrative and emotional depth
  • Extensive exploration and collectibles

Cons

  • Some pacing issues with cutscenes
  • Platforming can be frustrating at times
  • Limited replayability beyond collectibles
  • Some characters underutilized
  • Lack of manual save and single save slot

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to explore large hub worlds and multiple mental worlds with varied mechanics and approaches."

  • Competence
    3

    "Platforming and combat are polished and improved, offering skill-based challenges though generally accessible and not overly difficult."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on single-player story and exploration without competitive or ranked modes."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report addictive gameplay and desire to replay, with extensive collectibles and exploration encouraging long play sessions."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay elements."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Highly creative level design, imaginative mental worlds, unique characters, and artistic visuals praised throughout."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of dominance or power over others; interactions are narrative and character-driven."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players enjoy immersion in imaginative, surreal worlds and story as a form of escape and emotional engagement."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and nostalgia, with no obligation or external pressure noted."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with different psychic powers and abilities, and explore varied level mechanics."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Strong emphasis on discovering new areas, secrets, collectibles, and revisiting levels with new abilities."

  • Expression
    3

    "Some cosmetic customization and character personalization available, though not a primary focus."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Highly imaginative, surreal, and fantastical settings and story elements dominate the experience."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Primarily a solo experience with limited social interaction beyond narrative character relationships."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills, learn new abilities, and experience character growth through story progression."

  • Health
    -5

    "Standard sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement; not designed for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Emotional connections to characters and story are present, but no direct player-to-player intimacy."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; single-player narrative focus."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate upgrades, new powers, collectibles, and level completions driving progression."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Generally a balanced experience with moments of flow and emotional catharsis, though some tension in platforming."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Rich sensory experience with colorful visuals, music, and creative level design providing emotional stimulation."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social status or recognition systems; focus is on personal experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative immersion with deep character development, plot twists, and emotional storytelling."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Some tactical use of powers and combat strategies, but mostly straightforward platforming and exploration."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspense and challenge in platforming and boss fights, but overall accessible and not highly tense."

  • Value
    3

    "Players feel the game offers good value for time and money, especially with rich content and replayability."

  • Violence
    -2

    "Combat exists but is not focused on violence or destruction; more on psychic powers and tactical encounters."

  • Survival
    -3

    "Low threat environment with forgiving mechanics; survival elements are minimal or absent."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026