It comes as a great surprise that a game supposedly suitable for thirteen year olds and older has such austere underlying themes. Dont be fooled by the vibrant colour palette and the fact that Psychonauts takes place in a childrens summer camp, the 2005 game is worryingly dark. The protagonist is a young boy called Raz who is gifted with psychic abilities. Using these psychic powers the player has the ability to enter the minds of the games characters and encounter their personal demons, nightmares and hidden memories. As if this wasnt dark enough, the real world of the summer camp is none too idyllic either; nestled right next to an insane asylum. One of the most memorable macabre moments in the game which now enjoys a cult following is when best friends Crystal and Clem are standing on the roof of the main building. As they watch the sunset they discuss how they are about to take a big step forward in life the obvious subtext being that the 10-year-olds are going to attempt suicide. One sequence which tops even this is Millas nightmare room where you must endure the pleas of the children she saw burn to death in an orphanage fire. The game is littered with horrifying moments like this which clash with the visually upbeat art style and the summer camp setting.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
