Psychonauts 2 and Synesthesia: The Psi King

[@corn2454]

I feel like I should also point out the connections to my general experiences here, I do not experience Synesthesia, but due to my ASD I often am overcome by sensory overloads. This entire stage feels like it speaks to the experiences I have when overstimmed, being bombarded by every sense I have to the point it can often trigger panic attacks. Most of the time it affects me as well, obscuring my hearing and vision especially. I know a lot of this is still covered in the video, I just felt it appropriate to share my struggles with similar things

[@misterdonlon]

Thanks for the thoughts my friend! Your experience and experiences like yours are what these videos are all about. Couldn't be happier that something like this level contextualized sensory overloads for you so well. It's understanding those things that helps us understand who we are. Well said my man.

[@skittypink5921]

I felt exactly the same! Honestly the care and heart put into this level moved me to tears.

[@Poedoco]

i'm also autistic, i immediately called out the sensory overload when it started happening with psi king. many of us can feel the layering of senses iirc, especially when it gets overwhelming... so i relate to this haha.

[@corn2454]

@@Poedoco My sensory issues were genuinely my first thought when I played that stage. It's incredibly nice to kind of have an example of it as I have a distinctly hard time putting these issues into words

[@AC1D5TR1K3]

same here, i get overwhelmed so easily. i just said to my family that dinner tasted like a snare drum and they laughed so loudly. this level in particular was really comforting for me

[@octochan]

Minor correction - 26:05 He sacrificed himself to save his husband.

[@codyboise9989]

Not exactly what I expected, but I think it is something I needed to hear. Also didn't get the line metaphor until now, brilliant. Also the connection jack black in school of Rock was just funny brilliant. Nice to know their's a second technique for time bubble, after all we create our own reality.

[@misterdonlon]

Glad you enjoyed it! More to come as always!

[@codyboise9989]

@@misterdonlon I was enjoyable, but also enlightening

[@katietaylor8314]

This was a really fascinating video! Helmut Fullbear is my favourite character in the game, and you can see why Bob fell for him; he's so sweet and sensitive, and there's something about him that makes you feel safe. A gentle and vulnerable soul like Bob would be immediately drawn to that. I loved the unfolding subplot of their romance, and it was so tragic seeing what Bob went through.

[@misterdonlon]

Thanks for the support! I'd be all in on a spin-off game that takes place during the rise of the the Psychic 7

[@katietaylor8314]

@@misterdonlon Hell yeah! Or a sequel in which you find out whether they managed to get Helmut's body back!

[@MrLisreal]

Jack Black did an amazing job voicing Helmut Fullbear. It's so... So... Wonderful

[@misterdonlon]

Couldn't agree more!!

[@gamingspacemonkey]

You didn’t miss this exactly, probably trying to read the level as something more episodic than serialized, but the senses correlate to literal characters in the real world. Fullbear doesn’t so much commune with his senses as interrogate the way he believes his friends see him. Raz walks him through doing a reframe, something therapists love making people do The “intended” answer is probably a muddy mix of that and your take.

[@FredricMaren]

I'd be excited to see your take on Ford Cruller's 'solution' to grief and mental trauma. It would be a lot to unpack but I believe in you prof.

[@misterdonlon]

Much appreciated my friend! I will do my best!

[@benpowell-punmaster1214]

It’s great see in-depth analysis of each mind rather than just a collective summary. Thanks for covering this game. If you haven’t already, would you want to look at the original game’s minds/levels?

[@misterdonlon]

Thanks my friend! And you nailed it- covering the themes, symbols, and inspirations behind each level is the only way to do this masterpiece justice in my opinion. Not sure where I'll be headed with analysis videos once Psychonauts 2 has been extensively combed. But I like where your head is at! I think it'd be interesting to look back on the first one after the second one's been released. If anything it would expose my students to a true classic in gaming history that might not have been on their radar otherwise!

[@benpowell-punmaster1214]

@@misterdonlon it was similar analysis videos that actually got me into the series in the first place. And I’m in agreement. Everyone deserves to know about these classics.

[@codyboise9989]

@@benpowell-punmaster1214 they need to remaster psychonauts 1 for the modern Era.

[@benpowell-punmaster1214]

@@codyboise9989 maybe. But I feel a lot of the original’s charm could be lost with a jump to modern graphics. I feel the older graphics and sound design as well as cutscenes add to the “Tim Burton” aesthetic they were going for.

[@codyboise9989]

@@benpowell-punmaster1214 I'm sure they can maintain the fun and nostalgic charm of the first game, but also sharpen some of the imaging and tweaking the game mechanics

[@Czarcasm.]

this video is fantastic and explains alot of little details that made me go "ohhh so THATS what that meant". good stuff dude keep it up!

[@misterdonlon]

Glad you were into it my guy! More to come!

[@adiksaff]

I learned that Synesthesia is a psych thing today! Thanks so much! Love this series!

[@misterdonlon]

Glad you enjoyed them my friend!

[@anmanarrative]

Wow. I've already been loving these Psychonauts videos but this is incredible. Such a beautiful and thoughtful analysis with really interesting explanations, I always learn so much from you. Absolutely awesome work, I immediately want to watch it again and can't wait to see what else you come up with. Also 'bananas are berries and not actual fruits'? You can't just drop mind bombs out of nowhere like that, I had to pause the video just to process that statement!

[@misterdonlon]

Thanks for the support and the feedback! As a psych teacher by day and shameless gamer by night, hearing you learned something/ found some of it interesting is like the 3rd bite of pizza to me haha I'm not sure which mind I'm headed to next, but making this one was by far my favorite so far. It ended at just under 30 minutes, but there's easily another hour of analysis in there to return to someday. The figments, Helmut's personality, the lore- countless more directions to go in. Can't wait to hear what other people's take-aways from this level are. Easily the "milkman conspiracy theory" of the second game in my opinion.

[@IanICee]

My favorite games (both 1&2) of all time! I love to see this level of passion when it's being discussed!!!

[@codyboise9989]

Probably my favorite part is the process and flow of time, you dig how the way the music syncs with the editing in your presentation.

[@DrInferno109]

I hope more people find your channel and videos, this is incredibly well made and such a good watch. I experience Synesthesia myself and this level definitely brought out the positives of it for me. Thanks for making this!

[@misterdonlon]

Thanks my friend! I really appreciate the support! New one out this Thursday or Friday!

[@aaronhussey8522]

Amazing analysis as always. In-depth looks at Psychonauts levels have sustained me ever since the second game dropped and I always learn something from them. If you're looking for another level to analyze next, I feel like Cassie's level would make for a good video. It dives into a lot of subtle themes such as Projection and Personas and I don't see a lot of people looking that deep into what the level conveys.

[@misterdonlon]

Appreciate it my guy! And I'm fairly confident that's where I'm headed next- something about the archetypes and Carl Jung are definitely calling my name haha

[@Barakon]

26:00 “he sacrificed himself to save one of his friends” you mean his *husband* , right?

[@misterdonlon]

I do indeed!

[@mantidream8179]

Only just recently found your channel, and wow, the quality of editing and commentary/analysis is off the charts. You've earned my subscription.

[@ajbXYZcool]

Been loving these videos. Might as well get the last major Psychic 6 level out of the way with Cassies breakdowns!

[@misterdonlon]

Thanks my guy! And 2,000% likely she's next

[@Telawin]

I absolutely love this game and I've been really enjoying your analysis of the minds and their associated issues. concepts of consciousness and perception is something I've been fascinated (and terrfied) by recently. and so Helmut's mind is incredibly interesting in that way if I could suggest the next one be the mind of Nona. I find some concepts of her mind to be familiar to my own. notably the idea of how suppressing a part of the mind can cause it to build like hers does behind the literal dam of emotional baggage

[@misterdonlon]

Thanks for the love my friend! And great connection too. There are a lot of similarities between Nona's consciousness and Helmut's. And yeah that emotional baggage buildup is easily one of the best pieces of symbolism in the game! Well said!

[@jackwastakenx2]

I Just Realized, This levels Psychedelic Style Is Because LSD and such is said to let you “Hear Colours”, “See Sounds”, Etc… Aka Temporary Synesthesia

[@quarkmolotov1049]

Interesting I don't have synesthesia but during moments of sensory overload or disassociation it can be very hard to properly connect my senses and thoughts so this was pretty thought provoking

[@misterdonlon]

Thanks my friend!

[@williamswonderland3636]

7:00 Oh I do that anyway. I just I just imagine that their people and they all have like relationships which means that I ship numbers

[@kian.l]

wow! they keep getting better! 27 minutes 😲

[@deadermemes6676]

I remember the beat at 4:47 to be from a greta van fleet song, nice

[@misterdonlon]

Ayyye you my friend know good music lol

[@panda-tv5675]

Heya, I'm someone who lives with autism, and has tactile visual synaesthesia. It's lead to some interesting experiences, but I cannot describe the frustration that is having a sensory overload and being unable to touch anything around you because you know it will set you off. It's also extremely hard to put into word what tactile visual synaesthesia is like, the process of which being a kin to trying to describe colour to someone who has major visual impairment.

[@DissedRedEngie]

watching this video with Igorrr's album Savage sinusoid hits different, because the man behind it claims to have synesthesia.

[@misterdonlon]

Thanks for the tip my guy! And damn, talk about a dream job, the dude literally feels the music

[@DissedRedEngie]

@@misterdonlon Igorrr specifically says that he sees colors when hearing music. But even with just knowing this, I can kinda get it while watching the video.

[@heavenlydio7788]

This was a fantastic video, I loved your breakdown of each scene within the level

[@misterdonlon]

Appreciate it my guy! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vinikyks]

Great video man. Psychonauts has such a deep meaning behind its goofy looking characters and story and I'm glad you made a video about it thanks

[@misterdonlon]

Thank you my friend! Appreciate it!

[@jk5067]

See the Grass... Go Touch It!!

[@nigeladams8321]

Interpreted this mind being so crazy and full of color due to sensory overload.

[@thenotoriousl.i.b9779]

Absolutely fantastic video! Your stuff just keeps getting better!

[@misterdonlon]

Thanks my friend! Much appreciated!

[@mellochello921]

The level makes more sense when you're actually on psychedelics like acid or shrooms because the spinning fan really mess with me alot as it got louder and louder even though i try to use my real world eyes to slow it down or how I had too calm down myself too not have a real panic attack due to appreciateing all the colors and beauty of the world lol or how when i was with sniffles or tasty i got the munchies and order pizza while feeling just like the crowd waiting for my door dash to hurry up or how when i was with audio and Dr touch i was high along with them watching the festival being played on up on the cliff until the actual show started. Side note it was really cool that everytime I ran into the white daisy flowers which represents purity and innocent from the hippie movement of the 60s/70s, it changes the ambiance of the music dynamically too let it know that im really high mannnn.🧘🏾‍♂️

[@misterdonlon]

Something tells me DoubleFine did their "research" when prepping that aspect of the level

[@MmeCShadow]

Fantastic. These analyses deserve more attention.

[@misterdonlon]

**Blushing**

[@Shaqccident]

Another awesome video! I love hearing other folks insights on the level design. I would love to hear what you think about the narcissism of Fatherland Follies lol

[@misterdonlon]

That one is definitely on my list! Appreciate the support and the feedback though immensely!

[@codyboise9989]

I'm just 2 minutes and 10 sec in and it's already so beautiful

[@misterdonlon]

Thank you my friend! Appreciate it as always!

[@codyboise9989]

I wonder if they have goggles or glasses that block out color? To experience colors after it's absence, also would it effect taste? After trying a bite of some Haddock Au Gratin I felt the taste flow through my head.

[@jeluenhayo2410]

I would recommend you, mr. Donlon, to create a video or two on the Disco: Elysium inner dialogue system and senses and thoughts it's reflecting.

[@misterdonlon]

Thanks for the tip my guy I'll look into it!

[@testingthesurvival4125]

This channel is underrated. You should start telling people to subscribe in the videos. It works wonders

[@misterdonlon]

Thanks for the support and the tip! Personally I feel more awkward than most KZbin channels do when asking for a sub and a like- mainly because many of my views often come from my students. If they're into video games/ what we're learning about, I'll say "hey check this out!" then, but even that sometimes feels a bit too self-promoting. I go back and forth though, and even in this video I had a goofy moment where I pulled the like and sub card. Ultimately I don't mind staying a low-key channel! The goal is always to highlight meaningful psychology/ history in games first and foremost. And if I can generate a discussion in and out of the classroom about these topics, then that'll keep me going no matter what! (Sorry for the longwinded response!)

[@katswarrior]

"One of his friends" They're married.

[@genericfriend2568]

this is a level that made me cry like a bitch. There's something that hit like a sledgehammer and I can't put my finger on it.

[@misterdonlon]

Imma say the music for me. The final track is an absolute emotional BOP

[@RealmsCrossMyths]

I kinda want to see your view and outlook on the minds of the first game, with this same concept (Psychonauts and [mental issue]), if you've played it.

[@misterdonlon]

Love the first game! I'm not sure what my plan is for after I finish this series, but I'll definitely keep the suggestion in mind!

[@foxhazhax4845]

This game moved me so much🦊💜

[@metarcee2483]

I'm on the autism spectrum, and this whole level is what an all five senses sensory overload feels like.

[@Future-rv7ik]

The only small thing I would of liked to hear about is the significance of Gristol being the people in the crows

[@misterdonlon]

Definitely going to be part of the series in a later update!

[@sabertooth1980]

A "friend". It's not what the vid is about but... they are the cutest couple.

[@codyboise9989]

Tonight I showed the dress photo to some woman at the table and most said gold because I didn't notice the golden tinge in the color because of the lighting and shading and the perceptive. It was interesting.

[@slycooper1001]

Do you know that famous audio illusion The "brainstorm and green needle" I can hear "brain needle And green storm" After thinking about hearing what I want to hear Like you should hear either but I hear both for some reason.

[@swiatowidciesslak6249]

You didn't mentioned, that Sences represents Psikic Six. ;-) I'm not shure, what this episode suppost to be about, but it was realy great philosophycal journey.

[@jordanhunter3375]

21:24 Dumbledore? That you?

[@misterdonlon]

Two Dumbledore appearances in one video... No wonder why this game downright magical

[@MultiSoulforce]

What's funny was that I played this level while I was drunk, how fitting lel

[@codyboise9989]

Last year I thought to myself: what if their was a way to take ones thoughts and signals and project them outwardly, and only a few days ago did I realize that time is a self made construct, who's to say?

[@dragonempress8367]

Aww that was a nice ending ^~^

[@owenliao]

MISTER donlon 👍👊👊👊👊

[@CanOpenerSmoothDream]

For me the visuals don't resonate, but narratively? Spot on

[@ztsquid3000]

I hope you all packed your bags, because we're going on a trip. 🤪

[@SalviAlmighty]

UUUUUGH THESE VIDEOS ARE SO GOOOOOOOOD I feel like this one could have gone even more in depths in the symbolism, but it was a great watch nevertheless!

[@misterdonlon]

Far too kind! haha and my original cut was over an hour lmao I'm interested to see what else people drew from this level for sure!

[@lucasschuble847]

I like this world

[@michelecastellotti1884]

man, i dont get how this game didn't get the game of the year award. who won that again? oh, it takes two, then its okay, that was also a great game.

[@jennifermoy272]

When are you gonna do more "Psychonauts" videos?

[@misterdonlon]

That is an excellent question! Um... the answer is; someday. When life gets a little less busy hopefully!

[@phineasfacingforward3460]

Loved this vid! ❤

[@misterdonlon]

Thank you my friend! Appreciate it!

[@jennifermoy272]

I recommend Dr. Loboto.

[@misterdonlon]

Loboto is on the way!

[@jennifermoy272]

@@misterdonlon Yay!

[@DIGITULW0RLD]

when i first saw this level i didnt know it was mostly about synesthesia even though i literally have synesthesia myself lol

[@misterdonlon]

Well to be fair (even though it's the title of the video lol) the level is mostly about sensation and perception, but synesthesia is emphasized at a few different points! Hope you learned something about your synesthesia!

[@DIGITULW0RLD]

@@misterdonlon thank you i did !! i learned about sensation and perception as well,,, i relate to helmut a lot more thanks to this video

[@jennifermoy272]

I recommend Gristol Malik.

[@evindahood]

mista donlon….. 🎮🎮🎮

[@EvTheBadConlanger]

You should do Cassie next!

[@misterdonlon]

Might be the next big one my friend!

[@EvTheBadConlanger]

Yay! I loved all your videos on Psychonauts and can barely wait, but take all your time, it will always be worth it!

[@misterdonlon]

**Blushing** Appreciate it immensely!!

[@jennifermoy272]

I recommend Lucrecia Mux.

[@moonlone1551]

Epic!

[@k.d9637]

post more bro!

[@misterdonlon]

Should have another out midway through this week!

[@k.d9637]

@@misterdonlon excited to hear that my man, you got a good eye for content so far 🤝🏼🍻

[@temerson2]

4:30 ah a Greta Van Fleet fan as well as an excellent youtube analyst. Telling all my friends about you sir.

[@misterdonlon]

You have no idea how difficult it was to narrow down which Greta Van Fleet music to use my guy. Far too kind though! I can promise I'm just a bored teacher with with After Effects lol Appreciate the support all the same!

[@crushersbutlessedgynow]

YEEESSSSSSSSSSSS

[@Theguyoverthere603]

I love your topics and videos man, but the way you edit a voice clip/gag in between every other sentence kinda gets grating and hard to focus on your train of thought sometimes.

[@misterdonlon]

Appreciate the feedback and the support my friend! Yea the last two videos have been chopped up to death with editing and videos and I think it's a pretty valid critique. Something I'll work on for future videos for sure so thank you for sharing your thoughts! It's kind of funny, teaching for the past couple of years has pushed me to add silly videos and edit though the roof because most of my audience would be disinterested students lol but now it seems that audience on here has flipped within the last year, and it's awesome to hear how many people don't mind just hearing me lecture on these topics! Next video will heavily cut down on the edits, clips, and gags for sure. Hoping it gets better!

[@impachoblue1301]

unpopular opinion: The level profound with Jack Black's commentary ruined it for me. Don't get me wrong, I loved the dude as a kid but I can't help but quickly get annoyed with him as an adult. It's such a bummer, since the level was really nice but the entire experience was constantly soured for me. He's fine there, i just wish there was, less...

[@misterdonlon]

While I wholeheartedly disagree as someone who's nostalgia probably got the better of his judgement the second I heard his voice, I could see where you might say this. Especially in the opening empty brain room, I think he's meant to be a little annoying, and that cutscene goes on for a while. I think they choose to do this to represent the sporadic chaos of a conscious mind, but he is constantly talking and can be hard to follow. Then when he travels around with you, it can be like having a friend in the room that is behind on the tv series you are trying to watch. "what's that?" "who is that?". However maybe the most frustrating thing about his usage in the game is the unbelievably repetitive dialog. Every other line is a repeat by the end. Again I think there's more positive hear than negative, but jack's not perfect by any means

[@impachoblue1301]

@@misterdonlon There were a few parts, like the singing and the Anxiety attacks, he was fantastic. I think it was just the dialog while walking around the world, I couldn't help but rush a bit to get it over with. I've actually restarted the game before finishing, for things like this were I want to give more attention to areas I didn't totally enjoy before.

[@thidios]

Bruh, here is an idea, you talked so much and said very little in this video, I guess the subject is like that, but please consider being more concise.

[@misterdonlon]

Fair critique! I tend to over explain a lot of things in my class too now that I think about it. It's a tough curse to break when you're into these these topics as much as I am!

[@owenliao]

kinda rude bro 😬 don’t listen to him donlon!!!!!!

[@evindahood]

bruh, here is an idea. take mr donlon class irl

[@scoutscoodles]

This editing is so jumbled and messy.

[@misterdonlon]

:'(

[@owenliao]

id like to see you edit!?!!!

[@codyboise9989]

Mister donlon I just wanted to say that despite your video being out for a while, I just wanna compliment on a few moment's that really resonated with me: The ambitious & optimistic approach to what makes us: US. & to lovingly embrace the weird, eccentric & bizarre psychological traits of how we create our own reality🌈 👁🌸🌼🟣🌳🌠🌱 ✌ As well as your explanation on time being an illusion and how it's all subjective. Related: I found a book online about practices to alter one's consciousness without drugs or alcohol, such as through breathing, self-awareness & meditation. Speed of hand✋ Speed of mind 🧠. I'm also curious what rock music you used in the title sequence? I might not be able to see anything too different, but my minds eye 👁 has a different way of looking at things at times. After spending so much time in Helmuts mind, gave me strong love for my senses 🧠👁👂👅✌👃🔴🟣🟢🟡🔵 Peace man ☮ Thank you.

[@misterdonlon]

Thank you Cody! Your kindness and generosity are always incredibly appreciated! It's even better knowing some of my ramblings led to you to do some research of your own- if only you were a student of mine, you'd be looking at a pretty solid grade my friend! The music is a mix of two different songs from Greta Van Fleet (1. Flower Power, 2. Heat Above *one of my personal favorites: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKO6d6hroJZ9psk*). And I know it's been a while, but I think I'm nearly finished with the script for the next video! I can't give a date yet, but it is happening!

[@codyboise9989]

@@misterdonlon well if I can give some familiar advice, Remember: you've got time! & don't forget: Time moves to suit your needs! Also I wasn't the best in school, kinda like raz, except with alot less mental manipulations. Also I part of me gets: like dealing with withdrawal once again, I think is: it's overwhelming, too much sense is better then none & feeling bad is better then feeling nothing. Sure it's a pain but I've done it before so I know I have the capacity, besides I needed a tolerance break anyhow, and I wanna really try to enjoy the ren faire this summer, and I just remember the important connections in hollis's hot streak! Also: what is it about anger that feels bad and yet strongly good. I gotta say: you Rock Doc🤘peace ✌☮ P.s listened to your song: & to add to everything else: it's alot to take in, but I like it!

[@codyboise9989]

@@misterdonlon by the way, you can taste the sky, you just gotta be high enough! 😏 But I've also been having interesting ideas, turns out trees have ears, eyes and stars & shields, both because of shape and effect use at blocking something out. Plus, have you ever tried rock stacking? It's Messed been around for hundreds of years, and being autistic myself I think it appeals to my meticulous tendencies, do you think like the rattle analysis in fred Bonapartes mind, that with items like rocks, blocks, ect, give the persons mind a sense of control over one's environment & self perhaps? Also, what is the earliest thing you can remember? When I watched a video of my first birthday, i could vaguely remember where some people and furniture once, and seeing things like that through my eyes. Also, taste and smell: powerful memories indeed, because I recently had a caprisun which I haven't had in years since I was in school, and it really brings back memories. Not to sound personal or anything: but what kind of memories do you most connected? Also just asking your personal opinion: if they did create a level around the autism spectrum, what would you imagine I'd be like, mainly because I wanna hear 👂your perspective .👁 Thank you P.s The panic attacks & music were accurate, when I was nervous about getting my first blood screening, the heart beating! Can't focus, plus it's sparatic & swipping attacks & movement's accurately portray the the feeling it has on the body as it did for raz! Doesn't stop me enjoying some head banging sensory music overload like this.

[@HistoricalGames]

Excellent work brother, keep it up thanks for supporting my channel it's time to support you