Generally, I don't like the rogue-like genre. Just the idea of having to restart an entire game over again upon death sort of rubs me the wrong way. I want to be making progress at all times; having to replay sequences never entertains me. That need is probably why I so rarely replay games in general. A few classics such as Dead Cells have a place in my gaming collection, but on the whole, if you tell me your game is a rogue-like, I'll give it a wide berth more often than not. Except then Housemarque came along with Returnal.
As the Assistant Editor of a website all about PlayStation, I feel like part of the job is to keep up with and at least sample all of the exclusive games out of Sony. If I am not, I don't think I'm in the best position to comment on the company and its products, right? So I spent the £69.99 on a digital copy off the PS Store (a day before it was reduced in price) and got to work. Never have I made a better decision. Returnal is now one of my favourite games of 2021.
The funny thing is it houses so many of the mechanics that put me off the genre in the first place. You must start the game over again if you die — that is until you reach some welcome checkpoints and unlock shortcuts. The currency used to buy upgrades and consumables is lost when you perish. Permanent enhancements are few and far between, scattered throughout the six biomes. One or two of them are even optional pick-ups that you might never encounter. It's also quite difficult, testing your skills and endurance over one long run. On paper, I shouldn't like this game. But I love it.
What kept me coming back for more after every single death was simply how good it feels to play Returnal. Game feel isn't always something we comment on during reviews, but it's the driving force behind Housemarque's latest. The way it feels to dash about Atropos, avoiding attacks and gunfire from alien lifeforms. The way it feels to dodge incoming attacks by utilising the grappling hook at the last possible second. The way it feels to lay down fire on an enemy, then activate your alt-fire and see it burst into a sea of Obolites.
Every action in Returnal has been purposefully crafted to feel good, heightening your actions and creating satisfaction for both Selene and yourself. I genuinely cannot think of a game in recent memory that has plastered more smiles across my face. My head was in my hands sometimes too, but the highs that followed made those setbacks worth it.
This feel-good factor allowed me to reevaluate my failures. I started to see my runs as an opportunity to further my knowledge of the biome, not simply a waste of time. I learned how to deal with some of the tougher enemies, making subsequent runs easier for me. Weapons were levelled up, granting me access to more powerful alt-fires. The biomes themselves become second nature — I was able to immediately identify time-sensitive rooms, meaning I knew what was expected of me in a flash. Maybe that's what I've been missing about the rogue-like genre all along.
Returnal will now likely find itself in my top five list of the best PS5, PS4 games of 2021 come the end of the year, and I'm chuffed to say that. A genre that once turned me off almost completely can now be viewed from a more positive perspective, potentially opening me up to other titles in the future. If you haven't played Returnal yet and you have a PS5, I implore you to do so. You may just find something very special — I know I did.
Have you played Returnal on PS5? Do you agree that the game feels incredible to play? Or do you disagree? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Comments 76
I like people that say they hate rogue likes but then love old school arcade games and the like. The idea of starting over from scratch is not remotely new to games. It's part of the challenge and old school sensibility that I find so appealing with the genre.
There wasn't any level select in Pac-Man or things to take with you when you popped your next quarter into Centipede or Galaga.
Not tried this yet, on Ratchet and Clank at the minute.
But I will jump in at some point, but waiting and hoping we get HZDFW 2021.
This is exactly how I feel about the game. I was never someone who got on with the idea of having to do the same bits over and over again but Returnal is just so good to play that I just don't mind. I've even carried on playing even though I've got the platinum and that doesn't happen often.
I'd urge anyone on the fence about this game to give it a chance and it will reward you. Every victory is hard won but you will so appreciate it when you do win.
I'm still hoping for some DLC, and hell I'd probably even pay for it!
Was planning on playing it this weekend, but my best friend managed to finally get his hands on a PS5, but Returnal is currently sold out in my area, and he really wanted to play it so I let him borrow my copy. But at least when I finally do get around to playing the game for myself, I got someone to go to for tips and tricks.
@Total_Weirdo The platinum isn't actually that hard to achieve once you've finished the game. Due to the random nature of the game it just takes time for things to fall into line but if you enjoy playing the game then you might as well go for it.
I’m in the same boat as you. I generally dont like playing these kinds of games. But I am giving Returnal a chance as soon as I complete Sam’s Story in Metro Exodus, which could be tomorrow. So, Returnal this weekend!
Basically you like it because it’s a crap rogue-like. It’s a great game but a shockingly bad example of the genre. The rogue-like elements just get in the way of what makes the game fun, the exploration and combat system. I don’t think the game would have been any worse if it was structured like Metroid Prime.
As a fellow general disliker of Roguelikes, what until you give Hades a go!!!! Sublime in every way.
Ehh I gave it a solid try but just wasn't for me. Dying in this game was so demotivating that it really put me off.
@MFTWrecks Arcade games were like that because they had to be. They were so short you needed artificial hours and if you did well, it would take under 2 hours. I used to love Sonic, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe and even the NES versi9n of Mario Bros. 3. However, a full blown modern game of starting from scratch every death just irritates me. I still have yet to play any Souls game or anything from the genre tbh.
The numerous game breaking bugs.
Seen Selene's face up close so many times now from the amount of times I've died so I consider that special.
I have my criticisms on a few elements of this game, but I pretty much agree with this whole article. Ratchet and Clank was my first ever PS Platinum trophy and obsessively working on the Returnal one at the moment. Finished act 3 last night and working on getting the rest of the research. It feels great just plowing around grabbing the rest of the collectibles, knowing I don’t HAVE to beat anymore bosses if I’m not feeling it. The challenge rooms can easily be the hardest part of this game though if you get an unlucky combo of enemies. I.E: multiple frost severed.
Agreed! I can't think of a third person shooter that handles better. I'm on biome 6 now and Ive got a feeling act 3 is going to be all 6 in a one-er. I can't wait!
@nessisonett Agree 1000000%. It's a really fun game trapped in a shallow, poorly designed roguelike structure.
@Jayofmaya I don't need the game design history lesson. I understand that using these elements nowadays is a choice. And I think they're deeply rooted in arcade sensibilities, and I for one enjoy that.
Are you the type to pick apart pixel art games because they don't "have to be" designed that way?
Glad you liked it! To add to some points already made - while Returnal borrows some stuff from rougelikes, I'm not sure it should be considered one itself. It's a shooter and a good one at that.
I would add that Returnal probably has the best use of the dualsense after Astros Playroom. I am playing ratchet and clank, and feel a little let down with the haptics after playing returnal.
The shocking thing about Returnal is it only entered full production around January 2020, meaning it was developed in under 18 months, and by a team that started at 50 people before peaking at 80.
The production budget was closer to something like a Yakuza game than a Sony AAA production.
It'll have to be around the £30 mark for me to consider giving this a go
@ChrisDeku You can only imagine what they might be able to do now they are first party!!
Yep "feels" is exactly how to describe it. The game is just so much darn fun to play. Yes it sucks to die and start over, but that's just the game challenging you - I dare you to put the time in and master this world! And boy is it worth it! So glad Sony bought Housemarque, can't wait for what they put out next!
I had more play time and overall fun with Returnal compared to any other Ps5 exclusive so far. Returnal is a unique experience because of the mixture of rogue lite elements and its third person shooting gameplay the two complement each other in my opinion.
@pip_muzz I'm looking forward to Hades as well.
I couldn't agree more with this article. The gameplay is smooth. The story is cryptic and fantastic. The sounds are amazing. I recommend headphones. Top it off with a very helpful community here to help you through the tough areas and you can't go wrong with playing this.
I never knew visiting my cousin would lead to me making progress in this game. I was asked to use my Sekiro "skills" (I'm average) to help her kid finish the game and justify her purchase lol. I can't focus for hours on end on games but we are taking turns and actually got to biome 3. Theoretically I should be better at the game when I get home and may just be able to make quick progress by myself. I might just buy it after all lol.
I have a love/hate relationship with Returnal.
There were times when I absolutely loved this game; but there were points where I was ready to break the disc in half and never return...I am almost done with Act 3 - just need to fight the final boss (again).
Once I do that, it's on to Ratchet & Clank. Screw the Platinum Trophy - lol!
Nah, no thanks, I don't like rouge likes and I doubt it will change anytime soon, I don't have the patience to keep starting all over.
Better ps5 games on the horizon (horizon 2) than to care about this quick cash grab 🙄😤
What makes it so special ?
Graphics, sound and playability.
What do I win ?
A lot of people on this site doesn’t seem really skill in Returnal which is ok the game isn’t for everybody. I think of myself as a bit above average gamer I’m pretty decent in most games I play.
I was in the middle of a really good run and had to put my PS5 in rest mode the other day for (going for the 3rd key) Returnal. Since I’ve only had a little time here and there and Returnal is still on it’s done a great job at making it so I don’t turn on my PS5. So that’s what it’s good at, so aggravating, also no one else in house can use it either, it’s just plain irritating. That’s my small rant, sorry
Edge of your seat gaming, GOTY.
the smooth gameplay, the addictiveness. love this game!!
A *****-ton more biomes wouldn’t go astray.
Can't wait to get my hands on this game soon!
Definitely my game of the year so far, everything about it is great. I have only one more xenoglyph (or whatever they are called lol) in biome 2 until that plat drops. Put it on again the other day and a few of the other ones I wanted dropped, but have read biome 2 is a nightmare where ppl have tried for ages for it to drop, hopefully it drops soon.
I’m dubious about most rogue-likes to, barring maybe Dead Cells. I’ve loved Returnal so far, the movement and shooting are really slick and it looks gorgeous. Pity I’m useless at it, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made it to the boss of the first area and had it all fall apart!
@huyi can't wait for horizon!
It was made by Housemarque
@MightyDemon82
Damn right !
As frustrating as it really can be and is , it's an absolutely brilliant game and one that I think will go down in PS5 history.
After beating the game and seeing the second ending I don’t feel like it’s a game worth $70 when compared to titles like Ratchet and Clank or Demons Souls. I thought the cutscenes were confusing and the endings were just meh for me. Gameplay was tons of fun until you hit an insane difficulty spike and died (for good) and lost hours of progress. Plus some play through as you get crappy weapons or upgrades that hold you back. It’s an 8 hour game that takes 2-3 times that to beat because of the start all over mechanic. A great $30-$40 game, but it’s not at the level that earns full price money in my opinion.
I’ve actually bought this via the ps store while I’ve been at work tonight. Hopefully it will be downloaded by the time I get home. A lot of what I read about it put me off but I still really wanted to try it. This article has gotten me even more excited to give it a try, so thanks!
@nessisonett @RBMango right there with you two, and because I realised that when the game came out I decided to stay away.
"Returnal will now likely find itself in my" waiting-for-it-to-come-to-PSPlus-or-PSNow list, when I will play it until the first time I rage quit and promptly uninstall.
I'm glad you discovered these aspects of video games! Games can be so much more than quest markers and holding X so that your horse stays on the path.
My game of the year so far. And I just popped the platinum yesterday
Returnal will probably end up my most played game by year's end, and although frustrating, it's not a rage quit frustration. It's like Edge of Tomorrow. Live. Die. Repeat. And somewhere in there you learn and adapt. It's been well worth the money.
It looks fantastic, it is just not for me. Maybe someday they will make a more traditional 3rd person action game.
Ratchet and Clank tought me that games can be worth $69
I mean that is still less than a Broadway Show (how I justify next Gen gaming expenses to the Mrs now 😅😊)
@davesmith01 great buy! If you need help check out the returnal forum. Lots of great info. I'm still on Biome 4 myself. Goodluck!
I was hoping for something different for Sony's next exclusive after Demon's Souls. When it comes to single player games, RPGs are my favorite because I enjoy the process of progression, of investing in and building a character. Rogue-likes are the opposite of RPGs in that they are the absence of progression. And when people say that the progression is in skill developed at playing the game, I don't discount that, but when it comes to skill development as the form of progression there will always only be one game that stands alone for me- Tekken.
@TheDudeElDuderino you do that too? I’ve rage quit a few and promptly uninstalled. 😁
This isn't my usually style of game either, but I can't put it down. Even R&C has become my "other" game while I continue to play Returnal (chasing the Platinum, which I usually don't care about at all).
@elodin thanks. I haven’t played for long but really enjoying it so far. Cheers for the advice about the forum, I’ll definitely be taking a look!
Another one here to throw my “agree with Liam’s opinion of Returnal” onto the pile. I’m only in Biome 3, but the game is already been well worth the full price I paid.
@MFTWrecks Wow. Defensive. Perhaps you're very used to people attacking your opinion. That wasn't what I was doing, but if you want to feel offended then go ahead. No, I loved Retro City Rampage, Poncho and Owlboy, nice presumption, though.
Amazing game.
Since ploughing 70 odd hours in go it and near enough completing it I’ve bought Hades for my switch and a few days back bought Spelunkey for the PS5.
I thought Returnal and Hades were hard until I played Spelunkey!
Fantastic game though I keep dying! Lol
hmm I dunno, I'm still going to skip it. I'm not a fan of rogue likes too, but your reasoning for liking this just came down to "I like the way you can dodge and shoot" that doesn't address my (and your listed reasons) for not liking rogue-likes.
@HeroYoshiko That’s really simplifying it and doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s not just about the way you dodge and shoot, it’s the “feel” of the game. There’s so many small details like the haptic feedback and the 3D sound that just add up to make it more than the sum of its parts. That’s why it becomes addictive.
I’m one of the ones who took Returnal off my wishlist once it released and I found out about what’s expected time-wise with your runs. I don’t get 2 hours to play a session.
I play a lot of Resogun and Nex Machina so I know how good these guys are. But ***** it I guess.
I also have no particular love for the genre but Returnal is an excellent game. Surely it’s not for everyone, no game is, but I completely agree with the article in that it just feels so good to play. Once you get your flow on, it’s hard to deny the power of what Housemarque have delivered.
@JapaneseSonic Case in point, I recently downloaded Slay the Spire through my PS Now sub and I can't get enough of it. I'm not a fan of card games. I'm not a fan of turn-based combat. And I'm only occasionally a fan of roguelikes. But Slay the Spire is so well designed and executed it transcends my prejudices and offers me the fantastic gaming experience I so rarely find these days.
Returnal is worth the price. I'm sorry. To me price goes with the experience. This is totally a different experience that you will love of you can i vest the time in. The feeling of accomplishment that follows completing the challenge of this game, is amazing.
@Plankton-Warrior I'm at biome 3 as well and enjoying every moment.
@ViolentEntity
Just what I though 😆🤣
If this launched in 2022 and there were other, next gen only, games available, we wouldn't be talking about it.
It only stands out from the competition because there is none
It's a good looking game but it's level design is basic. There's very little in the way of story and most of that is delivered, cheaply, through audio logs akin to any low budget indie. There's a smattering of weapons, some almost useless, and it has a lot of bugs. It's also really inaccessible for 80% of its players due to difficulty and the amount of time needed to finish later runs.
It asks a AAA price (and then some) but it's not a AAA game.
@render Graphics and sound still does not address the GAMEPLAY of a Rouge-Like. I'm glad the graphics and sound makes it better, but that doesn't change what I (and the reasons he listed too) don't like about RL game play.
The one thing that puts me off going back to it the lack of conventional save which is not ideal for someone who’s time is restricted or who’s back catalogue is stuffed with games I never finished.
@Blackjay i definitely hear you on this one. I have no time and a humongous backlog. That aspect of the game has made me.feela certain way (we especially when I die after a good run). But as far as the game itself, the game is great and does give you a sense of accomplishment as you progress.
@RS1 i am going to say that you are probably right on it being skipped if it would have released among other games. I for one and happy that it released when it did. Because I may have missed out on a great game.
@lacerz heck yes
@HeroYoshiko I think if you look at the latter part of the article then Liam answers your question. His previous concerns about having to replay sections and not carrying over much progress were rectified not only by satisfying gameplay, but by exceptional game design and level design whereby difficulty things early on become almost second nature with the way the game feeds it to you and tutors you. And with it all enveloped with gratifying “dodging and shooting” (definitely oversimplification with the layers of weaponry and the different ways to “dodge” you’re given) which propels you forward — and the haptics, audio, graphics, and art design as noted by @render makes for an entire gaming package that is difficult to put down.
And to expand on Liam’s thoughts — that “git gud” aspect of the game, if you simplify it into internet gamer lexicon, isn’t like the Dark Souls “git gud” where part of survival is memorizing enemy placement and around which corners to expect a ambush. Every run is different in Returnal. Yet, like Liam says, there are basic principles and skills for the game which you learn, run by run. And that is addicting. And that’s why he’s got a new appreciation for the genre.
His point is that if it didn’t feel good to play then he wouldn’t have discovered the other things about the excellent and absorbing game design centered on attaining progress in a way different from most other games we play.
As a case in point — I’ve stuck with Returnal way longer (I’m about 28 hours in) than I did with Witcher 3, despite that game having a much better realized storyline, huge map, variety of things to do, etc. because in many ways W3 doesn’t feel good to play. The combat and movement is jank. I want to like it, but the gameplay lacked the addictive hook. The satisfaction of progress was actually less in W3 imho because every scenario just opened up a bunch of other scenarios and you feel like you are running in quicksand.
Sorry for the huge wall of text. Please don’t take this to say all gamers should buy the game or that it’s for everyone. It’s definitely not. If you favor story and CG cutscenes over arcade style combat and exploration then steer clear of it. We all have different things we like.
@ViolentEntity The price tag is an absolute joke considering many SNES games sold for $80 almost 30 years ago.
@XFinest_KnightX @XFinest_KnightX @XFinest_KnightX @XFinest_KnightX The design work is pretty solid I’ll give the developers that.
I have the same view as Liam when it comes to Rouge-likes and Dead Cells too appealed to me (but I knew if Dead Cells mechanics were used on a Metroidvania/2D Souls style I would have loved it even more).
I will give Returnal a go at some point but only because it’s a Housemarque game. Given my natural dislike for this genre, £60-£70 still seems a little to too steep though. When it gets discounted (I try not to buy secondhand games for devs I like)
Let me put it this way... Returnal was the game that made me buy a PS5. It's the first "killer app" that you can't get anywhere else. Astro's Playroom is pretty good but isn't one of those "almost justifies the price alone" things. Games rarely are. This one is.
It's by the same team (more or less) whose games I've been playing since the AMiGA 1200 days of Super Stardust AGA, who reached new heights with Super Stardust Delta (a killer app for the Vita, again), took another quality notch up with Resogun and really feels like they've peaked with this one.
The controls, which they've always done well, are peerless. It's one of the best handling games ever made. If this were a supercar it would be a McLaren Senna - it does everything you want and more, and it's tight as a drum.
The visuals, while technically running at 1440p upscaled to 4K, are stunning. All those damn super bright particle effects racing at you and barely ever a frame drop or stutter in sight. The game engine is polished, runs smooth.
The difficulty? Well yeah, there is a fair bit. But if you've played and liked Soulsborne games this isn't going to stump you much, although the pacing is very different between those two games. They give you all the tools you need (well, apart from proper save points I guess), and it's up to you to become proficient in their use so you better Git Gud.
It's not a rogue like, though, not entirely. It's more of a bullet hell third person shooter with roguelike elements, for my money. It's more paying lip service to the idea of roguelikes without ever fully committing to them.
Downsides? Some bugs, the story is a bit thin (sometimes less is more, though) and the price. I got my copy used for half the RRP. Getting the PS5 Disc Edition was smart.
@Th3solution sorry I didn't read that wall of text. But I'm glad you're liking the game, it's just not for me.
@HeroYoshiko ok - no problem. That makes sense now though.
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