Psychology of Psychonauts | Bob's Bottles

[@classicrockkid345]

One thing of note in the second mental vault. When Bob is getting fired, Truman doesn't have a face of pride or anger. He's sad that he has to fire a loved family member, someone he knows just went through something as horrible as the loss of a loved one. Truman is either crying, or on the verge of tears. Leading me to believe that Bob does know why Truman fired him and doesn't truly hold a grudge towards his nephew.

[@Generallybreak]

Realistically, there's a part of him that does, and a part of him that doesn't. We're multi-faceted. The part of Bob that is strongest only sees Truman from the perspective that he took something away from Bob, but there's another part that can is looking at this from Truman's perspective and understands.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'm sure he does realize this. But it's easier to accept the opposite consciously.

[@Fluffkitscripts]

@@Generallybreakwe see the same thing with truheltia memonstria. In the guise of Truman, helmut and Tia, it says horrible things about and to bob. Bob realizes he’s lost perspective when it says something helmut never would, or rather when he catches himself thinking it.

[@austinmorrison6953]

So the angry looking Truman statue in that bottle is more how Bob remembers that event going than how it actually went.

[@SomeRandomDutchGuy1]

And in defense of Truman. We only ever hear Bob's side of the conversation. So it is also unclear how many opportunities he's actually gotten to correct his behaviour. For all we know he could've had all manner of opportunities and/or demotions before Truman just saw him as too much of a liability to work for the organization, which is a government institution and thus under a lot of scrutiny. Both from the government itself as from the general public.

[@pitchdotto]

the bit where bob says 'wait, don't go' before you take off in the door through the sea breaks my heart every time

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

The VA did such an amazing job with this character. Plus the animators. The expressions on his face are heart breaking.

[@dunethewanderer8944]

An interesting tidbit I caught in the boss fight was a remark by the Tia plant: "Just another dead sailor!" I actually had to pause to make sure I heard it right, because that would partially explain the nautical themes of the mindscape, and also possibly explain what happened to Bob's father - and why his mother became so distant. Also, the song that plays while you're sailing around on the door is the famous sea shanty "What Do We Do With A Drunken Sailor", which doesn't really need an explanation given everything already discussed.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Really cool detail!

[@Omega_speed]

A lot of people in another bob analysis video also said it was a term for alcohol. I forget what exactly though

[@33shadowkiller]

@@Omega_speed "Finishing off a wounded soldier/sailor" is a term for finishing off a partially consumed bottle of alcohol, usually one that's was left by another person. While I don't know if "just another dead sailor" is an actual drinking term, with this context we can extrapolate it to meaning "just anther empty bottle" which could mean a part of Bob was expecting Raz's attempt to help will fail, thus making another "empty bottle" to appear in Bob's mindscape as proof he really is helpless

[@bugjams]

​@@33shadowkiller I think given how clever the entire game has been with metaphor and wordplay, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that Bob's dad _was_ a sailor who died at sea. It would explain the relationship with his mother and tie in perfectly to the drinking theme.

[@screamingcactus1753]

Another interpretation of the figments in the motherlobe: Bob was projecting. He started feeling bad for drinking on the job, but instead of using that as an opportunity to self reflect, he rationalized to himself that everyone else must be doing it too. Notice how the figments depict other psychonauts drinking in their workplace. That would also reinforce his reaction to getting fired. In his mind he was being unfairly targeted for something that everyone was doing. "I made some mistakes but so has everybody!"

[@BeautifulObscurity]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention that Bob’s ‘flooded mind’ might be a reference to a condition known as Wet Brain, a neurological condition commonly associated with chronic alcoholism. Additionally, in one of the earliest areas with the fruit and bottles sunken in a swamp to me always resembled the aftermath of a party. If you’ve ever thrown a party with cocktails, after the party is done and you’re cleaning up you’ll see glasses with melted ice and leftover garnishes, empty bottles, cocktail umbrellas and stirs all scattered about. We see party decorations in that area too. The image it conjures is that of the next day after a night of heavy drinking, the aftermath of a ‘party’ where now you have to clean up, but instead the ‘mess’ is just…left.

[@luciatheorphan]

kind of representative of his house after his mother's alcoholism as well

[@brendantoungate8287]

Psychonauts 2 is the best example of environmental storytelling I've ever experienced.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Best type of level designd considering everything is a symbolic detail. Love this stuff

[@redbasher636]

If only Raz would SHUT UP for 5 seconds!!! "Mmmm. I hear a baggage tag! I should go grab it!"

[@Pellimori]

​@@redbasher636I think you can turn that bit off in the settings

[@redbasher636]

@@Pellimori Chrck for me because if so, I'd play this more. It alone made me feel like this game was trying to micro-manage me in an annoying way

[@dejaypage1575]

Honestly I still think it’s rather noticeable we don’t hear hide nor hair of Bob’s sibling that is Truman’s parent/Lily’s Grandparent. That would imply that Truman’s only blood family besides Lily *is* his Uncle. I can only imagine how depressed Truman was after having to fire his own uncle

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Yeah the game doesn't give us any info about Truman's parent or Bob's sibling. Not even in the photos from childhood do we see it.

[@dejaypage1575]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I do kinda Headcanon that Bob is the younger brother of the two of them.

[@PineappleLiar]

Hell Bob’s sibling wasn’t even at their mom’s funeral! Perhaps some kind of estrangement occurred, and it was only after forming the psychonauts that Bob got to know his nephew?

[@angelfranciscosalazarmoren7286]

​​@@PineappleLiarperhaps unlike Bob his brother saw the flags on her mother's behavior and decided to distance himself. Bob didn't have a choice...

[@dejaypage1575]

@@angelfranciscosalazarmoren7286 yeah that adds fuel to my idea of Bob being the little brother

[@ragequit4777]

id put a joke here but honestly take your time you are COOKING these videos

[@twistedmyth5860]

ABSOLUTELY! He is doing amazing with these videos, he can take his time.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you! These ones I'm always the most nervous about. Have to be in the right head space to work on them. Glad it is worth the wait!

[@zerckan6870]

You mean he is BREWING something delicious

[@Boss-mw1jv]

Oh hey! It’s another me

[@SoratheWonderful]

Also the detail of Bob being the first to hug Lucy after “losing” his husband to her battle shows he is forgiving and making and seeing the good vs the bad. The Bob bulbs in the levels also show the more “fun” drunk version of Bob with more positive outlook even though that doesn’t last long once the bulb starts growing into the more angrier Bob as Bob drinks more. Drinking culture is also a big driver of the psychonauts chapter, he was probably the only member left at base other than Compton for a while, probably pressured into making toasts at big events, and a part of event itself seeing how he helped create the place.

[@EmpathNaga]

When I first went through this level, I was surprised. It was a lot brighter and more serene in its initial presentation than I imagined. But then I realized: "Of course it's peaceful; it's being numbed by a depressant!"

[@DetectiveDorian]

37:26 I will say, a small detail on this slide here is, Truman's face is that of sadness or regret, so I do think Bob, at least subconsciously, understands that Truman is not firing him out of vindictiveness.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'm sure he does. Just sucks that he consciously thinks differently as a shield to his ego.

[@DetectiveDorian]

​@@GamingUniversityUoGIt's easier to be angry and spiteful than understanding, and the drink probably didn't help.

[@Nazo-kage]

This was actually the level I was looking forward to seeing him, examine the most. When I first played this game and I got to this level, the symbolism all of it just practically smacked me in the face. The tragedies of his life because of alcoholism was staggering, and so very interesting to look through . Especially whenever you heard his voice, whether it’s when he’s growing up, trying to talk to his mom who has shut herself off, when he’s saying his wedding vows to helmet or when he’s yelling at Truman, you can hear it in his voice that he is so raw with his emotions at all those points. And the reveal of the moth basically being beer goggles was so clever to me.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

The voice actors did such an amazing job for this character.

[@morokiokio]

gosh the way he sees others is so relatable its not even funny, the way he thinks they barely tolerate him & that he thinks he is not only safer alone but also doing everyone else better by it too oh man i dont really play games but i love the writing & art in phsychonauts so so much!!

[@LeafseasonMagbag]

Series already added to the “forget about between episodes but drop everything to watch new ones” pile

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Haha thank you!

[@arialash1113]

While we never enter ottos' mind, he does say quite often he went to therapy. But i find it odd he built a machine that cries... Love your videos man they are wonderful.

[@Ronin11111111]

If there is a Psychonauts 3 I'd be shocked if Otto isn't the villain. It's a really cool world so theoretically there could be infinite stories about all sorts of things in it, but if it were "just" a trilogy, a misguided Psychonaut, not one crushed by trauma, would be a great end-point.

[@Generallybreak]

Coming from a long line of alcoholics, this is pretty spot on. Great job, man.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I was frankly scared to do this one because I don't have personal experience with this. Glad to know I got close to the target.

[@macaylacayton2915]

@@GamingUniversityUoGI even provided a trigger warning with my comment since you didn’t seem to provide it

[@Generallybreak]

@@GamingUniversityUoG You should have reached out to me! But it doesn't seem like you needed it. You treated the topic with sensitivity, while still pointing out what kinds of things can trigger it and what can be done to help yourself or others with it.

[@Jawmax]

That "Home" aspect explains why many of the homeless suffer both substance addiction and mental health problems. However, many programs just providing a place to stay, unless rehab and recovery is included for those who are suffering is included and those in it work to through these problems then it is all too easy for them to fall back into the cycle of addiction, homelessness, and declining mental health.

[@ysgramornorris2452]

The bottle imagery reminded me of the expression "to throw a bottle in the ocean". I'm not sure if you have an equivalent in English, but in French it means "to make a last desperate call for help". A castaway putting a message in a bottle and throwing it at sea in the faint hope that someone will find it and send help.

[@totoroFan]

So much symbolism, it really is a beautiful level. Really love your chapter cards here too! The music when surfing on the door is also a variation on 'Drunken Sailor' too which I thought was a great touch

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I love how those chapter cards turned out too!

[@AnimeMe40]

40:40 Super quick note here. While “Reassignment to a less dangerous position” sounds like a good compromise, I know for a fact that (especially in an information based job) it will never be a fix. Let’s assume the Psychonauts mailroom is pretty standard in this world, there is heavy machinery, sensitive materials that need transportation, all of this is highly classified, etc. Even if he is out of the field, he very much would be endangering the entire organization in a different way. (I’m a professional security officer with DHS training if you are wondering my qualifications)

[@Springtime562]

Then what about watching and counting how many pins are knocked down in the bowling alley. Like a keep you busy job that has zero stakes

[@AnimeMe40]

@@Springtime562 I mean… I don’t know how well he could do it drunk, but sure.

[@fallatiuso]

There's also the matter that Bob himself might not view it as having "purpose" to himself; even if he can recognize it has purpose to the psychonauts it may not give purpose to himself. In which case the problem would remain, just pushed sideways; remaining unresolved.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Yeah I'm trying to find some form of compromise. Even if just janitorial staff. It's better than what happened. When it comes to sensitive material I fully understand your position. Those visuals were more an example that there are other things rather than a suggestion. Heck since he has pruning ability the barbershop would work lol

[@AnimeMe40]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I can understand how Truman thought outright Termination was the healthier option though. If he came into work regardless of role he’d just meet his enablers. That maybe the free time would help him reflect on his health.

[@LeafseasonMagbag]

One of the important things to remember in Truman’s decision is Bob isn’t *just* an emotionally unstable man with substance abuse issues He is a *powerful psychic* who’s emotional state dominates his powers. It is a terrible thing how Bob was left without a support network, but as a boss tolerating alcoholic moodswings isn’t viable even BEFORE we remember Bob could seriously injure dozens of people if he completely loses control. What Truman did was myopic but not without reason.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Don't get me wrong. I agree with the decision. Truman has to think not only about all his people but the innocent's who could be affected by botched operations. He certainly did the right thing. I'm more pointing out that even in this scenario it harmed Bob even though it helped untold numbers of others in the future. If we project forward if Truman did nothing then Bob may have gone down a path where he couldn't be here now to help with Maligula.

[@lovinani7]

I was waiting for this video, and you delivered. Bob's Bottles is such a tragically beautiful level that embodies both the game's amazing narrative and Double Fine's meticulous talent. It's such a work of art and I appreciate that you were able to delve into why it makes it as such. Thank you.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

From watching the documentary this was one of the earlier levels that worked on. Double Fine did a great job of showcasing this character and his struggles.

[@maltesegeek1]

I have been so looking forward to this one and really enjoyed your analysis. Surprised you didn’t mention when Helmut mentioned the mushroom liquor that with Helmut seeming to dislike mushrooms, how Bob might have used mushrooms specifically as a way to hurt himself more. Also, how Bob was the first one to approach and hug Lucy. Just… ahhhhh

[@SnivyTries]

I find it interesting that at about the 27:50 mark, you talk about co-dependency while showing Raz carrying Potato Bob. Bob, even in his own mind, is dependent on others to get him through his own mind. He can't even move outside of his safe little island.

[@Artista_Frustrado]

and yet, he is vital for traversing the alcohol seas. So he sees himself as useful... when in the service of helping others

[@chrimsonphantom]

Thinking about it now, in comparison to the first psychonauts game. It's interesting how most of the bosses here how the bosses get taken down by the host individual. The goats were just manifestations of Compton's anxiety and once he got his confidence back he simply took the goat puppet off his own hand. Cassie was interesting as you basically brought her together and she found peace once more with herself. Then with Bob after realizing that the fruits were projecting his own bad thoughts onto him, he was able to calm down and start over. The only one that I could think of in the first psychonauts game that was able to concur their trauma alongside Raz was Edgar. Who put buried his past into his subconscious. It's nice seeing Raz help the person grow, and the person being the one to overcome the trauma with Raz's help. Nice seeing self recovery.

[@Olimar92]

Tim was open about how the first game was not the best in how it dealt with Mental Illness. I'll agree, since Raz just Fixes the inmates. Although Fred eventually become motivated in his head to actually when the game. Raz is just his hands for the end.

[@chrimsonphantom]

@@Olimar92 oh yes Napoleon too. Though I guess in defense of 1. The inmates weren't psychics. They were exposed to elements that increased their insanity. So they would ve less prepaired to take care of their issues. Gloria was probably the worst case, mentally. It would really be nice if their were another psychonauts game or dlc to have Raz just help people in need.

[@Olimar92]

@@chrimsonphantom It would be lovely to have a game that explained Psychiatry in this manner. And yes, Gloria was the worst. Nothing ruins your mental health like seeing your mother die and getting a letter blaming you for it.

[@chrimsonphantom]

@@Olimar92 They really could. I can imagine, the Psychonauts open up a division to help patients with their problems. By going in, figuring out what's going on an offering a cure or advice to their problem. As a means to increase funding for the psychonauts.

[@Generallybreak]

33:03 Anyone who denies a pupper steak is a monster.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Lmao true story

[@davecrippen799]

This is a fun fact I learned when I played the game but if you go here first there's only bad moods no enablers they only show up when you go to in the collection level and the opposite is true

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Yep! Honestly I've never played it in the other order so I never learned where I'm Cassie's world the Bad Moods show up.

[@davecrippen799]

I guess my only question is what would cause Cassie to have bad moods in the first place I wonder

[@Olimar92]

@@davecrippen799 Depending on Location, related to her past. The time she was basically a prisoner being used by corrupt police. Or the thoughts that her monologue to Lucy was a failure and worthless. You could find a few things to cause a Bad Mood with her, even though she seems to be more mentally put together than the others.

[@poppyfrancis7338]

I don't have my own insight to add to Bob's Bottles but the level itself is probably my favorite mental world because of how relatable the feeling of being on an island separate from all the people you care about is, and how hard it can be to openly express your desire for help when you feel you can't be. I genuinely teared up in this level

[@PerfectChaos115]

I've been watching all these "psychology of Psychonauts" videos, and I have to say, I feel a lot of these can actually be used in psychology classes, I get that's probably the idea, but it's still fascinating when people use a more modern medium to teach a topic and I wish stuff like this was used more often as an aid in teaching topics like these

[@puffylinux8653]

This was nothing short of Beautifully written. I was so excited when youtube showed me this when uploaded. Bob’s Bottles is one of the very first video game instances that took Alcoholism very seriously and empathetically. Just want to say thank you for crafting such a poignant video for this, loved it so much and excited for the others💜🫶🏻

[@Olimar92]

Tim says that the team wanted to give more respect to mental issues. Let's be honest, the first game wasn't exactly the best. Raz just goes in and fixes the inmates. Basically removing the manifestation of their problem. The only one who is mentioned to still have the problem is Gloria. Jasper was always there, a personal Critic to put her down, and he is still there. He's just much quieter.

[@CornOfTheBreads]

Recently I lost a cousin who was a life long friend to alcoholism so this level from a game just hits so differently now days.

[@leafcatcher1715]

Sometimes you give insights I hadn’t reached, giving me a better understanding and appreciation for the Psychonauts games. Thank-you! Sometimes it’s the names of the conditions.

[@SillyMegalodon]

dont know if anyone else mentioned it, but studies have shown that alcoholism (or rather, the tendency to develop alcoholism) often runs in the family. Bob might have taken to the bottle even without the trauma of his mother drinking herself to death, which is kind of sad.

[@maxleroux]

I find it interesting that Cassie and Bob sort of parallel each other when they meet Raz. Cassie immediately wants to help, but the unconscious part of her brain is keeping her confined to her hive. Bob, on the other hand, wants to be left alone and kicks Raz out of his greenhouse. It's the unconscious part of his brain that reaches out and lets Raz back inside. 🐝🍃

[@Artista_Frustrado]

something i love from that last Group Hug cutscene is that Ford & Otto choose to hug Bob rather than trying to hug Lucy. Granted is mostly for framing, but it is still a nice touch

[@yohohoho971]

The source of the Bad Mood in Bob's wedding is on the table where a figment of Lucy is. For obvious reasons.

[@dragonmaster613]

One thing I love about Psychonauts 2 is how there isn't a neon sign above Helmut & Bob about their relationship. It makes it so normalizing 🙂🏳️‍🌈

[@mackthisarrowhearth295]

I honestly hate the hype and hate, but this was indeed so well done, so normal and romantic.

[@Olimar92]

It was super annoying how many people hated it. Like seriously? the only reason we know they're gay is because they're both men.

[@maverickdarkrath4780]

Also love how, they didnt pull a wonder woman and helmet made it clear the body hes in is borrowed and it would be wrong to get intimate while hes in it. And they will have regular couple banter , like bob worried his husband will look way younger then him and helmet mentioning they will save bobs body next . They clearly just like pulling each others legs and its adorable

[@naru2369]

@@Olimar92from what I’ve seen, you’ve gotta blame the writers who use identity politics to cover for their bad and terribly written stories, cause whenever a game or movie gets panned, they immediately claim that the hate is cause they didn’t like their one-note characters because of their sexuality, race, sex, etc., instead of the fact that the characters have the depth of a small puddle, and the personality of cardboard. Thankfully, Helmut and Bob are the among the exceptions to this. They actually have depth to their characters.

[@jonathanalbarran7687]

I cannot express enough how happy I am. There was such a long Gap since the last video that I genuinely thought this series would never get out of hiatus.

[@2011supergamer]

26:28 I feel like this could also represent the homophobia he would no doubt be dealing with, including from people close to him like Ford. (There was a backer trailer where Ford looks at a cutout of Bob and says "Don't look at me that way, it was a different time!")

[@katherinewiykovics1602]

This analysis hit home for me. I am not an alcoholic but all the thought patterns fit me. I suffer from major depression and anxiety and it feels like i can't continue to get better in my mental health because I am constantly dealing with intense stressors. I currently have next to no money after 4 years of unstable employment, and its only in the last 8 months have i slowly gotten by life together. Problem is, one setback and all those really dark thoughts take over. Most recent involved insurance issues meaning im off one of my meds right now. Despite all my best attempts, i don't know how to cope with life constantly throwing shit my way. Coping skills don't work because i am too stressed for them to make a dent. At this point, im pretty sure only reason im not an alcoholic is that i cant afford it.

[@blackdemonknight]

Amazing how a mind can twist something to fit a persons narrative, I think it can work even if you don't have a negiative chemical in you as a coping mechinisim

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Oh 100% the chemical aspect is not necessary. Most of the problems here have nothing to due his Bob's addiction. It only amplified it sadly.

[@blackdemonknight]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I guess so. I assume a prime example of this would be like a villain trying to justify his actions a noble or for the good of their world.

[@chrimsonphantom]

The one thing that really bothers me about the moth. I really liked your explanation of it, but at the same time I find it weird. If the moth, which I guess is the mask Bob had on that was warping his perspective on the people around him. The alcohol addiction really makes sense, but it's weird that the voice is child like. Almost as if it's bob's inner child talking to him, wanting to keep him safe so he could avoid the pain. I would Imagine the moth if it was the alcohol talking would be smooth, calming, relaxing. Instead of desperate and agitated as though preventing Bob from getting hurt is also protecting itself from harm.

[@koathekid8255]

19:41 OI!! You gotta include that giving your child primarily negative or only negative attention can *also* lead to self worth issues! You need a *personalized* mix for every child

[@lmrpirate5273]

So can copious amounts of positive attention. Really, I'm pretty sure the reason he didn't talk about the other 2 attention types was because they weren't really part of Bob's struggles as opposed to the neglect. If he talked about them, it might have felt like filler since it's mainly supposed to be an analysis on Bob as a character, not just a simple study on attention based/caused disorders. He still went into them a bit, just not as much as he did with neglect.

[@koathekid8255]

@@lmrpirate5273 yeah but still It’s very important to at least mention them We all know why shampoo has instructions

[@lmrpirate5273]

@@koathekid8255 He did though. He didn't go into explicit detail, but he still did talk about them a bit.

[@artmanxp]

25:37 I like that Bob despite the guilt still thinks highly of helmet, we know help didn't make much of a splash before the syconuts. Heck he kind of ends up shacking him out of it

[@maniczzz]

Please note that the bad mood on the wedding cake is linked directly to the table where Lucy is sat. I think the implications of that are clear.

[@AnakhaSilver]

I wonder if you'll ever go into Otto, because I think fandom completely misses what his problem is.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

A lot of Otto would be a ton of guess work. Only a few personality traits and some tech clues to help.

[@Springtime562]

​@@GamingUniversityUoG So yes or no?

[@koathekid8255]

@@Springtime562you gotta wait until his game comes out

[@CreatorofSecks]

Something to note is that, depending on the order you play the levels, the enablers would not appear in Bob’s mind, but Bad Moods will appear in Cassie’s.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I have heard of that but for some reason I never played it in any other order. I know when the Enablers don't show up but I haven't seen where in the Library the Bad Moods do appear.

[@CreatorofSecks]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I specifically recall one appearing in the waterfront area, over on the right side on the map.

[@Mangaka718]

I see my therapist in an hour and I legit want to share this with her, except my session time is an hour 😭how is this video Exactly Me even though I don't drink? (And the reason I don't drink is because I know I'm at higher risk for *all sorts* of problems if I start...) I'd like to note that alcoholism or addictive personality disorder can be genetic, too - so, Bob likely started drinking *despite knowing* that he was more likely to fall into the same pit as his mother. It's especially heartbreaking to think that he took that step despite the risk, perhaps because he felt like there was no better option... Great video and discussion, your videos make difficult and complex topics understandable. I wish there were more games like Psychonauts 1&2, I don't want this series to end

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I wish we could get similar stuff. If you want more of this style I'd recommend Persona 4 and 5. Silent Hill as well. But yeah one of my kids shared these vids in his college psychology class lol. I'm always interested in what professionals think.

[@Mangaka718]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I'm definitely acquainted with the Persona series, and although I'm too wimpy to play a Silent Hill myself, I do like reading the lore, lol. My main point is, will you do psychoanalysis of other games after Psychonauts is resolved?

[@ryanasbury2475]

Such an absolutely beautiful video. I doubt there are many people in the world that can’t somehow relate to this topic. You and your team really put a lot of time and effort into making this as detailed as possible. Very, very good job 👌🏻

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I very much appreciate it! I'm very fortunate that I haven't had first hand experience with this. Other friends and family have though. For this one in particular I really wanted to do my research before posting. Hope it turned out well

[@SergiTim]

I believe this stage to be the most powerfully written and emoionally significant one in both of the Psychonauts games, and I was looking forward to hear your review on it. Loved the video, great job on it!

[@TooRudeProductions]

my favorite part is that Bob is named after the main guy from the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous, three months ago I started going because of a really bad thing that happened because of alcohol and it's super serendipitous that you're covering this topic, right now, for me to see.

[@Helviuss]

Honestly I feel like Im in/been in bobs shoes minus the addiction. Watching this definitely opened my eyes to myself a bit

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Hope things are going better for you friend.

[@overlordmadness1548]

Another great quote to use as a means to describe Psychonauts 2 is: “You are your own worst enemy”. Every end to every world ya go to always has the owner of that world remove the adversary only to show that it was them doing it the whole time. Love this game and it meanings of self-reflection.

[@Quaaysan]

thank you for doing this by the way games like this are often made for as many people as possible, but in a way this game was made for you

[@CoppermineTypeK]

19:16 hahah I wasn’t expecting personal attacks in this video (only sibling who fell out of sports in a big sports family, and my own interests kinda became second fiddle and “we need him out of the house” things)

[@gamecentral2706]

I love how educational these videos are that you break down with the Psychonauts. Thank you for creating these! I look forward to watching the next.

[@Mr.Anderson9323]

There’s one thing I’ve always wondered about Bob. Throughout his memories we never see any siblings. So if Bob is an only child then how is he Truman’s uncle?

[@chrimsonphantom]

I thought the moth represented more of Bob's childhood aspect. A creation he made as a child that in bob's mind brings him back to a simpler time. His inner child yurning for the safety of what was, but preventing him from moving forward into allowing Bob to actually move on from the pain. The symbolism of the alcohol itself doing it would be great, if we didn't show the arts and craft project of the moth. With what I assumed was Bob's younger voice. I would like to see like a alcohol mascot as something that was keeping him down. Maybe when Raz returned to the real world we see the mascot on one of the bottles that Bob decides to leave behind. (looking into it more with the false mask. The moth was Bob's false mask)

[@clotildeboulanger7661]

This game is so, so well crafted. You pick up on a lot of details i hadn't noticed which really enrich the levels, like the rope and treasure one. What a great GREAT analysis !!

[@XYZ-eo8um]

I've mentioned it under other similar video: There's also another possibility why Bob's mask of addiction was the moth: In Polish there's similar term to 'barfly', which is literally translated to 'pub moth' (PL: "Ćma barowa"). Of course cocoon thing was the main reason why his addiction sprouting from desire to stop feeling pain was the moth than a fly (and fruit flies LOVE alcohol), but I give it as a nice trivia.

[@bearVshark100]

This is probably the best written level in just about any video game I've ever played. I never would have guessed I'd connect so much with an old fat hairy gay alcoholic but here we are. I got choked up when he said Helmut would never say that. Even in the deepest recesses of his clouded self-hating mind he knew that he was someone worthy to be loved by his husband. The fact that he never doubted their love is almost too much for me to think about. I love Bob.

[@czdot]

I played the game, loved the game yet I come here to truly understand the game. This has been one of my favorite channel in the past two years. I can't wait for you to dissect The Lake House DLC when it comes out. 🙂 Edit: I'm halfway through the video and I'm kinda triggered right now. I had no idea discussing neglect would hit me hard. Uff.

[@noxthedremoralord2683]

The more of these videos I watch, the more I learn about myself

[@LeatherIceCream]

I knew this video was gonna take a while, there's a lot to unpack here

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Absolutely. I'm not sure if it's the level itself or if I'm digging deeper into these. Wither way there is a LOT here for Bob.

[@FancySpicyTuna]

One thing I love deeply about psychonauts was how it represented the homosexual relationship between Helmut and Bob. No fanfare, no shock, no bravery. It just is. It’s as normal to them as any other couple. I didn’t know I needed to see that, to have that kind of representation until I saw it. The creators truly took their time to handle everything with as much grace and empathy as they could and it shows, especially in this level.

[@BlurRoux]

Finally i ve been waiting for another episode for quite a while. Keep this series going bro. Its amazing

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Yeah these tale a lot of prep. Glad you enjoy them

[@BlurRoux]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Watched the whole thing in one go hope you get the watch time. Projects like these improve your skills. Ngl id say its worth it. I wish i could do smth like you man. One day i will

[@LunesLunacy]

Oh, I've been waiting for this one. Thank you for making this. The Milkman one is my favourite.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Milkman is a classic

[@axeldeeker5644]

Ah the series continues, thank you so much for these videos

[@starpokeheart664]

I literally gasped when i got the notification 😅

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Haha good to hear! Kind of a surprise after the hiatus

[@unfortunateoracle2509]

​@@GamingUniversityUoGI have also been patiently waiting.

[@michigosinister1508]

I was surprised when Psychonauts went into a world like this and it was a very interesting to see. I had an Alcoholic in the family and he was always so mean. Never psychical thankfully but he did get loud sometimes. There were only very few times when the real him would come through. It just made me want to stay away from Alcohol to not risk becoming like that. He ended up passing away from his liver failing quite a few years back. Never did give up the Alcohol even when he was dying.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It can be both a chemical and psychological addiction. I have a close friend who experienced that with his father. Those kids never touch the stuff as a result of growing up with that type of household.

[@redbasher636]

As someone from alcoholics who broke the trend because i actually hate alcohol's taste mostly... Dang. Hits hard.

[@FlippySuper]

Good to see this series back

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Glad to be able to release it. I know this one in particular was a biggie for a lot of Psychonauts fans

[@vizzzyy190]

so excited for this episode. bob's bottles is one of my favourite levels in either game

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Very cool! Yeah I know this one is a fan favorite

[@katietaylor8314]

This is easily my favourite level. I love Bob and feel for him so much. There are also two things in the cutscene afterwards I thought were really lovely touches: Helmut says no, better not kiss because this is someone else's body so it wouldn't be right. And when Lucy appears it's Bob, the one she arguably hurt most, who is the first to embrace her. It really shows what a sweet and gentle man he always was underneath the drunken rages.

[@MarioGMan25]

Interesting notes: The moth has the voice of a child. I wonder if this implies something about how he views himself under the influence. Also, ha. Ship in a Bottle.

[@gatorshark0870]

I have been looking forward to this one! It's was my favourite level!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Hope it was worth the wait!

[@csidesummit]

Your insights into these games are absolutely crazy. I can’t believe I never noticed the enablers and the party figments.

[@lightstar3817]

This series on the psychology behind each of psychonauts and psychonauts 2’s minds is one of my favorites. Honestly I think each of ford’s minds were my personal favorites as being able to piece the mind of the leader of the psychic 6 back together is very entertaining

[@freddyfoxyton7813]

Every episode for each mind for the psychonauts have been hitting harder and harder. Im very excited to see what comes next!

[@brenixgoodluck6049]

One thing that I noticed and absolutely loved was the music that played during combat segments. The only thing that suggests that anything is even happening is the slightly up tempo bass that tries to keep you engaged. It's the anthem for a fight in a lounge, really. Bob has become so numb that not even his internal conflicts barely register as a struggle.

[@spookykay4605]

i got a PsychOdyssey ad before this video... y'know, the Psychonauts 2 making off documentary....

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Yep! I put the previous episode on pause so I could watch the whole documentary before sitting down to work on it. Wish more developers did more stuff like that

[@jkmeilinh]

I'm so glad to see this series still going. I'm really into Psychonaut because of yours and many other game analyse contents. Keep up the good work 😊

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Oh yes we will continue this through completion of all worlds! Glad you enjoy!

[@Springtime562]

21:10 I always interpreted that scene as the plants trying to help Bob feel better as they always saw Tia drink and feel better so when they see Bob sad they try to help the only way they saw

[@MrBuiznessMan]

This was my most anticipated video of this year

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Oh wow! Thank you! I hope it did not disappoint.

[@MrBuiznessMan]

@@GamingUniversityUoG You did not!

[@stasis_dorito3146]

Back when this game released, I was very impressed with how the story of a character could be told through an environment. However, bobs level always gets to me. Considering his low self worth, a part of me has always considered that it could lean into a self hatred too, and seeing him ask raz not to go, man it crushes my soul every time

[@dejaypage1575]

I’ve been waiting for this!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I just realized as I uploaded it's been 6 months. It's crazy

[@dejaypage1575]

@@GamingUniversityUoGhehehe. Hopefully for Nona and the prince it won’t be at 2026 :P

[@dejaypage1575]

@@GamingUniversityUoG also something I noticed with Bob when Nona/Lucy came back out. Bob has *every* reason to lash out in anger at her. But given what Ford had thought on it? I think deep down, a good chunk of the Psychic Six blamed themselves for Lucrecia becoming Maligula. Thus why he decided to embrace his old friend instead of lashing in rage. Given everyone else is willing to give forgiveness, he may as well see if she deserves it

[@aburt270]

6:26 I see what you did there veeeeeeeery clever

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Haha!

[@mary75819]

I watched every single your video of psychonauts and waited for this one ever since of the last video and now i saw this on my subsciption list, you have no idea what emotions instantly washed over me :) I love the way you present videos and how thoroughly you approach everything and explain every detail. Thanks for all the videos and all the work, you always doing great! Wish you all the best :)

[@zeroguardianoftheomniverse7082]

I absolutely love this series!!! As a person studying psychology independently this is enlightening!

[@benthomason3307]

one big plothole is the very fact that bob has a nephew, which means he hs a brother or sister that simply never shows up anywhere in any of his memories for whatever reason.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Wouldn't really call it a plot hole. More like a black hole. No mention of it whatsoever. What is a complete shame. I wonder how much older the sibling is. Maybe out of the house while he was growing up hence no mention in the photographs .

[@Tbone680]

I want there to be a crossover of Psychonauts and Happy Tree Friends just so we can go into Flippy’s mental world and help him with his PTSD

[@jordanmatthew6315]

Cannot wait to see the new parts, this is an amazing Psychology analysis.

[@makalasisty8813]

Hey man, I just want to let you know that I love your videos. They are always so entertain to watch. I got so excited when I found out you had a new episode up. I can't wait so see what next time holds. :)

[@TheFireMouseYT]

After so long the next episode is here! finally yes!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I love just realized it has been nearly 6 months. Crazy to think about

[@Subatomic625]

We are so back (seriously though, love the psychonauts content!)

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Glad you're into it! I appreciate it

[@leightonpetty4817]

With all the talk of the many many steps on the road to true addiction, I think it could have been worth it to bring up how a vulnerability to substance-use disorders can be genetic. Alcohol was probably something that Bob swore off of after the experience with his mother, but when a combination of overwhelming grief and the aforementioned enablers convinced him to "just have one drink", those maternal genes made it that much easier to fall into addiction.

[@Hardcase_Kara]

If im honest Bob level hit the hardest since I went thru a similar experience with my own mother who also passed away when i was just 18 althou her problem stemmed from my step father leaving us and the stress of having to take care of two kids by herself which burdened her economicaly amomg other stuff.

[@pastelcatnip]

I was so excited for this, Bob’s Bottles is my favorite level

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Seems to be a fan favorite level!

[@IDK-tu5ep]

Ive been waiting for this deep dive into Bob's mind thank you soooooooo much man for continuing this series. I look foward to every episode till the end 🧠🧠🧠

[@eatatjoe]

I drink a lot on certain days, and oftentimes I hear the exact same things Bob does over and over again.