What's in a Level? - Analyzing Gloria's Theater from Psychonauts
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- Опубликовано: 29 июл 2024
- A way too deep analysis of way too specific parts of Game Design. This episode, we psychoanalyze the bipolar world of Gloria Von Gouton.
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Psychonauts created by Tim Schafer and Double Fine Productions. 
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In my opinion, one of the best moments in the game is when you exit Gloria's mind after beating Jasper, and she steps away from her "audience" and goes for a stroll, talking about how beautiful the night is and how long it's been since she was last out here.
Another interesting detail: it looks like in the beginning if we try to take her thophy, Gloria mistakes us for her mother. “I never asked to be famous, I just wanted you to love me!”, “You’re supposed to be dead!” Adds a whole new level of sadness :,,)
one thing i found funny about gloria's stage is that the weakness of a Critic is to have the spotlight put on him.
when you think about it, jasper isn't even a critic, he's a heckler. he sits on the sidelines hurling insults at the performers, and does his best to disrupt the play. but when you shine a spotlight on him, he can't really do much of anything. he can only work when people are looking at the person or people he is heckling.
it's like trolls and anonymity. I'd be willing to bet that 98% of trolls out there would be reduced to mumbling nervous floor staring wimps if they actually had to speak face to face with the person they are trolling. like the west-borough baptist church, or Peta. if they didn't have protection under the law, they would never open their fucking mouths, cuz they know they'd get their teeth stomped out.
Jasper: "Just because I can't cook does *not* mean I can't criticize a meal that's been undercooked! Your soapboxing is yet another appalling platitude that kicks the skeleton of a long dead horse!"
Joking aside, I agree with your observations.
People can SAY whatever they want, and not expect to be assaulted/murdered for it.
And you're phrasing the situation like that's a shame...
I'd rather hang out with a guy who TALKS like Hitler, rather then a guy who ACTS like Hitler.
@@kgpspyguy Not a great statement since talking was how Hitler caused the atrocities committed by his supporters.
There's also another message that I really appreciate about criticism in this level, though I'm not quite sure if it was intended to be this way. What I love about Jasper is that, technically, he's right. The plays are really garbage. It's not the fact that he was calling it out that was bad, but that he never offered anything constructive to actually help improve them. It's a lesson I think most people could stand to learn, judging by the average RUclips comment section.
I would totally be down for Psychonauts videos. The camp analysis sounds like and interesting idea
There's so much detail that people miss in the camp. At least in their first playthrough. For instance, most players will go straight to the lake after exiting the brain tumbler so they can get the Levitation badge. This means that, more then likely, they'll completely miss seeing Maloof in the parking lot with underwear and a fish on his head. I played the game three times before I saw that scene.
On my second playthrough I tried to see everything the game has to offer, going around the camp after every "quest" and the attention to detail is really amazing. There's so much hidden stuff in the game.
nahailyenvanakkor I think that’s because the game was meant to last you a while but most people go back to “finish it in one go”
i know Im asking randomly but does any of you know of a trick to get back into an instagram account?
I stupidly forgot the login password. I appreciate any tips you can give me.
@Bentley Rowen instablaster =)
According to interviews, this was the first level of the game made, in order to get the the concept across to Microsoft.
Pretty good level to do that, I'd say.
There are three types of levels in phsychonauts: good levels, great levels, and also the meat circus
I want someone to do a long-winded, psychological and philosophical analysis of EACH level and the game as a whole. I've seen it done with Dark Souls all of the time, and I want it done with Psychonauts!!!
Gaming university has done something like that.
I noticed something about the level that makes it different from the other three. In the Milkman Conspiracy, Waterloo World and Black Velvetopia, there's a representation of the person within their own mind, in Gloria's Theater, Gloria herself is nowhere to be found. There are people who represent her, parts of her and people she knew, but no actual Gloria.
chills...
It could be argued that she is indeed there... as her child self, the little girl in the plays. Although that might be a random child actor in her mind, it's as plausible a self-representation as Edgar's bull, in my opinion.
@@coralunasoleil5265 Yeah, that's fair enough, though it's still not as blatant as the others. It could be because she's and actress and used to taking on multiple parts, or multiple people taking on the various parts of her.
@@achangelingproduction2858 I thought she was the bright sun actor possibly?
Unfortunately, nearly a year later, this does appear to be the only Psychonauts-focused level on your Channel.
It also only has 40,000 views on a channel that has nearly 250,000 subscribers. I'd like to see more of it myself though.
@@jardex2275 :(
@@pedrocgallardo ;/
Four years later, still the only one.
I think with the upcoming sequel and the exposure the game has been given by others (like cr1tikal) it would generate more views.
Five years later and 2nd game already released still only one lol.
The whole asylum is a gem of game design. I love the great game, it's such a brilliant modular design.
this 'what's in a level' idea is a REALLY good idea, yo
raocow
I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Really love this analysis. Always felt that Psychonauts did a brilliant job of using the world design to help expand on characterization, and it's nice to see one of the more underappreciated sections get some attention.
One random detail I always found interesting about Glora's theater is that the final play needed to progress the story is accessed through the depressive filter, and yet the scene depicted is a seemingly positive recounting of Gloria finally being able to leave Hagatha Home as a child. I wondered if it was meant to be tonal juxtaposition that bridges the gap between the depressive past and the overtly romanticized future, or if it was just tragic foreshadowing of how the one childhood memory that's viewed as positive is actually the start of everything terrible that happens to her later, as she thinks that she's being rescued only to have the rest of her life set on a downward spiral.
This level is so incredibly special to me. The first time I played psychonauts was shortly after I was discharged from the hospital for the second time that year, following a severe manic episode that resulted in an attempt at suicide. I bought psychonauts during the summer sale of that year and started playing it in between my college classes, since none of the other games I had interested me anymore. It became something to look forward to for me, as well as a way to distract myself during mood swings brought on by my new medication. Gloria's Theater hit home for me, not just as someone with bipolar, but as someone who constantly struggles with their self-doubt. I don't know, I guess this level was just what I needed to experience at the time.
Your analysis is spot on, mate. Great video!
It's really sad this video didn't get more views. While there's a lot of shallow reviews of levels of this game around on RUclips, there are very few proper video essays like this one. I super appreciated the breakdown of a level to one of my favourite games.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on other levels and the sequel. The people have spoken though, and it seems no one cared enough to watch this one. All too sad :/
+MrCannibalMan I may still come back to it for reasons of passion. Just hard to justify the time it takes to make one of these relative to the views
for all its worth, i love this video
Oh absolutely, your successful niche is definitely anime and japanese media, but man you are damn eloquent in your appraisal and dissections of video games. It's a shame that you can't seem to get an audience with both like some critics seem to.
@@mothersbasement please do more of these! The sequel will be out soon. If you love doing it, don't worry about the views, just know that the people who do watch it DEEPLY appreciate it!!💜
I'd love to see you do an analysis on Waterloo World, that world may be even more overlooked than Gloria's Theater.
Oh wow I've actually never heard or even thought about the Psychonauts levels as it pertains to the ailments of the specific characters whose heads you're going into it actually makes me want to replay the game again please do more of these.
You mean you didn't notice the correlation between the characters' psychology and the level design?
Or merely the aspect of realizing their disorders?
Wasn't there even some exposition through the dialogue in Sasha Nein's "tutorial level" how it works?
Didn't he even admit later on that that huge censor boss enemy was his fault for trying to suprress his own thoughts too much or something?
@@LinkEX well, yes... but it's never implicitly stated that the maladies of the characters are actually meant to reflect real world medical disorders. The game is old,it came out when many of us were just teenagers and some might have missed things. There's no shame in that. It just shows how much value the game truly has in terms of replayability, that someone could want to revisit it simply because they learned a new fact about the characters.
The "Whats in a (blank)" is series in itself and I love it.
Jasper is such an accurate potrayal of what critics (especially ones on the internet) have become nowadays. They don't want to be constructive with their criticism. They don't seem like they want creators to improve or make better stories for everyone, it just feels like they want to bully creators for not having much experience or talent in making content all because THEY specifically don't like that thing. I see people mudslinging communities like artists on the internet either because the artist doesn't have much talent, or they're acting overly sensitive towards the fact that said creator is making sexual content, when those creators are actually posting their stuff as a hobby, and not as a job. If you don't like something and can't come up with any polite and respectful way to give constructive criticism to make said thing enjoyable for everyone, just don't go to it.
I rate this comment... one and a half stars!
Which makes the ending so satisfying where he become so small, no one can hear his ranting.
Which I feel is a metaphor that when dealing with actual trolls..just act like you can't hear them.
I'm determined to get a sequel. Even if i need to hit replay and keep it in the algorithm for months.
That was wonderful, having experience with mental health issues, Psychonauts is easily one of my favorite games of all time. I even think of it as my favorite platformer of all time. Gloria's Theater definitely is an underrated level and one of my favorites too. It has more depth to it than some of the other inmates' minds and having been involved in Theater myself, it's rife with inside jokes I could pick up on.
2018 can't come fast enough! (though I'd be happy with delays or whatever, just make a game as great as the first one)
I have a mood disorder (I'm not officially diagnosed but I am on bipolar II meds, take that however you want) and I honestly got a little teared up at parts of this. While I don't suffer from full mania, rather hypomania, it's a very accurate depiction of the saturated emotions felt during "up" periods. It does a rather excellent job at displaying mild to moderate depressive periods, too. It's almost certainly not intentional, but I feel like the annoying and awkward camera actually adds the feeling of difficulty that pervades every level of depression. Thank you for bringing this level some attention, Psychonauts just moved up my "go play" list by a bunch.
+theMoporter the annoying and awkward camera is something you struggle with in every chapter of the game, so that seems unlikely, but that could be an interesting idea to run with for a game more focused on specifically exploring depression.
Anyway, I'm glad that I could move psychonauts up someone's to play list - it's one of my favourite games after all. I hope it ends up providing an accurate mirror for what you're dealing with.
Oh wow, I'm in the same boat: being "unofficially" diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder and taking meds for it. In any case, I played this game many years ago and the theme of Gloria's Theater really hit me. Playing it again after my mental illness has manifested, it's... very powerful indeed. This game is incredible.
That's fair. It's not necessarily the case, but if you think it could be triggering, then maybe it would be a good idea to not partake.
ok
Rewatching this again for like the 20th time.. Are you planning on doing another "What's in a Level" for Psychonauts eventually? I don't mind if it will be a while, but I just get so much enjoyment from your videos, especially these and your what's in an OP's. And I can't get enough Psychonauts. Well, that and Life is Strange and Fran Bow.
tehawsumninja Psychonauts is fantastic! I've just completed it on PS4 I'm now playing it for a few trophies I need... I've had more fun playing it than modern multiplayer games filled with microtransactions and loot crates thirty for sure!
I'm here in early September 2020 hitting refresh just to get the watch counter too 100,000 and beyond in hopes of another psychonauts video being made.
What I like about this game in general is how it was made like a point and click adventure game. That means items, puzzles, and plenty of dialogue. It feels like every time I play, I find something new. The developers put details into obscure places, despite the fact that most players wouldn't think to reach it.
For example, in Gloria's Theater, there's a unique scene for every stage and play combination, often with hilarious results.
EXCELLENT review, would love to see more Psychonauts analysis!!
My favorite level. I love the klezmer tones of the Hagatha's home track while I love the mystery and theatrical elements of the game play.
Really great episode! I'd love to see more of Psychonauts, all the levels reflecting different aspects of the mind and different ailments, it's endlessly clever in my opinion, and bringing more attention to this game wouldn't hurt either
Y'know, this is a really good analysis! I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on Psychoauts levels.
One thing you should highlight about Psychonauts levels in general is the design and scale.
Everything is twisted and off proportions like a cartoon or like how crazy, wild and unpredictable the mind is.
Unlike other games it goes very much up and does, steep curved down hills, tilted staircases and roads and varying platforms and obstacles unlike both old and modern games like Ratchet & Clank, Sly Cooper, Silent Hill and Overwatch. All of them have many flat and smooth areas and places. It's a very controlled and secured environment. It could be for gameplay clarity but it could be done much better with a more insane level geography to let the players have more fun and mess around to find some new way to beat the enemy or do some sick combo
I would absolutely love a whole series of Psychonauts videos. Just the level of detail you can find in its every level is stunning.
I really enjoyed this analysis, and I think it is right on the mark. My husband and I love this game (he plays it and I love to watch it). It is not only entertaining on the surface but thought provoking and even a bit at its heart. I would love to see more analysis videos on the many levels of Psychonauts, not just the popular one's like the milk man. For example, I would love to see the European strategy board game level (not sure what the game is actually called) with the Napoleon complex characters. Thank you for such interesting commentary on one of our favorite games!
I'm just over 4 minutes into this and can tell i'm in for a treat. Gonna replay this game with these thoughts in mind with a whole new appreciation for what was already a wonderful experience. I'm loving this level of analysis, and your obvious passion for this game and what you do. Thanks.
also it was badass as hell finding this video while looking through your catalogue of videos - a most pleasant of surprises
Fantastic. I've been waiting for someone to talk about the levels in Psychonauts in a manner like this for ages. More of this, please.
Great video, as always. I really appreciate you doing this video, Psychonauts is my favorite video game, and it's nice seeing it get some love. I wish it got more all over RUclips from more gamers, but alas, it will most likely remain the hidden gem that it is.
MB, this is still the best Psychonauts analysis/review video I've ever watched. I'm always hoping you gain the inspiration to do more analyses for this incredible game that means so much to me. I thank you for making this. You really hit the nail on the head for this interpretation of Bipolar Disorder, and I'm so happy you had these thoughts to share with us.
very nice idea for a series. cant wait to see what you analyze next
you are so awesoome at this. PLEASE do more. this is amazing i, at least, want more !
I weep genuine tears at there not being more psychonauts videos. This is the kind of content I hunt for.
I really love your approach on analysis. Please do more of these on psychonauts!
I really hope you do more level analysis of Psychonauts. This video is fantastic!
Especially on Black Velvetopia.
thank you so much for this video. i love Psychonauts and recently decided to re-play it, so the memories are still fresh :)
didn't know that they used real reviews for the words that the critic was shooting at Raz, it's so hilarious :D
Cool analysis! I'd love to see more of them
This video might be the best example of a level analysis that's equally insightful and engaging. It can serve as an incredible advertisement to those who are unfamiliar with the game.
I (and many others, I'm sure) am hopeful for the continuation of this series for Psychonauts!
I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts on the rest of psychonauts. This was really enjoyable.
I would love to see more of these videos, psychonauts is one of my favorite games and im excited for the sequel
THANK YOU, no one that talks about this game never goes into Gloria's mental problems and her level (that and the napoleon-guy, but i guess his is alot more straight-forward tho, forgot his name btw XD) i hope you analyse more of the crazies of the Psychonauts world (and whenever it comes out Psychonauts 2 of course :D )
His name is Fred! And I agree, I really wish those two were talked about more!
Detail detail detail detail. You convey your thoughts very well and provide a very well thought out and entertaining video. You indeed have a nice style.
Dude you put so much Emotion in this review especially when you explain the turn of the plays its absolutly Unique subed pleas do more Psychonauts and Psychonauts 2 when it comes out
Lovely analysis! I'd love to see more!
I really enjoy this new show! I have heard praise for a couple other levels, but with the way you went about this one, it'd be nice to hear your analysis of the other levels as well!
I'd love to see you do more video's about psychonauts!!
This was fantastic, I love content like this.
Just came here from the FMA video, glad I listened to ya. Definitely would love to see more "what's in a game" type videos! :3
Honestly one of the best games ever made, and an outstanding analysis. Would LOVE more analysis videos of this game, it's criminally under-covered
Please do more psychonauts vids! I was surprised to find that I learned a little bit more from one of my all-time favorite games.
i would actually love to see you do more of psychonauts
please do more of these! especially for psychonauts characters!
id love to see ya do one of the edgars level! ^^ i particularly love the black velvet stages artistic style. had a very neon light like vibe. + id love to hear your perspective on the mind of edgar and what some of the characters in those levels symbolize/could be interpreted to represent.
Please do more Psychonauts. This is fantastic
Splatoon review? Hell yeah!
Also, I'd love to see more Psychonauts. This video was really refreshing.
Please analyze Psychonauts more, this was really good. Made me appreciate Gloria's Theater a lot more.
James from funhaus should see this I bet he would love to feature in a future episode about psychonauts if allowed
yeah, he's just too passionate for his favorite video game of all time
Kinda gutted you didn't make another psychonauts video damn this game holds a special place in my heart. Psychonauts 2 can't come any sooner!!!
Please do more Psychonauts level analysis! even going over the levels that you say have been done to death, I would really love to hear your take on them. Maybe as well a list on the elements of Psychonauts that can be improved with the second game possibly coming out this year!
I’m pretty sure this was my introduction to Psychonauts. Thanks!
I'm happy this video gets recommended to me every time I go on a lil psychonauts binge lol
You are quickly becoming my favorite RUclipsr.
Great job! ^_^
dude, you could go over every aspect and level of this game, and i would watch every single one with a smile
I wish you would do this with all the mind levels of this game. It's truly special.
More of these please!
I love levels where two opposites clash like in Gloria's Theater, and It's probably the reason that it's hands down the second most memorable level in the game (the first being... oh, what's her name, the 80's danceclub) Simply because it was one of the best levels to get you to know the character you're in.
Milla Vondello
Yes. This should be a thing. As one who never played Psychonaughts (and probably won't because time and reasons) but loved watching playthroughs of them on youtube, this type of stuff is gold for me. Subbed
Do another Psychonaut level! This was great!
Nice analysis. I personally loved this level. It was so creative, psychologically telling, and hilarious. Having acted in high school plays, I got a lot of inside jokes.
Oh boy, it's been a while since I've played this game. Seeing this video, I think I'll have to play it again.... So many good memories with it!
woot, this is so much easier to watch when i'm suppose to be working on something ^ ^. Wow this game is insanely dark, also thanks for the plug boss.
Your breakdown analysis is impressive
Loved the fucking intro. Like it's cool how they put him on a brain deep in the subconsciousness and you get to choose which door to go through
way, this is a great analysis of the games level. i kind of suffer from bipolar disorder so this helped me to understand my condition a bit better
Please make more of these
Hearing you analyse the fact that Gloria has Bi-Polar Disorder really shined some light for me! I have Bi-Polar Disorder myself, and I always knew I could relate to Gloria somehow, but I just could never quite put my finger on how! Extreme highs and extreme lows- not too fun! Thanks for lighting that up for me!
Would love to see you come back to talk about psychonauts 2
With the sequel FINALLY on the horizon the time is ripe for another psychonauts video
That's why I've spent the last 6 or so months having this video open hitting refresh whenever I think about it. I want more analysis of this game :p
I actually suffer from Bipolar Disorder myself and your description of it was spot on! much respect.
You said "one of my favourite games of all time" in a RUclips video, and my account subscribed itself to your channel.
Yes! A perfect breakdown of a great level / boss fight / soundtrack! Where are the other episodes of "What's In a Level?" I need to binge this series right now!
Then I see the post date.
Shit. Make more right now. Great feature.
Great video! I have somwthing to add: when followimg the phantom on the catwalk he will mock you whenever you fall. One of his lines is "just like glorias mother!!" Cruelly representing the death of glorias mother
All I can say is.. thank you!.. also maybe you can dissect the other levels from psychonauts... please.. the game is extremely deep as you play a warrior therapist to everyone's minds you jump into. It's brilliant!
Now that the second games out maybe we can get a series on these levels
Sadness is not really the best choice to describe depression; at least, for me. When I'm suffering an episode, sadness would be feeling something. There's just... meh. All consuming *Meh* . I stop chatting, I go weeks without even gaming...I usually sink into rewatching vids/movies I already like, not even taking in new ideas/media concepts. Nothing seems interesting. Going through the motions.
So happy to still have a copy of this game with the case and booklet.
Hey someone spoke of Gloria's level. I only watched a Let's Play of Psychonauts but I always did like the look Gloria's level the best. I would love to see more of these videos on Psychonauts if you feel up to it and I think Fred's world would be interesting to do considering what led up to him becoming like that.
Dude you are becoming my favorite youtuber.
+Yellowyuuki That's a huge honor, man. There's a LOT of great youtubers out there. It's pretty huge to be even one person's favourite.
I don't know if you remember this video but I really do hope you'd come back and do a review/video essay on Psychonauts. Its one of the best games I've ever played, and I love seeing other people who love it too
This was a good game, cant wait for the second one. Would love to see "what's in a level" for games like Sly Cooper, or maybe even Kingdom Hearts?
Psychonauts 2 might be a great opportunity to revisit these...
Very excellent analysis! It helps me appreciate this level a bit more. I had trouble liking it too much at first because at the time, I found it more annoying than fun. It wasn't till after the fact that I was able to recognize the brilliance of this design.
thank you for taking the time to research bipolar disorder I suffer from it myself and I dont think enough people really understand what the disorder actually is
I never really thought of the game like this. I was young when i played this. I just saw it as a fun game. I enjoyed this video