One of the few titles to understand that the true mark of a game as an animated film lies not in graphical fidelity, but expression and smart direction (the only other game that comes to mind is Luigi’s Mansion 3). Psychonauts 2 is much closer to the works of Laika and other animated greats than Ratchet & Clank has ever come to earning those tired Pixar comparisons.
As almost all AAA games, the game is really too long and contains some open world segments that I really could’ve done without, but I think the biggest mark against it is the game’s structure and pacing. For as well scripted and directed the individual moments and conversations are, the whole script starts and stops in strange spots and drags when it should speed up.
Still, I can’t deny that the game is infinitely charming and more often than not gorgeous. Not entirely sure how I feel about the games themes and subtext, but for a non-Nintendo platformer to look and play as good as this WHILE trying to tell an actual story is a pretty great feat.
As almost all AAA games, the game is really too long and contains some open world segments that I really could’ve done without, but I think the biggest mark against it is the game’s structure and pacing. For as well scripted and directed the individual moments and conversations are, the whole script starts and stops in strange spots and drags when it should speed up.
Still, I can’t deny that the game is infinitely charming and more often than not gorgeous. Not entirely sure how I feel about the games themes and subtext, but for a non-Nintendo platformer to look and play as good as this WHILE trying to tell an actual story is a pretty great feat.