Returnal

 PlayStation 5
Returnal Image
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 115 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 3997 Ratings

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  • Summary: Returnal transforms roguelike gameplay into a third-person shooter where players fight to survive a hostile planet that changes with every death. Players can switch instinctively between firing modes by using a single adaptive trigger and can get right back into the action after dying. PS5’sReturnal transforms roguelike gameplay into a third-person shooter where players fight to survive a hostile planet that changes with every death. Players can switch instinctively between firing modes by using a single adaptive trigger and can get right back into the action after dying. PS5’s immersive 3D audio brings the alien world to life around the player, helping players navigate the intense positional combat.… Expand
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17 Minutes of Returnal PS5 Gameplay

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 107 out of 115
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 115
  3. Negative: 0 out of 115
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 15, 2022
    100
    A perfect example of the performance of the PS5 and all its functions. Great gameplay and the music catches and won't let go until you get to the bottom of it all. But in the end, the final may surprise you unpleasantly.
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Game Informer
    Apr 29, 2021
    95
    Returnal is a relentless nightmare that’s a dream to play. The journey is full of horror and terrible discoveries, but also unbridled curiosity and wonder. If you have the taste for it, this is an adventure that begs to be experienced.
  3. Slant Magazine
    May 7, 2021
    90
    The more you learn about Selene across the game’s gripping campaign, the easier it is to relate to or agree with her observation that “I deserve to be here.”
  4. Worth Playing
    Apr 29, 2021
    88
    If there's a sticking point to Returnal, it's that it's a big PS5 exclusive that is most definitely not for everyone. It's next-gen beautiful all the way, but if you've never played a game like this before, even all that beauty and amazing design might not be worth the sense of dejection you might feel as the body count starts mounting. Returnal and other games like it will force newer players to ask questions about what kind of games they want to experience. It takes a little bit of weird thinking to relish the prospect of repeated punishment. I recommend it, just for the experience of it. If you're part of that wider audience who wants to give a next-gen roguelike a shot, then be prepared for an awakening. And another one. And … another one.
  5. Easy Allies
    Apr 29, 2021
    85
    Returnal is a great debut for Housmarque on the PS5. The $70 price tag may be off-putting for some, but it makes a great case for itself thanks to excellent gameplay, an intriguing narrative, and replayability. It would be nice if some of the areas felt more distinct from one another and there are a few tech issues left to iron out. Regardless, Returnal is a blast to play and worth going down the rabbit hole in search of its secrets.
  6. IGN Spain
    Apr 29, 2021
    80
    Returnal mixes the peculiarities of roguelike with continuous progress that rewards the efforts and dedication of the player, with an enigmatic story that will keep us prisoners of that house that we will visit (or not) in each new attempt. Perhaps it fails in trying to offer an experience like infinite roguelike.
  7. GamesBeat
    Apr 29, 2021
    60
    This lack of variety in the style of play makes every run feel samey, and they begin to blur together. That leads to a roteness that made me want to put down the game when I was struggling with the difficulty. I like challenging games, but roguelites need to walk a fine line between familiarity and routine. Familiarity is the warm embrace of something that feels like home. Routine is boredom, and it is poison for a game like this.

See all 126 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,352 out of 2039
  2. Mixed: 180 out of 2039
  3. Negative: 507 out of 2039
  1. bex038
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Its amazing! Every run feels different and i love it! Also the upgrades are really good and i cant stop playing it!
  2. IIAlisonll
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Amazing! Game of year! reinvents the concept of life and death in video games. It is the best thing that sony has done since The last of us 2.Amazing! Game of year! reinvents the concept of life and death in video games. It is the best thing that sony has done since The last of us 2. a very dynamic game, and with an innovative concept and plot. is what the industry and the art of videogames needed… Expand
  4. Przemun1304
    May 1, 2021
    10
    A brilliant game. I was sceptical because this is my first roguelike game I have ever played and yes, it is hard af. All souls games seemed toA brilliant game. I was sceptical because this is my first roguelike game I have ever played and yes, it is hard af. All souls games seemed to be hard at the beginning but "practice makes you perfect definitely" so I beated all souls-like game on the market with big smile on my face.
    Atmosphere, sound and graphics are just amazing, gameplay is so addictive. I love this game.
    Well done Housemarque!    … Expand
  5. Reanim8d
    May 1, 2021
    9
    Great roguelike with a lot of potential. Really surprising IP that's both unique and ambitious. A lot of depth to the mechanics that slowlyGreat roguelike with a lot of potential. Really surprising IP that's both unique and ambitious. A lot of depth to the mechanics that slowly build as you get further into the game. The runs are long and punishing though. If you're a fan of games like the soulsborne series you'll get a kick out of this but it's definitely not for those easily discouraged .… Expand
  6. admdel
    Mar 20, 2022
    8
    IP corajosa. Rogue like procedural com ambiente intrigante. Muito bonito, bem difícil e punitivo.
    espero ver uma continuação eum MP.
  7. BigheadedDerek
    May 2, 2021
    5
    I want to make this clear, I have not played the game but I have watched enough of it to know I want to play it. Currently the game suffersI want to make this clear, I have not played the game but I have watched enough of it to know I want to play it. Currently the game suffers from game breaking bugs that will crash the game cause you to start from the beginning as part of the games design where there is no saving. In my mind I will not play this game until that is no longer an issue. It’s all weird seeing other give praise for this game despite the game breaking bugs, even as cyberpunk just happened recently. I will change my score to what I think is more appropriate when both; the bugs are patched and I complete the game, in that order.… Expand
  8. Padrecitomanu
    May 26, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Malisimo, muchos bug y un juego reiterativo con poco criterio de desarrollo. Debería ser clasificado como un indie y no triple A.… Expand

See all 2039 User Reviews

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1
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