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Brief Psychonauts Impressions (Or: The Official Thread)

S

Speevy

Banned
Unique art direction, excellent music and voice acting. I still haven't gotten a feel for the gameplay yet. So far it's been more or less standard platforming and collecting. That's just the training level, btw. Presentation is the best part. Very funny/memorable lines. I have a headache right now, so I'm probably not going to play anymore until tomorrow. So I'll give you some more impressions then.

There's not much I can say, yet. Graphics are awesome artistically, above average technically.

Ask questions.
 
Yeah, I haven't really done anything of interest. As a matter of fact, what I've done is probably contained in the PC demo. I'm just trying to generate interest in the game.
 
This game is everything I was expecting and more. The only complaint I have so far is that one of the levels had really REALLY crazy geometry and it gave me a headache
 
my only complaint is the FUCKING PC VERSION GOT DELAYED till the 25th so I still dont have it.
 
StoOgE said:
my only complaint is the FUCKING PC VERSION GOT DELAYED till the 25th so I still dont have it.
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Buy the Xbox version. FOR TIM.

:lol

Seriously though dude, I'm the one who's never played a PC adventure game before, let alone a Tim Schafer game. And you're not getting it because the lesser, cheaper PC version is delayed?
 
Just got done playing for about an hour and a half on the Xbox version. Very smooth graphics, and the gameplay does get pretty psychadelic in short order. Its nice to not be able to fall into a bottomless pit, but it does a number on my sense when what is up becomes down and vice versa.

Great game so far though. I want to go back and entirely finish off the levels before I get to far into it though as there seems to be lots of stuff to run by.
 
Speevy said:
+
Seriously though dude, I'm the one who's never played a PC adventure game before, let alone a Tim Schafer game. And you're not getting it because the lesser, cheaper PC version is delayed?
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1) Tim games seem right on a PC.
2) It looks better.
3) Ive allready pre-ordered it.

Plus, I think after figuring in lic. fee's and whatnot, the PC version probably nets Majesco as much $$.
 
I've put a good hour and a half into it as is --- The explorative element in it is just fantastic, like no other platformer.
I really wasn't anticipating this game much, but this early on it's hit me with how great it probobly is.

Past the initial tutorial level it really opens up, It really seems as if the entire camp is open to you.
My last hour I was getting sidetracked by any and everything : D ----- I just came from Jade Empire, and this little summer camp seems much more open/explorative than any of those environments.... Not only that, there's dialoge and story around every corner (I must've spend 15 min having Raz read out the bulliten-board).

The platforming and control is about what you'd expect from a modern day platformer... nothing exciting yet, and not too much fun to be had with the physics .... I'd say it just lands somewhere shy of SlyCooper.... but, as far as platforming, I'm really only past the tutorial... everything else has been wandering about the environments.

The art direction is just great --- the trailers really made it look like a Burtin ripoff, but the sunny summer camp is just so damn charming and unique.... the style even trails off into the large draw-distance -- and the lake! beeeautiful!
Technically, it looks as if the game should've come out 2 years ago ---- plenty of good stuff, but there's little bumps in the road like fram-ripping even in rendered cut-scenes.... and the general choppyness that all Xbox games seem to have.

definately an amazing title that'll probobly sell about 000,007 copies across the nation.
 
Ok.. played a ton more. So, more impressions.

First the bad, there are seriously a fuck ton of things to collect, and while that tickles me pink, I wonder if it might not have been overboard. There are PSI cards to help you level up, there are PSI Cores that automatically level you up, there are Psi-Arrow heads that are like this games version of cash. Then inside the actual levels there are 5 different kinds of emotional baggage, mental cob webs, vaults of personal secrets, and figments of imagination.

So, yeah. LOTS of stuff to collect, but I never felt like I was being forced to go around and get some of these things. The most that could be said is that to fully complete the game you are going to be spending a decent chunk of time gathering up the PSI arrows at least.

Now, for the good. The graphics, while not mind blowing in the technical prowess, are just amazing in terms of artistic direction. Raz as a character brings out just enough of that 'cool' design, and also seems to include that bit of awkward as well. Its a very nice fit. The basic campground layout is alot larger that I would have thought at first, and gives you tons of room to just explore if you enjoy that more in your platformers. Relating back to the collect-a-thon, DoubleFine was nice enough to include a total tally for each zone so you know what is around for you to hunt down in each area.

Since the basic campground area was so interesting to explore, I was eagerly awaiting some of the later brain based levels and I can not say I was dissapointed. I'm about 4 hours into the game, and only one brain based level dissapointed me in terms of its presentation. The rest have been fantastic, and I've seen about 6 so far. They range from the abstract in design with Agent Nein's shooting level, to the absurd when you enter the brain of a Lungfish. My only real knock against some of the brain based levels is that they fuck with your senses and during Nein's level I felt like I was starting to develope a headache.

Overall... I'm digging it. I havn't really touched on the humour of this game, but thats more because I think telling some of that would be a bigger spoiler than some of the story elements. Just rest assured that the game is very funny, and while not every joke is a home run... well lets just say that when they swing for the fence they definately hit it out of the park.

In summation.. GO BUY THIS GAME! Well at least if you enjoy platformers, artistic games, or games with a sense of humour. Its a must.
 
sammy said:
definately an amazing title that'll probobly sell about 000,007 copies across the nation.
Click to expand...

It certainly seems that way so far. Just like Stranger's Wrath. And then the other 99.9% of the gamer population will go on crying and caterwauling about how video games circa 2005 are in the toilet and Western developers do nothing other than FPS and driving games, or they'll go play Resident Evil 4 for the tenth time or spend days on end debating Nintendo's ten title Q4 lineup. Rrrrrrr.... HULK SMASH STUPID FUCKERS!!!
 
Red Mercury said:
The most that could be said is that to fully complete the game you are going to be spending a decent chunk of time gathering up the PSI arrows at least.
Click to expand...

Once you get the thing, you'll be collecting arrowheads in groups of fifty, and I believe they respawn. It took me less than 5 minutes to collect the 400 arrowheads for the other thing.

Now, for the good. The graphics, while not mind blowing in the technical prowess, are just amazing in terms of artistic direction. Raz as a character brings out just enough of that 'cool' design, and also seems to include that bit of awkward as well.
Click to expand...

I was actually surprised by how technically good the graphics are. There's dynamic lighting (or is it shadowing..) in the demo level, tons of great effects everywhere (water, particle effects, lighting), and lots of things have really nice texturing and bump mapping (sasha's lab). It also runs at 60fps on xbox, with some occasional tearing.
 
Great game so far, Iim about 4-5 hours into it.

Btw,

THe milkman/guard level gives me a headache..heh
 
I was disturbed by the Xbox demo because the framerate took a dip whenever you did a double jump and there was a lot of stuff onscreen. Whatever the special effects are necessary to put the psychic blob onscreen kind of seemed to be taxing the hardware. Does the final version do this as well?
 
Absolutely love the game. It seriously put a big ol' smile on my face last night. It just has a special touch to it that most games these days lack. A lot of love went into this game...
 
EB is now saying the PC version is shipping today (yesterday they said it was shipping yesterday). I suppose that means its really shipping on the 25th, but they are holding out hope that its going to get there sooner.
 
This game is so damn fun! I picked up the latest OXM because of the demo disc and suprisingly it was my favorite demo on the disc (DOOM, Pariah, and Darkwatch all F'ING suck... ESPECIALLY PARIAH christ....) I haven't had as much fun with a platformer since the N64. The jokes are funny and the game is really pretty. I always dug the screens that were released over the years but I thought the look and everything else were going to be a gimmick like the GEX games from the 32 bit era, but the game is actually really damn cool.
 
Yeah, since I cant play the real game, I replayed the demo again.. I dont know how many times Ive been through it, but it is A LOT of fun. I can only assume the actual game is better.
 
Azih said:
Should i buy this from doublefine FOR TIM! or from Amazon FOR GAF!
?
Click to expand...

I would imagine Tim will get it to you slower than Amazon. But, you could get an autographed copy.
 
sammy said:
definately an amazing title that'll probobly sell about 000,007 copies across the nation.
Click to expand...
VALIS said:
It certainly seems that way so far. Just like Stranger's Wrath.
Click to expand...
Hm, am I sensing a pattern?

Giving quirky games with very little marketing a $50 price point is a death sentence. This should have been $40 at most.
 
1) Tim games seem right on a PC.
Click to expand...
I know it sounds weird, but I tend agree. I guess because I played all his games on a PC. Even though Psychonauts could be better suited for consoles due to it's platformer controls.
 
Marconelly said:
I know it sounds weird, but I tend agree. I guess because I played all his games on a PC. Even though Psychonauts could be better suited for consoles due to it's platformer controls.
Click to expand...

I have played both demo's and using a USB controller (looks like the Dual Shock 2), with some tweaking I actually think it controls a bit better.. plus I have more control over mappings and whatnot.
 
Marconelly said:
I know it sounds weird, but I tend agree. I guess because I played all his games on a PC. Even though Psychonauts could be better suited for consoles due to it's platformer controls.
Click to expand...

It is.

I really had a difficult time getting into the PC demo, but it feels much better on the XBOX. I can understand the idea, though, as the PC was Tim's previous home...but this game was clearly created for the XBOX.
 
I've put about 6.5 hours into it. It definitely gets a lot trippier once you
get to the insane aslyum

I'm just amazed at how much detail and unique dialog / situations are in the game. Plus there's a lot of stuff you'd end up missing if you blow through it too fast. I'm probably going to beat it tonight, and go through it again slower next time.
 
Shig said:
Giving quirky games with very little marketing a $50 price point is a death sentence. This should have been $40 at most.
Click to expand...

Clearly they should have taken the phantom dust route, that game sold TONS! ......Oh wait. The people who are going to buy this game are going to buy it regardless of price. They can either sell it to practically nobody for $50, or to practically nobody for $20.
 
Giving quirky games with very little marketing a $50 price point is a death sentence.
Click to expand...
Psychonauts is supposed to be getting a TV marketing campaign.

Other activities incorporated into the Psychonauts campaign include:

* Humorous national TV campaign;
* Print campaign in mass-market and gaming enthusiast publications that includes spreads, pages and a unique “interactive” insert;
* Major online advertising initiative that began in March and will continue through launch;
* Two week national radio campaign in the top 10 markets;
* Three kiosks on the “GameLive College Tour” that runs from March through mid-April and hits 25 college campuses across the country;
* Inclusion on the May Xbox retail kiosks;
* Consumer demos and video trailers on Official Xbox Magazine and leading online gaming sites;
* Official Brady Strategy Guide available at launch;
* Large-scale, cross-promotion with Creative Labs;
* Comprehensive publicity campaign targeting leading consumer and gaming enthusiast publications, online, and broadcast outlets;
* Dedicated consumer web site at www.Psychonauts.com.
 
border said:
Psychonauts is supposed to be getting a TV marketing campaign.

Other activities incorporated into the Psychonauts campaign include:

* Humorous national TV campaign;
* Print campaign in mass-market and gaming enthusiast publications that includes spreads, pages and a unique “interactive” insert;
* Major online advertising initiative that began in March and will continue through launch;
* Two week national radio campaign in the top 10 markets;
* Three kiosks on the “GameLive College Tour” that runs from March through mid-April and hits 25 college campuses across the country;
* Inclusion on the May Xbox retail kiosks;
* Consumer demos and video trailers on Official Xbox Magazine and leading online gaming sites;
* Official Brady Strategy Guide available at launch;
* Large-scale, cross-promotion with Creative Labs;
* Comprehensive publicity campaign targeting leading consumer and gaming enthusiast publications, online, and broadcast outlets;
* Dedicated consumer web site at www.Psychonauts.com.
Click to expand...


The latest news update on DF's site says the commercials are running on MTV, among other channels. So at least it's not G4..


Edit: hahah, right after I clicked submit, the commercial came on................. on g4. It was pretty good, but it wasn't very funny. They should have used the "*raz explains situation* lili says oh my god, let's make out" quote.
 
Quick question: I'm getting the PC version (not an Xbox owner) and I noticed in the demo there was no option to turn on subtitles... are there subtitles in the final retail release?
 
Lemming_JRS said:
Quick question: I'm getting the PC version (not an Xbox owner) and I noticed in the demo there was no option to turn on subtitles... are there subtitles in the final retail release?
Click to expand...

PC version has yet to ship, but I'll let you know as soon as I get it.

I get the feeling creative is going to be packing this game in with products soon.

Hopefully they will run some ads during Adult Swim. Honestly, that should be their target audience, older people who watch adult humor orientated cartoons are likely to *get* this game. But im sure they will go after the WWE and MTV audience and fail miserably.
 
FoneBone said:
Can anyone recommend me a good controller for the PC version?
Click to expand...

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2225,CONTENTID=9069

4788.jpg

Hot wireless sex. 40 bucks. They have a wired version for 30, one without rumble for 20, but the build quality goes down with each one as well. I got the 20 dollar one free from them because of a customer service issue, and it isnt very good... I mean, it works, but its not very comfy.

Edit: or get it from Amazon (via GAF) and get it for 30. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002XJBGE/ref=nosim/7240428-20/103-3893309-1081431
 
Ghost said:
Wouldnt it be cheaper/better to get a magicbox and use console pads?
Click to expand...

probably, but then you would have cords. Plus, my Xbox is in a different room from my PC, so it makes it a hassle to move them around, then find where i put my damn controller, etc. But yeah, you could do that too.
 
VALIS said:
It certainly seems that way so far. Just like Stranger's Wrath. And then the other 99.9% of the gamer population will go on crying and caterwauling about how video games circa 2005 are in the toilet and Western developers do nothing other than FPS and driving games, or they'll go play Resident Evil 4 for the tenth time or spend days on end debating Nintendo's ten title Q4 lineup. Rrrrrrr.... HULK SMASH STUPID FUCKERS!!!
Click to expand...

Man you took the words right out of my mouth. But I will not add to the diatribe other than to say I wholeheartedly agree with the point you're making. Stranger's Wrath was awesome but gamers seemed to be ambivalent (regardless if it was published by EA).
 
for PC joypad use ControlMK and XBCD with the xbox to usb connector.
at the love of the S in your hands with the mouse mapped to your right stick!
 
FoneBone said:
Should I assume that a GC controller wouldn't be worth bothering with? Probably not enough buttons...
Click to expand...

yeah, plus the grooves in the C stick thing are kinda funky... dunno how that would work out since the game isnt made with those in mind.
 
This game keeps getting better and better..

Edgar's level is unbelievable..ive never seen anything like this in a game

Oh if you guys get stuck use the meat..the guy will help you. I just figured this out an hour ago :-\
 
I wanted to come in here and rave about how I feel about the game, but some of that would be recounting experiences some of you have already had or will have when you get whatever version floats your boat. So I'll keep it short.

For a long time I've joined GAF lists and said that this was one of my most anticipated titles. That I hoped someone could make a compelling game based on humor/psychology (both great loves of mine) and mix it with a fun platformer (a really crap genre this gen). I figured if anyone could manage that uneeded task, it would be Tim Schaefer. I've loved what he's done in the past and board insiders talk aside, I thought a lot of the art and previews were pretty positive.

Mission accomplished. We don't and won't all have the same connection with a title (any title apparently) but for me...this is a real gem. It has some of the best art design I've ever seen in a game. It's actually fun to play and instead of the hollow laugh track that accompanies most gaming attempts at humor, I've honestly laughed aloud at the script a few times. It's a work of art. Some people were saying you shouldn't pay full price for such a niche title, but in this case I think niche just means damn fresh and great. I'm going to put my money where my mouth is and buy a 2nd signed copy. That's how I feel about it.
 
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