The original ​​Psychonauts was released back in 2005 and became an instant fan-favorite for its unique and trippy platforming premise, and following a 16-year hiatus, developer Double Fin Production has finally lined up a sequel. Having been in the works as early as 2015, the crowdfunding origins of Psychonauts 2 have slowly evolved into major backing from Xbox, taking the mind-hopping follow-up into AAA territory with striking psychedelic visuals, high-action set pieces, and an array of inclusive accessibility options.

With the release of ​​​​Psychonauts 2 nearing, excitement has certainly reached its peak, especially as the title is set to debut on day one for Xbox Game Pass. With that said, how is the trippy platformer actually performing with critics? Well, according to emerging reviews, the Psychonauts sequel is faring pretty well, earning praise for the well-crafted worlds and quirky storytelling the original is beloved for. Outlets largely admired the title’s modernized “old-school” gameplay, while some also described it as slightly “clunky” to some extent.

• EGM – 80/100

“​​Psychonauts 2 recaptures the humor, heart, and much of the creative magic of the original game, with modern refinements that make it more pleasant to play. While the combat still feels a bit clunky and outdated compared to the rest of the game, fans of the original will no doubt delight in revisiting old friends and making new ones in this charming adventure.”

• Game Informer – 90/100

“I adored almost every second of Psychonauts 2. It achieves something I don’t often see in games – a continual sense of awe as each of its worlds unfold. It took 16 years to reach release, but Double Fine has delivered an incredible sequel. I hope we get a third installment that doesn’t take nearly as long to create.”

• Kotaku – “One Hell of a Hopeful Message”

“Psychonauts 2 isn’t about gunning down the big boss at the end and cheering over their dead body. It’s about understanding that even the biggest asshole is still a person, and deep down they may just need some help. We all need some help sometimes. The key is asking for it. Today, in 2021, it’s easy to look around and see people who seem cruel and evil, and to assume they are lost souls, not worth saving. Psychonauts 2 says otherwise. It says that everyone can change. I’m not sure I fully believe that, but I’ll be damned if that’s not one hell of a hopeful message.”

• Video Chums – 85/100

“As far as 3D platformers go, you certainly can’t get much more consistently varied than Psychonauts 2 with its trippy environments and nifty psychic abilities. Throw in an excellent cast of characters and a memorable story and you’re left with one heck of an adventure.”

• Wccftech – 95/100

“Psychonauts 2 delivers on everything it madly promises. That includes old school platforming with new school precision, an impressive visual style that never falters, and a world begging to be explored.”

Psychonauts 2 releases August 25th for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. What do you think? Are you excited to see ​​Psychonauts 2 get such glowing reviews, or did you expect nothing less from the long-awaited game? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter and Facebook to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day!

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