PAX East 2026: Unsent Scratches Your Psychonauts Itch With Its Messaging & Charismatic World Building

For more than a decade, it was accepted that the world of Psychonauts would sit with only a single entry under its belt. That was until Double Fine Productions officially greenlit a proper sequel with a Kickstarter campaign. The development went on to be absorbed by the Microsoft acquisition later on in 2019. But despite the gripes of the purchase, the Xbox firm did end up delivering that game as visioned by creatives thanks to its backing, Tim Schafer revealed.

Currently, the team is now working on a new title – Kiln. It’s a multiplayer, pottery brawler; which we did a feature for recently at PAX East in March. And as Double Fine moves on to other projects, the gap for more experiences alike Psychonauts is left to those influenced by the games. Come Red Rabbit Games, its 3D platformer Unsent has come with its own flavor and does not hide the inspirations that Psychonauts made on the developers.

At PAX East Rectify Gaming got to sit down with the Early Access release of Unsent, explore the parcel labyrinth that is the game’s setting, and speak with the creatives behind the project; picking their minds on how Unsent came to be. You can watch the Early Access trailer in the video below:

“In the Regulatory Realm, human beliefs manifest as bizarre bureaucracies. Venture to the human world to deliver Unsent letters in this whimsical platform-adventure game,” the synopsis for Unsent reads. “Travel from dilapidated mansions to bleak suburban streets, connecting people who never got their closure. Each route hides collectibles, secret rooms, and strange characters who’ll make you laugh, cry, and question the meaning of postage.”

Immediately, Unsent’s world is unquestionably influenced by Psychonauts. But instead of the psyche odyssey from Double Fine, Red Rabbit Games’ postage sandbox offers its own bespoke storytelling in just the setting alone. Rich with a diverse color palette, plenty of the levels you delve into are sure to leave an impression. Speaking with the team, it was revealed that the catalyst for Unsent’s theme comes from the Psychonauts 2 level, ‘Cruller’s Correspondence’.

Creative director Brien Rondeau’s experience with the level moved him to explore the level’s messaging as a core tenet which shaped much of the structure for Unsent’s world building. The idea of letters that were never delivered to its recipient and the emotional weight that stays with that. This is what also led to the creation of the protagonist, Valentine. The heart head character would be the one that fulfills the lingering feelings that were sealed with each parcel.

Development originally started as a college effort between members of Red Rabbit Games. But it later evolved into a passion project that the team wanted to pursue as its first professional effort upon finishing academics. Producer Alex Supron elaborated on the original SlimeWare identity for the team when becoming Red Rabbit Games opened more opportunities for the studio to work on the game full time and “let us do what we wanted to do,” Supron said.

From the build I played, exploration was no trouble as the game offers a diverse repertoire of stages that fleshes out the deeper messaging sourced from the Psychonauts’ level. How the game feels in your hands was a welcoming feat knowing the stature of Red Rabbit Games. Especially being a first project, the movement has depth that is serviceable enough for a platformer. There are some other aspects that deserve some ironing out, but is satisfying enough for being an inaugural release.

Littered with collectibles, Unsent takes another note from Psychonauts with its Stamps that act as a twist on Figments. These are hidden in the hub world as well as stages and are required to progress at certain parts of the game. Mixed with the expanded platforming brings an enticing gameplay loop that easily explains the 100% positive rating it wields on Steam.

Granted being an Early Access build, there is still more to be done moving forward regarding Unsent. Surpon told me that the roadmap for its next update includes a final level to conclude Unsent alongside a boss battle for its climax. Gathered from the feedback by those who played the current version, many players are hungry for more content that reaches the end of the storyline. 

What Surpon also added was that there are ambitions to also explore releases outside of PC as well. Although nothing is in stone currently, consoles are a consideration if the cards fall into place with a publisher to solidify a deal. He does not go into further detail on what systems would be considered if Unsent were to find backing for additional ports.

If you are interested in Unsent, Rectify Gaming encourages you to check out the game on Steam by heading here.

Unsent is out now for Early Access on PC.