Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

20 to 40 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Amazing"

Too often developers seem to strive for mere profit in their games. One my easily look to all the cookie-cutter first person shooters or adventure games out there to date to see this. The creators of psychonauts, however, really seem to have focused more on going wild with their imagination. What resulted was a rare gem. The sheer creativity in the levels, from world war 2 style battlefields to dance halls to circus acts, is a treat to mind as the ideas are not only presented well, but rich with life. The variety of the game, from playing director of a theater to infiltrating a conspiracy through a gardener costume are just the tip of the ice berg. I'll never forget the joy of trampling through a city inhabited by fish or the frantic rush of trying to stamp out enemies in the "organized" brain of an agent. At first glance at the art work years ago, I felt no desire to try out this unknown title. Yet, upon picking up the controls, it lends itself nicely to the slightly out-there feel of the title. The game does have its occasional burps here and there in the controls, but their occurrence is so rare that I can barely remember them happening. The only other major complaint would be that the game is so extensive that it can sometimes be difficult to find exactly where you're supposed to go next. However, this is usually quickly resolved. It is truly sad that this game sold so poorly initially, as it truly does merit a sequel. Maybe due to its recent rebirth in popularity thanks to word of mouth and mentions on the internet (such as by a certain fast-talking British reviewer), it may some day get this much needed sequel, but until then, enjoy this masterpiece of gaming design. Plus, if you're not sure whether you'd like it or not; it's only $10 nowadays. It wouldn't be much less to rent it.