New documentary series reveals never-before-seen look at an Xbox classic

(Image credit: Double Fine)

The developers of Psychonauts 2 have released a massive, free documentary series outlining the creative process behind the psychedelic action classic.

Double Fine, the developer behind Psychonauts 2, Brutal Legend, and Costume Quest has put together a brand new documentary for your viewing pleasure. The “Double Fine PsychOdyssey” clocks in at over 15 hours long and features an in-depth look at Psychonauts 2’s development process.

Available on Xbox Game Pass, Psychonauts 2 is a witty, action puzzler that has you take on the role of Raz, an adorable psyche-traveling, reality-defying secret agent working for the eponymous Psychonauts. Following on from the original Psychonauts released way back in 2005, a lot was riding on the sequel, and Double Fine’s documentary series does a great job at highlighting all of the trials and tribulations that went into crafting Raz’s latest adventure. The documentary can be found on Double Fine’s YouTube channel.

Psyche up

The original Psychonauts put developer Double Fine and spearhead Tim Schafer on the map, offering a psychedelic, thoughtful, and surprisingly moving tour de force boasting easygoing action mechanics and a profoundly memorable art style. Though a tentative follow-up had been offered through the Rhombus of Ruin VR experience, a full-blown sequel was a tall order, drawing scrutiny from other developers and fans alike.

The game’s positive reception indicates that Double Fine stuck the landing. However, pulling off a worthy sequel is easier said than done. It’s great to see Double Fine willingly offering curious viewers a chance to peek behind the curtain.

That said, the documentary is more than just a human interest story. The series takes you through the development process itself, not only offering insight to curious fans but also providing a resource for prospective game developers.

By its very nature, the vast majority of game development happens behind the scenes. You’re able to revel in the finished product, but often the exact extent of all the hard work that went into the product is obscured behind layers of polish. For every great aspect of a game, there are plenty more that never made the cut or simply proved too unfeasible to implement in the first place.

By lifting the veil on game development, Double Fine is offering a generous and expository look into how the video game sausage is made, allowing us to gain a renewed appreciation for all the hard work and emotional labor that goes into our favorite games.

Psychonauts 2 proves that mental health awareness can be funny.

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An editor and freelance journalist, Cat Bussell has been writing about video games for more than four years and, frankly, she’s developed a taste for it. As seen on TechRadar, Technopedia, The Gamer, Wargamer, and SUPERJUMP, Cat’s reviews, features, and guides are lovingly curated for your reading pleasure.

A Cambridge graduate, recovering bartender, and Cloud Strife enjoyer, Cat’s foremost mission is to bring you the best coverage she can, whether that’s through helpful guides, even-handed reviews, or thought-provoking features. She’s interviewed indie darlings, triple-A greats, and legendary voice actors, all to help you get closer to the action. When she’s not writing, Cat can be found sticking her neck into a fresh RPG or running yet another Dungeons & Dragons game.