Psychonauts 2 will feature an "Invincibility Mode" when it releases this summer, allowing players to fully experience the game without worrying about dying.
The mode was confirmed by the game's developer, Double Fine, on Twitter, identifying it as an accessibility feature. In the series of tweets, Double Fine noted that if players finish Psychonauts 2 with the invincibility toggle on, it will still count as completing the game. "All people should be able to enjoy games," reads a follow-up tweet. "All ages, all possible needs. It's an ongoing and important process for our industry and a challenge we need to meet. End of the day? We want you to have fun, to laugh, to experience a story that affects you. On whatever terms you want."
"'Uh, excuse me I beat Sword Guy Serious Time on a no hit hard mode and if [you] didn't do that I don't respect you,'" reads another tongue-in-cheek follow-up tweet, noting gatekeeping over accessibility features. "'And like, can you even comment on things if you're not diamond six rank in shooty mcBlam? I don't think so.' cool bud. you're soooo cool!" Double Fine previously outlined the game's accessibility features in a YouTube Q&A, pointing out that the game will include colorblind modes, larger subtitles, alternate platforming controls, combat adjustments, localized in-game signage and more.
With accessibility features becoming a more prominent need in today's gaming production, features such as Psychonauts 2's Invincibility Mode are being more frequently added to popular titles. Xbox, one of the game's publishers, showcased its own plans and features in its Global Accessibility Awareness Day back in May, highlighting the strides made and introducing new standards like a guide for game developers on incorporating accessibility features in their games. Recently released Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart received praise for its accessibility features, which offer options like fully customizable color shaders and customizable button shortcuts.
Psychonauts 2 itself is a follow-up on 2005's Psychonauts, which became a cult classic due to its highly original premise and inventive gameplay. Fans spent a decade demanding a sequel to the game, resulting in a crowdfunding campaign back in 2015. Psychonauts 2 was announced with a short teaser that year before receiving a full gameplay trailer and release date at 2021's E3 Conference. Double Fine promised that the game will feature the same stylistic level design and art as the original, and will be created by the original game's developers, including Tim Schaefer, who led the project.
Developed by Double Fine and published by Xbox Game Studios, Psychonauts 2 will release on August 25, 2021, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Source: Twitter