Returnal, a PS5 exclusive, initially struggled to impress gamers but gained a following after some gameplay was revealed online. Finnish developer Housemarque faced challenges as a lesser-known studio attempting to sell an original IP for $70, competing against established AAA creators. Sony’s original marketing campaign depicted the game as a generic action shooter, but its highly addictive roguelike DNA became apparent later. The frenzied bullet-hell action of Returnal has now made its way to PC with some tweaks for a new audience.
The game features Selene Vassos, a deep space voyager who crashlands on a mysterious planet, Atropos, after investigating a signal received on her voyage. Selene is trapped in an infinite time loop, and repeated runs gradually reveal the larger narrative of the game. The gameplay is the highlight of the game, with Atropos’ changing landscape providing new challenges and fresh scenarios on each run. The hostile aliens and environment are randomised on each run, and Selene starts each run with her base weapons. Through exploration of the world and the retrieval of Scout logs left by former selves, the player slowly peels apart the layers of the mystery.
Returnal presents a unique third-person shooter format that retains Housemarque’s core bullet-hell philosophy. The game’s pace is fast, and Selene relies on puzzle-solving skills to loot challenging upgrade items stowed in hard-to-reach areas. The game features an in-game shop that uses Obolites, collected during gameplay, to exchange for consumables, enhancements, and traps that provide an edge during gameplay.
The planet Atropos is filled with unforgiving beasts with unique designs reflecting their habitats. Tentacles are a recurring theme, and defeating these creatures results in glorious explosions. Returnal surprises the player with new threats that test their ability to adapt. In addition to looting upgrade items, Returnal has an in-game shop and rooms that provide higher-level guns.
Returnal’s gameplay is highly addictive, and Atropos’ ever-changing landscape provides fresh scenarios on each run. The game’s fast pace and unique third-person shooter format provide a gateway for mainstream gamers into the niche genre. The game’s various features, including the in-game shop, increase its replayability. Overall, Returnal is an enjoyable game that poses new challenges on each run, with an immersive story and addictive gameplay.
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Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.
