The Psychology of Psychonauts - Black Velvetopia 

My personal favorite part was him dropping the two, and then closing the floor. He begins to walk away, apparently decides, “well, maybe just a little more,” and opens it in time to hear them hit bottom.

I personally think that Edgar seperated his Good and bad memories of his friends into the dogs and the luchadores respectively, but that is only because there are four of each. Either way, great video

I think another reason for Edgar's creation of an elaborate, romanticized version of what actually happened to him is that, on some level, Edgar is deeply ashamed at just how badly this "high school drama" has affected him. Society and media poke all kinds of mean-spirited fun at "washed-up jocks" who peaked in high school and obsess over their old glory days, and more generally at *anyone* who still carries the baggage of bad high school experiences with them into adulthood. Edgar couldn't bear feeling like he was "that loser who can't get over high school," so to protect himself, Edgar's mind constructed a more "acceptable" version of the story, something more dramatic and exotic and thus less likely to elicit further mockery. That's also why such a big part of Edgar's recovery is remember and acknowledging that it was, in fact, just petty high school drama at the end of the day, regardless of how much pain it caused him at the time, and coming to terms with that.

I think the most interesting thing to me is how Edgar casts himself as the bull in his own mind. Classically matadors are the good guy fighting the bull, so he on some level subconsciously accepted that he was the villain in this story. He internalized what everyone said about him, taking it as fact. So he became the bull, the monster terrorizing everyone, including the one he loved the most.

6:35 That Dalmatian was the most interesting character in the mental worlds to me, because he seemed to be the only one actually _aware_ of the fact that he and the reality he inhabited were nothing more than a huge metaphor for someone’s mental health.

“He basically tells them to go to hell” Wow he just… flat out says that

The structure of this level is mostly a narrow, linear path. It requires careful navigation, or El Odio will barrel into you, pushing you backwards, forcing you to repeatedly retread the same ground. OCD, by its nature, is repetitive - forcing you to repeat the same pattern of actions over and over, even when your conscious mind knows it's irrational - ensuring that doors are locked by checking them six or seven times, for example.

I realized that the confusion grenade wasn't mentioned in this video, but it could also play into the story of the level? You get it from the matador to hold off el Odio, which could lead to a couple different interpretations, one being that it could be that he wants to keep himself in his delusions because in his pain it's the only semblance of comfort he has before Raz helps him let it go. It would line up with what's been presented here with his obsessiveness.

I love that if you return to Black Velvetopia after finishing it the central plaze now has Edgar playing cards with the four dogs and ultimatly the painting he does after the Lobato one is him painting the dogs playing poker.

This is such a powerful level. And you really feel sorry for Edgar. He had a perfect life. Successful captain of a good wrestling team and a beautiful girlfriend. And then she dumps him, he looses the state finals and the entire school turns on him. His entire life goes bottoms-up and his only explanation is his girlfriend breaking up with him. But since he associates her with positive feelings, he can't hate her and longs for her, so he rationalizes that it was the Cheerleader who stole her from him. The guy who caused the chain reaction that derailed his life. I like that the final realization was that she was not as perfect as he thought and that he is better off putting the past behind him, looking for happiness elsewhere and that a woman who dumped you is not worth chasing after.

The "Water" says blood to me. The Water, like blood in the sewer. Hiding the "blood of the high school" in the Sewer. However, it rains out of the fountains. Good video!

Everybody goes ham for the Milkman Conspiracy, but this is my personal favorite level.

It is one of my headcannons that Edgar did have other relationships (represented by the windows that you can go into to escape the bull) but unfortunately were quite short (represented by literally exiting the window whenever) nor did the woman matter (represented by bieng faceless).

Isn't it part of the simbolism that the representation of the guy who took his honey is a matador and he is a bull? Something like, despite his strength and accomplishments, Edgar was sacrifice by him. He sees that dude like the end of his life until Raz helped him

The more I watch this series, the more I wish we had technology like this in real life. I’d kill to see what my mind would look like to a psychonaut, especially because I still don’t quite understand my own thoughts at least 1/3rd of the time

Black Velvetopia, the level which everybody loves. Seriously I have spoken and listened to tons of people and I have only met one person who though it was just alright. For good reason, gameplay wise it is great and artistically wise it is a masterpiece. The characters are fun, and it touches on some emotions which are near universal one way or another. You have done another great job on this analysis and can't wait for the future events. Keep up the good work, and have a nice day.

It's weird how the collie's clothes make him look like both Da Vinci...and a Rasta. I doubt that's on purpose.

I find the juxtaposition of the Collie and Dalmatian to be kinda funny, like how the Collie (who gives a fabricated fantasy of a Spanish/Mexican romantic tragedy) has this somewhat fake sounding posh accent, and then the Dalmatian who gives the real version sounds like an American nerd. It's like even the voices were done in a way to go "nah, that's total bullshit, here's what really happened."

Oh, I never knew art therapy could be used that way (immersion) - interesting!

There's something to be said here about not obsessing over the past, and learning to let go of your past.

I wish Rasputins black light outfit was available in Psychonauts 2

I was hoping you'll make a Psychonauts video soon so the timing is perfect!

This game is truly amazing! There are so many symbolic layer you can just keep feeling back forever! I know about how the sewers are repressed memories, but the detail you pointed out with the red paint is something I’ve never though about before. Your videos are by far the best someone has covered this game!

The characters of Fred and Edgar have more in common than you think. While at first, it seems like their problems are opposite since Fred prefers to avoid his problems and Edgar is too caught up in his. They do have one thing in common: they both like to delude themselves about how they should go about dealing with their problems.

One theory I had was that Edgar is the most sane person in Thorney Towers. As he may have random out bursts of rage but he is rather sane in his speech and body language outside of the rant about the bull, and I find way to many censors in his mind as in almost every ally has a small gang of sensors just waiting for you.

I like how he just looks at the two then calmly sends the two to the shadow realm

"As he basically tells them to go to hell" Love your use of language here. It's brilliant.

This is my favorite level in the game. Double Fine did a great job of creating a vibrant world based on Mexican culture. Another great game that does this well is Grim fandango, which was also remastered by Double Fine a few years ago, and a game that you should definitely consider doing a review on your channel for the Day of the Dead. 💀

So anyway, the confusion grenade in this level. Clairvoyance in Boyd’s mind makes sense since it’s heavily related to being watched all the time. Butt the confusion grenade is well…confusing. My guess is that it relates to edgars state of being torn between his fabricated reality and the reality of his memories.

This was beautiful. Great job going over everything in Edgar's obcessed, fabricated memories. It felt like I was listening to a documentary of his life (which, honestly, his backstory is the most interesting, along with Boyd's).

My favorite level of them game that soundtrack still gives game goosebumps.

I like the title of the level, I believe it's a reference to the Irish song "Black Velvet Band" where the singer is betrayed by a beautiful woman. Absolutely lovely detail if they're correlated.

This level is about obsession and obsessive-compulsive disorder. But it's also about OCD and obsession. And obsession and obsessive-compulsive disorder. And-

The fact that I can relate to all of these characters and the problems they face show's how good they are written.

Just discovered these videos and a new one comes out a little later, what a lucky day! Great content.

Was looking forward to another analysis!

El Odio is Edgar's fursona

Massive kudos for introducing me (and probably many others) to the wonderful franchise that is Psychonauts! I was already a fan of games were you go inside characters minds, such as Persona 4 and 5. But not even Persona executes the concept quite as well as Psychonauts. Taking the release dates into consideration, it's fully possible that the team behind Persona took inspiration from Psychonauts when developing the latest installments.

Watching your videos has been very educational and therapeutic for me. (I know I can just look this stuff up myself, but it's nice to have it neatly and entertainingly presented like this) In particular I suffer from intense symptoms of OCD, so I was really looking forward to this vid on Black Velvetopia.

i really really like the levels that change out raz's textures, like how he takes on a cel shaded look in the sensorium (is that how its spelt?) in PN2. i love how it makes him fit in with the aesthetic of black velvetopia

YES I had to click on this right away, so glad to see more psychonauts analysis!

This is a late comment, but I feel like I want to express it anyway: I have this headcanon that after the events of the first game, the Asylum Inmates headed towards Whispering Rock and took up the jobs that Ford left behind when he returned to the Motherlobe. In my mind, the jobs the inmates got goes as follows: Boyd - Cook (He is seen using a grill in his mind during the end credits of the first game) Gloria - Janitor (Has an affinity for the outside and is shown to be good at organizing stuff, as shown with her garden.) Fred - Ranger (Being a Park Ranger may make him nostalgic of his time as an orderly) Edgar - Boatman (It keeps him away from the rowdy, noisy kids that would disrupt his peace of mind.) Crispin - Ranger (at Night) (If he were to escape with the rest, I could see him and Fred working the same job, one who works the day shift, the other at night)

Just one world left: Meat Circus. After that, it is time to make the sequels to "Psychology of Psychonauts" via Rhombus of Ruin and Psychonauts 2

I enjoy your breakdown's of the Psychonauts levels, keep 'em coming.

You think that because he was on the wrestling team and injuries, especially head injuries, are common in that sport that maybe it was not just a wholly intentional fabrication? Given that, it is perfectly considerable to consider both as causes.

Love this level, double fine did a great job making such a relatable character with Edgar.

This is my favorite level for sure. It’s beautifully designed and it’s really fun to play

RU-vid never sent me this video despite being subscribed. I think it’s cuz I don’t watch ur livestreams so RU-vid is like “well damn guess he isn’t interested in his content anymore!”. It’s maybe also partially because I skipped your psychonauts 2 streams cuz I wanna stay spoiler free till the day I get a console that can actually play psychonauts 2 so RU-vid was thought I didn’t enjoy your psychonauts content anymore. Either way ya another great level. I think when you actually break it down the story in this level is probably one of the simpler ones with no parental suicide, trauma caused by mind reading or revenge arson but that makes it arguably one of the most realistic and relatable minds in the game along with oleander’s suppressed inferiority complex.

I consider this the prettiest level in Psychonauts 1. Also I have a velvet copy of Dogs Playing Poker AKA Help From a Friend. Iconic 80s guy thing.

Yay!! I have been looking forward to this so much!!!

WOOOO! BABY! THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!

Super excited for your psychology review on the Psychonauts 2 minds, especially the secondary (or even main) antagonist.

Psychonauts (1) is a timeless masterpiece

i was honestly waiting for you to do this one! your videos on this stuff is honestly really good (edit, fixed some grammer.)

Maybe you already know this but the name of the bull is literally "hate" in spanish Edit:oops you already knew it, at least is a comment for the alghoritmo

YESSSS LETS GOO

Long awaited and 100% worth it

Im gonna enjoy this , like you cant imagine EXCELENT VIDEO! btw is "Luchadores"

Absolutely gorgeous level, even nearly two decades after

The opening guitar strumming gets me every time. I got chills the moment I heard it. Black Velvetopia is my favorite level in the Psychonauts franchise, followed by The Milkman Conspiracy. Excellent!

it's so cool that you made your channel intro title card spanish for this video. such a nice little touch that grabs me immediately

YAY I just found your channel yesterday and you're updating today! Thank you!

Omg thank you so much for decoding this, honestly it was pretty easy for me to tell what the other patients were going through but Edgar is where I got stumped. His mind is just so symbolic and random compared to the others.

Another awesome analysis! Love this series so much!!!! Thank you for making these! 🧠

That is deep😮

Wonderful videos! Thank you so much for them.

It's what I expected so thank you

Excellent video again. Thank you

I really enjoy this series, thanks for keeping at it :)

I am looking forward to your coverage of the final mind in the game (meat circus) and the minds in psychonauts 2

Great Vid GU!

Amazing video, keep it up!

Awesome analysis!! Keep it up

Final. World. Hype.

Been waiting for this

I love this video keep up the good work

As usual, another great video!!!! So, I’m guessing that next will be meat circus, Loboto from Rhombus of Ruin, then of to Psychonauts 2 (which will no doubt be the most interesting batch of brains), am I right?

Love these vids

Alright everybody, now that we've tamed the bull, it's time to get out the charcoal, propane, and bbq sauce, because here comes the meat.

I subscribed because of your psychonauts psychology vids. Keep em coming! 😍

Lol,I thought Edgar literally “dropped” them, but I guess telling them to go to hell works as well.

something that i love about El Odio being Edgar instead of Dean & the Dalmatian is that Edgar is fully aware that he's the actual source of the problem. also the fact that out of the 4 Patients he's the only one who's fully solved - Fred might have gained the drive of "Napoleon" but it doesn't seem he's aware of his tendency to just give up - Gloria's inner critic might be dealt with, but she never really dealt with the grief of her mother's passing - yeah the Milkman might be gone, but Boyd is still unable to filter out his myriad of Intrusive thoughts

I really enjoy your analysis videos, they’re fun as well as give me an understanding on what exactly is happening or what I didn’t really get before, thanks for making them!

Thank you, I am learning a lot.

This is my favorite level from an aesthetic stand point.

I know everybody does it Gloria, Fred, Edger but I always liked doing it Edger, Fred, Gloria because I get the confusion power sooner.

Great video, dude! I can't wait until you do the psychology of Psychonauts 2 levels!

I did Edgar before Bonaparte because he just seemed more interesting.

Just chiming in to say that I love this series

Love this video

Awesome video. Is it also possible to misremember something because you remembered it a certain way for so long you essentially forgot what actually happened and accidently created a false memory?

Another pun with the dogs is a collie is a herding bread of dog and the go around animals to herd them just like the collie is going around the truth while dalmatians are used to clear paths, AKA getting to the point, the dalmatian gets right to the point.

I know this video is going to be awesome and have no BULL in it so lets have a RAZAL DAZAL time :) Respect and keep up the epic work.

Psychonauts: *Has a character named El Odio* Me: *ODIO WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE, LIVE A LIVE DOESNT COME OUT UNTIL THIS FRIDAY*

Amazing analysis, man! I always look forward to these videos! Keep up the good work! Not to be that guy, but do you have plans to analyze the minds in Psychonauts 2 as well?

Yeah this is a really good channel

I know this video is old, but the first time i played this level, i instantly felt sorry for edgar, because rigth now im dealing with the same situation, gf dumped me for another guy, so i felt his pain, but playing trougth the level, and seeing him accepting and overcoming this, made me feel a little better, nice video

Interesting to note also that he keeps building and rebuilding this house of cards to his love, but the bull continuously destroys it when he gets close. We know that the story he told himself about the woman he is trying to reach is false, but it is the act of reaching that has become an important coping mechanism for him. Therefore, the bull HAS to prevent him from finishing his work; if he finishes the work and builds the tower, he will be forced to confront the truth of the situation, and he can't handle that yet.

YEAAAAHHH

Being an addict of sorts....you oughta look into psychology placed next to all the projects like mk ultra and it's offshoots. Conflabulation in drug use depends on a number of things. Psychosis is not what they want you to think. It's a spiritual breakthrough. Add Carl Jung and the ideas of egregore or pendulums and then your on to something.