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I'm not saying it will never let you down, but it will let you down nice and slow.

–Milla Vodello

Levitation is the psychic ability to levitate. This PSI power allows users to ride on a levitation ball, called a "Thought Bubble". This levitation ball allows them to jump higher when riding on it, and acts a parachute when floating down. The levitation ball also glows. Some psychics use a levitation ball to levitate, however other psychics (typically older psychics) can levitate without it[1]. Levitation balls can also be placed under objects to lift them.

Psychonauts[]

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Raz using the Thought Bubble as a glider.

Razputin learns levitation from Milla Vodello in Milla's Dance Party. When in the air, Razputin can use the Levitation ability to slowly float downwards by holding onto the levitation ball. Raz can also run faster while riding on the levitation ball.

At PSI Cadet Rank 50, Raz gains the Wrecking Ball upgrade, which turns the Thought Bubble into a weapon when rolling at full speed, dealing about equal damage as the PSI Punch. At Rank 60, Raz gains the Rolling Havoc upgrade, which turns the Thought Bubble into a Wrecking Ball as soon as he starts rolling. Raz can also roll over various hazards while on top of the levitation ball, such as rough ground or toxic waste. Milla implies that psychics should be able to levitate over water, but Raz can't because of his water phobia.

Strategies/Uses[]

  • Levitation can't be used for much in combat, but it does come in handy for some hit-and-run tactics:
    • You can use it to make giant leaps across mental worlds at high speeds, making for a great way to avoid enemies.
    • The Wrecking Ball and Mega Palmbomb upgrades deal good damage. Charge into enemies with the Wrecking Ball and then hit them again with the Mega Palmbomb to destroy them quickly.
  • Raz can go invisible while riding on the ball. The player can use this to make quick escapes.
  • Raz cannot lock his mental focus on enemies while riding the ball. Using abilities that require accuracy - such as Marksmanship - is not suggested while on the levitation ball.

Flight Glitch (Psychonauts)[]

Highup

The levitation glitch.

It is possible to fly using the levitation ball due to a glitch in the PC version of Psychonauts. With practice it can be very easy to pull off. While in midair, press and hold 'Float' (default: Shift) to begin floating. Now, while still holding Float, rapidly alternate pressing 'Jump' (default: Spacebar) and the psi power key that you assigned levitate to (typically this is the 3rd slot). This will repeatedly place a big higher than his original position, allowing for flight. This trick allows the player to reach game areas that would otherwise not be normally accessible.

Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin[]

Raz cannot use levitation in Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin. This could be because he's outside of his body for the majority of the game, however he is able to use other PSI-Powers, such as Marksmanship, while in the body of other characters. Milla, Lili, and Sasha are seen using levitation at the end of the game.

Psychonauts 2[]

Levitation returns in Psychonauts 2. The levitation ball, however, pops after a few seconds when used as a parachute. Additionally, Raz cannot use certain psychic attacks while rolling on the levitation ball. This is possibly because Raz's psychic abilities were weakened after leaving Whispering Valley.

Strategies/Uses[]

  • The levitation ball can be used to slow falls, increase run and jump speeds, and damage enemies (with upgrades).

Upgrades[]

  • Base Power - Move more quickly and jump higher from the ground, or summon in the air to slow falls.
  • Wrecking Ball - Your Levitation ball will damage enemies if you slam into them at high speeds.
  • Pouncy Ball - Compress your Lev Ball, then release to bounce high in the air.
  • Levastation! - Increases the devastation of Wrecking Ball attacks.

Pins[]

  • Sapphire Lev Ball - Shifts your levitation ball color to a soothing blue.
  • Emerald Lev Ball - Shifts your levitation ball color to an emerald green.
  • Ruby Lev Ball - Shifts your levitation ball color to a rubious red.
  • Cannonball - Smash your lev ball to the ground when you press the action button while in the air!

Flight Glitch (Psychonauts 2)[]

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The levitation ball flight glitch in Psychonauts 2.

Like in Psychonauts, it is possible to use the levitation ball for true flight, albeit using glitches. While repeatedly groundpounding the levitation ball, Razputin can "clip" inside of the ball. Doing this will enable him to fly around the map freely.[2]

Surfing (Psychonauts 2)[]

Another glitch using the levitation power in Psychonauts 2, surfing involves holding the attack button to charge a bounce while jumping on top of the lev ball. After acquiring the Pouncy Ball upgrade, get up to full speed on top of the ball, then hold jump and attack while in the air (be sure to let go of attack while grounded) to make Raz crouch on the ball, and move much faster horizontally. This is the fastest method of horizontal travel over long distances.

Trivia[]

  • Raz cannot use the levitation ball in Lungfishopolis. This is presumably due to excess weight in the size of Raz in the level.
  • Both Psychonauts and Psychonauts 2 have glitches that allow for the levitation ball to be used for true flight.
  • Raz cannot use the shield while on the levitation ball.
  • Raz can change the color of the levitation ball with the PSI Energy Colorizer in Psychonauts, and with pins in Psychonauts 2.
    • Combining multiple pins will mix the colors together. Combining all three pins will make the ball white.
  • According to Psychonauts 2 developer Heather Alexandra, it is possible to play volleyball with a levitation ball.
  • Levitation balls can be used in substitute to wheels - Gisu uses levitation balls to power her skateboard, and Morris uses levitation to power his wheel chair.

Gallery[]

Concept Art and Promotional Materials[]

Videos[]

Psychonauts[]

Art assets[]

Screenshots[]

Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin[]

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Psychonauts 2[]

Screenshots[]

References/Notes[]

  1. Milla Vodello, Ford Cruller, and Sasha Nein don't need the levitation ball to float and are never seen using it.
  2. https://youtu.be/3dIRewRU3pU
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