Retro Monday: Pyschonauts (Xbox,PS2,PC)

So any self respecting gamer should know about this game or at least it’s creator. Spawned from the genius mind of Tim Schafer, I'm talking about the sheer awesomeness that is 'Psychonauts'.

I was young when I was first introduced to his genius when playing Grim Fandango. To this day I can still remember being absorbed into the witty yet dark world of the undead, and how they roll on with their boring 9-to-5 jobs, and everything inbetween.

His creativeness doesn’t falter on this platforming gem either. The games' surreal setting revolves around the adventures of Rasputin or Raz, a boy who runs away from the circus to join a psychic summer camp. He soon uncovers a terrible plot that is threatening the brains and lives of all of those at the camp. Intrigued yet? You should be.

Raz becomes a rookie ‘Psychonaut’, and embarks on a journey that takes him into the mind of a variety of bizarre yet unique characters. He helps them tackle their deepest fears and memories, in order to gain their help to overcome this evil plot afoot.

Rasputin with Dogan and his tin foil hat, the best character in the game

The gameplay and combat revolves around various psychic powers Raz obtains as he helps important individuals overcome their fears.e Telekinesis, Pyrokinesis, Invisibility and Levitation are just some of his arsenal. Round every corner there's real laugh out loud moments and elements of bizarre humour that borders on outlandish genius. The game revels in it's crazy level settings, off-the-wall satirical digs, and homage to the best of pop culture. There's a level where Raz becomes Godzilla and helps the city’s rebel fish faction fight back against their corrupted fish government. What more could you want?

Schafer sculpted this game into everything a brilliant game should be. Memorable in every way, intriguing characters, unique settings and a game that doesn't ever get boring.

Stop sitting around and buy it already

It’s on the Xbox Live Arcade and Steam, so there’s no excuse for you to not pick up this piece of gaming history. I just hope he creates something more along these lines with the follow up to Brutal Legend.

Tim Schafer. Outlandish Genius. Storytelling don. DUDE.