The Xbox Games Showcase Extended unveiled a much closer look at the new powers and levels available to Razputin in Psychonauts 2. This extended digital showcase acted as a supplement to the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase that aired during E3 2021 on June 13, wherein Microsoft and Double Fine Productions announced the Psychonauts sequel’s August 2021 due date.
Despite Double Fine previously releasing only one other game in the action-adventure series, Psychonauts has endured quite a bit of hardship in its 16-year history. The first entry was beset by more than its fair share of developmental woes, which then morphed into publishing issues. While the announcement of a sequel during the 2015 Game Awards generated plenty of excitement, Psychonauts 2’s forward progression quickly became stifled by even more development and publishing troubles. Fortunately, Microsoft’s acquisition of Double Fine a couple of years ago has allowed the team to preserve much of its original vision for the long-awaited return to Razputin’s world.
For approximately seven minutes during the extended Xbox Games Showcase, Double Fine CEO Tim Schafer regaled viewers with talk of all things Psychonauts 2 in a gameplay and story overview. As a Psychonaut, protagonist Razputin possesses myriad psychic abilities; Schafer detailed the Astral Projection power in the gameplay overview, explaining that it allows Raz to project his psyche into that of someone else. In venturing through the mind of another in such a way, the character can help fend off nightmares and wrestle with other mental health-related concerns. Thus, Double Fine mapped out the various levels inside of brains, one of which belongs to Dr. Lobato – a villain-turned-hero from the first title. The gameplay shows that Raz and fellow Psychonauts must dive deep into the doctor’s mind to extract a key piece of information. Since Dr. Lobato’s psyche runs rampant with enemies new and old, such as doubts and regrets, Raz and Co. will no doubt have their work cut out for them.
Psychonauts 2 is looking like an experience that will prove just as impressive as its 16-year-old predecessor. Evidently, Double Fine managed to pack the new adventure with plenty of mystery and intrigue, too, much of it revolving around Raz, his family, and their connection to the Psychonauts.
The extended Xbox showcase featured several other notable bits of information, as well. Developer 343 Industries offered new details about Halo Infinite’s Big Team Battle, for example. Meanwhile, Rare unleashed a second look at Sea of Thieves‘ upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean crossover. Xbox’s choice to host a post-E3 2021 digital event seems to have proven a wise move.
Psychonauts 2 comes to PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms on August 25.
