Returnal

 PlayStation 5
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 3997 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,738 out of 3997
  2. Mixed: 333 out of 3997
  3. Negative: 926 out of 3997
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  1. Kart01
    Apr 8, 2022
    10
    I love roguelike games (especially Isaac) and i didn't expec that Returnal could give me such great expirience in this ganre. Beautiful graphics (playing on LG OLED TV), smooth animations, convinient controll of the character, surroundings like in Alien movie, i'm all into it.
  2. Bravo514
    May 3, 2021
    10
    My honest review is a 9, but a 10 is required to balance out the ridiculous barrage of 0s.

    This game is absolutely incredible. The 3D audio combined with the haptic feedback and eye-popping visual effects is like candy to your central nervous system. It all comes together so well and it is so satisfying. It needs to be felt with all of your senses to truly be understood. The game is    My honest review is a 9, but a 10 is required to balance out the ridiculous barrage of 0s.

    This game is absolutely incredible. The 3D audio combined with the haptic feedback and eye-popping visual effects is like candy to your central nervous system. It all comes together so well and it is so satisfying. It needs to be felt with all of your senses to truly be understood.

    The game is so much fun to play. Whenever I die, I just want to jump back in the next room with enemies because the combat is just an all around blast. It’s tough, but it’s really not that bad. It does get easier over time as you unlock gun upgrades and whatnot.

    The gameplay loop brings me back to classics like Metroid Prime. It’s extremely gratifying to bear through a tough run and reach a permanent unlock that allows you to reach more areas and find better loot. I can’t praise the game enough honestly. It’s the most fun I’ve had with a game in a long time. The only downside for me is the lack of a quit save. I don’t want save slots, just the ability to leave the game and pick up where I left off later. So far, that hasn’t been an issue because I’ve just been playing nonstop and don’t want to put it down.    … Expand
  3. Djtyme
    May 2, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is amazing plain and simple soundstage in the game amazing graphics in the game amazing challenging and super fun one more can you ask for.… Expand
  4. behnam207
    May 3, 2021
    10
    another great game from PlayStation . thank you gameplay is good gun play is good story is good but character is ugly. the game need more check point
  5. OliveiraEverton
    May 3, 2021
    10
    Chorem!!! Esse 10 vai para quem dá nota 0 para o game, bjo e um abraço, não briguem.
  6. PhilipeBelchior
    May 2, 2021
    10
    O game da um grande vislumbre do que a Sony prometeu para o PS5. A ausência de loading é encaixada de forma muito orgânica à narrativa. O sistema de cenários proceduais faz cada tentativa única e nunca monótona. As incontáveis mortes deixam de lado a ideia de frustração e parte em direção a um sentimento de querer mais. Passei o fim de semana inteiro morrendo e retornando. Uma sensação deO game da um grande vislumbre do que a Sony prometeu para o PS5. A ausência de loading é encaixada de forma muito orgânica à narrativa. O sistema de cenários proceduais faz cada tentativa única e nunca monótona. As incontáveis mortes deixam de lado a ideia de frustração e parte em direção a um sentimento de querer mais. Passei o fim de semana inteiro morrendo e retornando. Uma sensação de vício imediato que não está deixando eu jogar mais nada.… Expand
  7. MikeyTmb
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Superb game so far. Atmospheric audio and visuals combined with frantic gameplay. Dying never gets old and only spurns you on to progress and get better. Finally beating the biome boss gives a massive sense of achievement in this very hard Housemarque game.
  8. StockportBlue
    May 2, 2021
    9
    One of the best games I've played in a long while and one of the best atmospheres I've felt in a game for a very long time, I'm hooked.
  9. Ruslan_Z
    May 3, 2021
    10
    I love this game and its super-addictive gameplay and atmosphere. Well done!
  10. Javito2811
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Que buen juego y adictivo aparte q cada muerte es todo totalmente diferente sin duda un gran rougue like triple a
  11. Yurator
    May 3, 2021
    10
    I had never experienced like this in games before and its absolutely MASTERPIECE and SONY take a chance and provided to developer everything what they need to make this game. Its very challenging and if you rookie easy going player avoid this game, but if you try to challenge you skill and mechanics welcome on board. I'm about 4-5 hours game play and can't even beat first BOSS. OMG.
  12. ShadyPlumber
    May 3, 2021
    10
    I'm in the 5th area and although the game (about 30 hours) is challenging I'm constantly drawn to it. It's a game you have to be very mindful of your health and you can not go charging into a room full of difficult opponents and make it very far into the game. This game really showes the power of the PS5 and seems to get better and better. Aside from one lockup and being trapped in a roomI'm in the 5th area and although the game (about 30 hours) is challenging I'm constantly drawn to it. It's a game you have to be very mindful of your health and you can not go charging into a room full of difficult opponents and make it very far into the game. This game really showes the power of the PS5 and seems to get better and better. Aside from one lockup and being trapped in a room I couldn't get out of twice it has ran great. It would be a nice touch to have a save feature for progress that would be lost upon death (which wouldn't hurt the games focus on dying and starting over), this would help greatly for the times the game crashed or getting stuck in a glitched spot or even if my wife needs me to run an errand.

    I'm looking for the last parts of the game even though I know it's going to be punishing.    … Expand
  13. Chupacabra1
    May 3, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Otimo jogo, dificuldade muito boa. O jogo vale cada centavo ate mesmo no brasil!… Expand
  14. ilyar
    May 3, 2021
    10
    I think This game is good!good graphic ,good gameplay . Microsoft is angry
  15. suko-217
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Imagine if Contra + Metroid + Bloodborne had a baby. That’s how cool this game is. Highly recommended.
  16. Kajander
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Game of the year and best next gen game yet. Very tight mechanics, superb dualsense implementation and really well done and mysterious story.
  17. SLURM187
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Combine Risk of Rain 2, Dead Cells, and Binding of Isaac with impressive graphics, and you’ve got Returnal. Super addicting. And for everyone complaining about the long runs. Pause, sleep mode, done.
  18. Johnny-
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Simply outstanding game: super good combat mechanics, intriguing lore and super challenging difficulty.
  19. Johnsayegh
    May 3, 2021
    10
    RETURNAL GRANDIOSO JUEGO
    EXCELENTE
    GOTY DEL AÑO LO MEJOR
    DE PLAY5
    GRACIAS SONY
  20. stratos_au
    Sep 16, 2021
    10
    Wanted a rogue like shooter and got so much more. The game lore , action and narrative is fantastic, yes the game is brutally difficult at the beginning but later on the curves smoothes out and its simply amazing, the boss fights are massive and well designed. All in all , the art , the much, the story and the gameplay perfect. My GOTY by far ! This game is unique in many ways, yes is aWanted a rogue like shooter and got so much more. The game lore , action and narrative is fantastic, yes the game is brutally difficult at the beginning but later on the curves smoothes out and its simply amazing, the boss fights are massive and well designed. All in all , the art , the much, the story and the gameplay perfect. My GOTY by far ! This game is unique in many ways, yes is a shooter, yes its a rogue like, yes its a excellent story driven game. Simply an instant classic.… Expand
  21. Collaps666
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Чумовой экшен, идея без сохранений совместно с идеями darksouls и battletoads, дает незабываемый эффект исследователя с 1+ жизнями!
  22. Stevie1der
    May 3, 2021
    9
    Great game, visually it is stunning and makes great use of the dual sense controller. The sound stage is amazing, hearing your gunshots ricochet and echo off the surroundings adds to the immersion and is one of the best examples of 3-d audio we have had so far. The story is interesting and I found myself going into each run like it was an old school arcade game! Not been able to save isGreat game, visually it is stunning and makes great use of the dual sense controller. The sound stage is amazing, hearing your gunshots ricochet and echo off the surroundings adds to the immersion and is one of the best examples of 3-d audio we have had so far. The story is interesting and I found myself going into each run like it was an old school arcade game! Not been able to save is new to me, it feels different to demon souls but is still punishing and brutal for new players. There is a survival horror element which adds a great atmosphere to the game, coupled with the consequences of dying (losing all, yes ALL your equipment) makes each encounter feel tense and exciting. The controls are great and the game plays exceptionally well, movement is fluid and dodging is your best friend! The camera could do with having a recenter feature but on the whole it works well. Visually you probably won’t see a better game currently. The colours pop against the grim environments and the HDR feature is great. Frame wise it’s great and rarely drops and the level design is truly something to behold. Each time you die the layout is completely different along with the enemy’s that spawn and the gear you can get. If you have a nice amount of time to invest in a beautifully stunning and immersive game this is for you. You will need a few hours per run so casuals this may not be for you! For me I love it and although I haven’t finished it the main gripes of others, no saves etc haven’t bothered me, I love it.… Expand
  23. RazielAU
    Jun 24, 2023
    8
    EDIT: They've actually added a 'save and exit' feature to the game in a post-launch patch. This was the biggest thing I felt the game was missing. I'm leaving my review as-is, but just be aware this is a review of the launch version of the game, not what the game is today. I don't really feel like the additional patches/content pushes me to a higher score, overall, it's still an 8/10EDIT: They've actually added a 'save and exit' feature to the game in a post-launch patch. This was the biggest thing I felt the game was missing. I'm leaving my review as-is, but just be aware this is a review of the launch version of the game, not what the game is today. I don't really feel like the additional patches/content pushes me to a higher score, overall, it's still an 8/10 experience for me.
    ---
    Amazing game, but the lack of any kind of 'save and exit' feature (like in Demon's Souls) really hurts the experience. As soon as you exit the game, it's equivalent to death and having to restart from the beginning. The recommendation to 'put the console into rest mode' just isn't good enough in a AAA title.

    I consider myself a hardcore gamer but it still took a couple of attempts to beat the first boss. Now keep in mind, being a rogue-like title, each attempt basically means replaying the game from the start and surviving all the way up to the boss.

    The game is harder than Demon's Souls in my opinion and it feels like deaths hurt a lot more in Returnal than they do in Demon's Souls where you often unlock shortcuts to bypass large sections of the map. The game also completely lacks any sort of difficulty setting, so if you don't like difficult games or easily get frustrated, you might want to give this game a pass, but if you don't mind a challenge, this is a really fun game.

    Overall I'm giving Returnal an 8 out of 10. It's a polished experience with excellent gameplay. But it's riddled with some annoying mechanics and lacks the bells and whistles you would normally expect to see in a AAA title.    … Expand
  24. daplon
    May 5, 2021
    9
    Uno de los mejores juegos hasta la fecha. Housemarque ha hecho un gran trabajo siendo un AA. El Sonido 3D, el uso del Dualsense y la ambientación crean una atmosfera excelente y una inmersión total. La historia sin entrar en spoilers es muy buena.

    Se trata de un juego muy dinámico y que engancha muy rápidamente. Lo recomiendo. Como único punto negativo, hubiera estado bien algo más    Uno de los mejores juegos hasta la fecha. Housemarque ha hecho un gran trabajo siendo un AA. El Sonido 3D, el uso del Dualsense y la ambientación crean una atmosfera excelente y una inmersión total. La historia sin entrar en spoilers es muy buena.

    Se trata de un juego muy dinámico y que engancha muy rápidamente. Lo recomiendo.

    Como único punto negativo, hubiera estado bien algo más de variedad en los mapas, ya que son autogenerados cada vez que inicias un nuevo ciclo y algunas salas se repiten.    … Expand
  25. Black_devil_7
    May 3, 2021
    10
    The game is so fun even if it is frustrating sometimes and hard but I can stop from playing it
  26. Gamingking007
    May 3, 2021
    8
    It’s a good solid game . To be honest I’m not the biggest fan of the progression method because it takes way too long to progress if you just want to have fun . It requires a lot of runs and planning to get to the main campaign parts so have to be tactical and play very cleverly to advance .
  27. danperth
    May 22, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Brilliant game. It unusual and different but excellent. I hope the devs don't update the game to save mid cycle.… Expand
  28. bowman327
    May 3, 2021
    10
    Great game!!!! Excellent graphics, controls, sound, art style, & gameplay. Returnal is EXTREMELY challenging so beware before making a purchase. Great job Housemarque!!!
  29. fifty2ndassassi
    May 3, 2021
    10
    Really like it. Haven't had any of the issues others have stated so far luckily. I've only gotten to the 2nd Biome but I've been exploring the 1st one looking for a bunch of stuff so I've played hours but I'm not actually that far yet. I've got confidence in Housemarque so I'm sure any issues people are complaining about will get fixed.
  30. imt558
    Jul 23, 2022
    10
    Absolutely the best game of 2021. Very tight gameplay. So much chaos. Enjoyed it a lot.
  31. Bertrand
    Mar 19, 2023
    9
    Excellent, 50h into the game, still want to play. Stunning graphics, excellent ambiance, really fun gameplay. Quite demanding skill-wise though, but you'll get better, your gear will too, run after run, until clearing a biome section by section becomes a beautiful dance between bullets. Thank you for making such a great game, unique in many ways.
  32. Tecneek
    Jul 20, 2021
    10
    One of the most fun games I’ve played in YEARS! I find this type of trial and error style of gameplay(Metroidvania) way more enjoyable than games like the ‘Souls’ series. I’m in love with the world, the beautiful soundtrack, and Jane Perry’s fantastic vocal performance. The first day I played it, I enjoyed it pretty well; but it’s not until you truly understand the game and start toOne of the most fun games I’ve played in YEARS! I find this type of trial and error style of gameplay(Metroidvania) way more enjoyable than games like the ‘Souls’ series. I’m in love with the world, the beautiful soundtrack, and Jane Perry’s fantastic vocal performance. The first day I played it, I enjoyed it pretty well; but it’s not until you truly understand the game and start to progress past the first Biome where you truly feel how special the game is. What an incredible game and experience, a big kudos to the developers! Deep. Beautiful. Mature. 9.5/10.… Expand
  33. Smaloner
    May 4, 2021
    10
    As per usual, you can’t have anything without including the idiots. This is an incredible game on so many levels and I had very low expectations jumping in. Don’t let the dumb whiny babies (or idiots again) affect the game for you if you’re contemplating it, the save feature (or lack thereof) is just fine and adds a bit more pressure to each run!
  34. chr1so
    Oct 4, 2021
    10
    This game is a masterpiece, & the best game currently on ps5.
    The first truly next-gen feeling game.
    The graphics are decent without being mind blowing, but gameplay/gunplay are top notch, & the bosses are phenomenal.

    It is hard but there is progression, so each run isn't necessarily a waste if you die, but the consequences are still major, so keeps you on your toes.
    Must play game imo.
  35. Brannon44
    May 20, 2021
    10
    Top notch gameplay, atmosphere, and score. Story was suprisingly strong. It's also an amazing showcase for the DualSense
  36. OllyNorton
    May 8, 2021
    10
    I'll start by saying that I don't really like rogue likes. I like the fact they're usually tilted towards gameplay and that they have a very pick up and play quality to them, but I often burn out long before finishing. Returnal is different though, it's not really like any other rogue like. It doesn't have too many variations in successful builds, it isn't particularly short, and it takesI'll start by saying that I don't really like rogue likes. I like the fact they're usually tilted towards gameplay and that they have a very pick up and play quality to them, but I often burn out long before finishing. Returnal is different though, it's not really like any other rogue like. It doesn't have too many variations in successful builds, it isn't particularly short, and it takes a long time to really get a run going.

    So why have I scored it so highly? Well Retural nails pretty much everything else it does, the combat is perfect, Selene moves with such ease and agility that bouncing around avoiding projectiles and firing off return shots is just a pleasure to play from start to finish, and beyond. The bosses are fantastic to behold and final phases are often visual spectacles unto themselves, and the random nature of each room keeps you moving and thinking rather than in games like Dark souls where it is more a learning process of placement and positioning. The story is blended in brilliantly and can leave you scratching your head but when you unravel all the various elements, home segments, logs, and alien cyphers, you have a tale that is more akin to Silent Hill than Aliens. The sound design is impeccable and you feel like you're really in the game as sounds seem to come from their corresponding direction not just a vague to the right, or behind me.

    This game will frustrate you, it just will, at some points you will feel the challenge is insurmountable as your best build gets annihilated by some kamikaze missile firing punk, but because it's such a joy to play I was heading back in, after my blood pressure returned to normal, to try again. Sitting at the end having completed all 3 acts feels good in a way that completing games rarely does. It made me work for it.    … Expand
  37. FirestormZero
    Jun 17, 2021
    10
    Superb. This game has the frenetic action of Bloodborne, the rewarding exploration of Metroid, the narrative highs of Silent Hill 2, and visuals that surpass all of them.

    After you get past the wall of frustration that always accompanies these kinds of games, you will find it was well-worth the journey. This title is a complete success on every level. The story is conveyed through    Superb. This game has the frenetic action of Bloodborne, the rewarding exploration of Metroid, the narrative highs of Silent Hill 2, and visuals that surpass all of them.

    After you get past the wall of frustration that always accompanies these kinds of games, you will find it was well-worth the journey. This title is a complete success on every level.

    The story is conveyed through subtle queues, audio logs, cut scenes, and play sequences that draw you in and let you engage as much, or as little, as you wish. The first act provides a well built sci-fi experience, always leaving the hint that something is amiss. The second act delves into family trauma, cycles of abuse and neglect, and the destruction of real relationships by obsession with the fantastic. The third act provides an excellent resolution. There are many moments that induced chills.

    Subtle. Understated. Powerful. That is Selene's story. Many "first games" are stories begging for sequels, this does not, it does not end on a cliff-hanger. Instead, it comes full circle.There will be a sequel because it deserves one, not because it begs for it.

    For gameplay, there are a variety of weapons that for the most part, are fun and satisfying to use. There are systems that could be way better-- the proficiency system, in particular, is absolutely horrendous and needs to be rebuilt. But when you do get a good setup and get rolling, the game is incredibly fun. It translates games like Megaman into the 21st century. There are weapons that just do not fit the game, or that were misconceived. But this can be overlooked.

    The boss fights are excellent. In particular, the fourth boss is genius. It ties into the story, into the acoustic design of the level, into the sci-fi and personal lore-- it embodies what this game does right.

    I bought a PS5 bundle that had this game in it, and at the time, I was unsure whether buying a PS5 was even the right move. However, after playing this game, I am 100% confident-- it is.    … Expand
  38. faulousfab
    May 4, 2021
    10
    Excellent jeux pas si difficile que certains voudrais faire croire. Bravo housemarque !!
  39. alirezasc
    May 6, 2021
    10
    a heavily gameplay-focused masterpiece with a surprising storyline. Great job Housemarque.
  40. phj1986
    Jun 5, 2021
    10
    First Rogue-like game, didn't like it at first - but the story gripped me. Amazing gameplay, heaps of fun..Dying sucks and is quite painful. Still love the game. played it during victoria, Melbournes lock-down and had heaps of fun
  41. SWERY_51
    May 12, 2021
    9
    Pros:
    + Looks good
    + Great atmosphere + Fast and very responsive gameplay + Astonishing sound-design and soundtrack + Excellent Roguelite mechanics + Amazing boss fights + Addictive + Intriguing story with nice CGI cut-scenes + Good use of the DualSense (adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, speaker) + A lot of options Cons: - Need a save system (a run can be 3 to 4 hour    Pros:
    + Looks good
    + Great atmosphere
    + Fast and very responsive gameplay
    + Astonishing sound-design and soundtrack
    + Excellent Roguelite mechanics
    + Amazing boss fights
    + Addictive
    + Intriguing story with nice CGI cut-scenes
    + Good use of the DualSense (adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, speaker)
    + A lot of options

    Cons:
    - Need a save system (a run can be 3 to 4 hour long...)
    - Framerate is not flawless, disappointing for a new gen console exclusive game
    - Few glitches left    … Expand
  42. fideru
    Jan 7, 2022
    9
    A great surprise. A hard challenge and sometimes frustrated but it feels like this is the real deal with new generation. Atmosphere and sound are everything. Great game.
  43. mozimozo
    Sep 22, 2021
    9
    A great work from Housemarque that delivers a great masterpiece on PS5 : atmosphere and ambiance is great, nervous gameplay and the Dualsense make a good job on this game.
  44. Shuriken13
    Jul 19, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Отличная игра во многих смыслах, но я бы хотел отметить вот что. Это потрясающая атмосфера соприкосновения с непознанным. Именно такими должны быть игры в жанре научной фантастики. Неизвестность, загадочность, обрывки информации, мистика, одиночество, забвение. Это всё составляющие успеха и впечатления от тех же первых фильмов про "Чужих". Это то, что делает книгу особенной - когда ты вынужден многое додумывать и представлять сам, в своём воображении. Никакая RPG не создаст такую атмосферность. Там ты запросто контактируешь с различными инопланетными расами, и проводишь за "общением", кучу времени. Это всё не то, сразу ощущается обычное, "земное", это как фантастика-сказка.
    Музыка - нет слов, атмосфера когда-то существовавшей инопланетной цивилизации передаётся очень "точно".
    Я уж не говорю о том, как органично в этой игре всё сплетено: и чужая планета, и научно-фантастический рассказ, и переживания и воспоминания персонажа, и мифы Древней Греции, прошлое, настоящее, будущее. 10/10.    … Expand
  45. Misanthrope
    May 26, 2021
    10
    Game is really amazing. Perfect third person shooting with very enjoying feedback, beautiful artstyle (locations is a masterpiece). And this game for those who really like hardcore gaming. Loosing everything at each death is not for everyone - that's for sure. But if you like challenging games, then this feature will be a one more thing that you will love in this game.
  46. adam30
    Aug 29, 2023
    10
    This game is great with PC cheat mods with one hit kills and no reloads unlimited health best for PC.
  47. ThatGuy007
    May 3, 2021
    10
    A superb game from Housemarque and a must have for fans of both Housemarque and rogue shooters. Superb graphics, sound design and brilliant intergration of the DuelSense controller make this game feel alive. Live,Die,Repeat.
  48. Casualplayer
    Oct 29, 2021
    9
    Returnal is another of those timeloop games but this time, done right.
    Hard and punishing but still fun to play.
    Story mistery keeps you engaged,
    Maps never feel painfuly repetitive.
    OMG the OST.
  49. Darthpibe
    May 12, 2021
    10
    Awesome and challenging game! I spent the whole weekend playing, learning which weapon to use, how to kill monsters, how to better use the artifacts, parasites, and everything the games give you to survive is a great experience and a really really difficult game to beat.
  50. vashkor
    Jun 9, 2021
    10
    38 hours and 17 deaths later I rolled the credits on Returnal : a sci-fi third person bullet-hell shooter rogue-lite metroidvania, where Alien 1979 meets Groundhog Day and breeds Edge of Tomorrow... exclusively on the unfortunately elusive land of PS5.

    I had an absolute blast. I generally see video games as a storytelling medium that adds interactivity to audio-visual. And Returnal adds    38 hours and 17 deaths later I rolled the credits on Returnal : a sci-fi third person bullet-hell shooter rogue-lite metroidvania, where Alien 1979 meets Groundhog Day and breeds Edge of Tomorrow... exclusively on the unfortunately elusive land of PS5.

    I had an absolute blast. I generally see video games as a storytelling medium that adds interactivity to audio-visual. And Returnal adds a few more technological layers such as PS5's Tempest 3D audio, and Dualsense controller's haptic feedback, but more impressively - it uses these technologies not as gimmicks or game "feel", but rather embedded into the actual game"play" experience.

    What is truly refreshing with Returnal though, is that underneath all these it's also a very video-gamey video game. Games often go so big on character development, deep dark stories, immersive worlds, etc, that they fall short on the primal video game fun - the fun of running gunning dashing jumping - and on that note Returnal absolutely delivers. Contrasting its dark premise and difficulty, Returnal is "fun" to play, and it's a breath of fresh air.

    There is quite a compelling story though - with Lovecraft style horror and ambiguity. But while it's ambiguous like a Souls game, and while nobody can be fully sure of the plot, it still gives you enough to come up with your own interpretation.

    The difficulty of this game is a controversial topic. Some say it's easy, some say it's harder than Souls games. My experience is that it offers different approaches, and you have the option to explore and build yourself to what makes it easier for you. In terms of "reflex" based difficulty, the game is easier than what you might hear. The real challenge is how punishing the game can feel due to having no save system. You can potentially play for hours and lose much of the progress on a sudden death. This can be a deal breaker for many. I have been putting my PS5 to rest mode and continued a run over days, and it worked fine for me.

    Great game. My only real complaint is luck based trophies. The game also does not have much cosmetic options or photo mode or merchandise - which is probably a good thing, that the devs are putting all their attention to the actual game.

    The rogue-lite nature brings replayability. I got a decent amount of gameplay hours out of it, but it may wildly vary based on the player's skill and play style. I finished 2 acts, that have 3 biomes each. A complete rerun of all 6 biomes is considered act 3, which leads to a new ending. That is what I will be working towards next.    … Expand
  51. PanteraHouse
    Feb 21, 2023
    9
    Excellent roguelike. One of the most fluid games I've ever played. Looking forward to the next title by these devs for sure.
  52. Chopyhop
    Aug 15, 2021
    10
    Just finished this. 7.2 User score as of August 15 2021 is criminally underrated.

    There are some legitimate major issues with this game, for example, the lack of ability to save (although you can put your system to sleep, which is what I did) could be a problem or some people. The story telling, gameplay and combat, items, upgrades, permanent upgrade progression are on point. As    Just finished this. 7.2 User score as of August 15 2021 is criminally underrated.

    There are some legitimate major issues with this game, for example, the lack of ability to save (although you can put your system to sleep, which is what I did) could be a problem or some people.

    The story telling, gameplay and combat, items, upgrades, permanent upgrade progression are on point.

    As this game does not have a story mode as of today, the difficulty of this game could be a major drawback. Many of the great things about this game might not be experienced due to its unforgiving nature. But the thing is, although it has a fairly high difficulty, as you learn the game you will find that, similar to most rogue lite games, it becomes substantially easier once you know how the enemies and weapons act, what the different upgrades do and so on.

    Don't buy this if you break your controllers while playing games, PS5 controllers are expensive.

    The price point is controversial, I would argue it represents its genre fairly well for that amount of money compared with the other PS5 full price exclusives. I don't want you to go away with the impression that I am defending this game because I am overcompensating because I paid a lot for it. This is not the case. I am happy to admit that I was a **** tonne of money on expensive games that I end up hating.

    I don't know what happened in the story after playing the game. Similar to when I played Bloodbourne, I have had to read up about what the hell happened. Even then, nobody seems to know; there are many different theories and a consensus is lacking right now; hopefully this will be addressed in a sequel or DLC... or perhaps hopefully not (thinking the movie 'Cube').

    This game deserves at least an 8, and I would argue for closer to 9, regardless of the fact that many of the complaints are legitimate. As one of my favourite games of all time, I have given it a real 10, and not just a 'I'm mad about everyone giving it low votes, so I'm going to give it a compensatory 10'.

    I would recommend it to anyone who likes the rogue lite genre and who owns a PS5.    … Expand
  53. USMC_CWO_Hunter
    May 3, 2021
    10
    Superb title to show off the power of the PS5.

    Fantastic move by Sony to make a new IP as one of the first few nex-gen titles. Fun shooter with a nice touch of difficulty. Encountered some bugs, but have been fortunate enough to not have any that have ruined my experience. A feature that would be great is an autosave assuming they can find a way to not ruin the rogue-like aspect of the    Superb title to show off the power of the PS5.

    Fantastic move by Sony to make a new IP as one of the first few nex-gen titles. Fun shooter with a nice touch of difficulty. Encountered some bugs, but have been fortunate enough to not have any that have ruined my experience. A feature that would be great is an autosave assuming they can find a way to not ruin the rogue-like aspect of the game. It is very deserving of a 10, Housemarque outdid themselves on this one.    … Expand
  54. tidus_g
    May 11, 2021
    10
    i have to give up after more than 20 hours plaiying and cant defeat the second boss, i fell sad because i enjoyed the first 10 hours a lot.
    i understand that sometimes the games are realy hard and im not a pro, ive never defat the final boss in Sekiro but anyway enjoyed the hole experience
  55. Multipleman
    May 4, 2021
    10
    I was confident House Marque was gonna make a decent game. However I was not expecting something this GOOD. The game is challenging but fair. Players who take their time, READ and observe their surroundings will prosper. Sadly I think because of the casuals this game will not get the respect like it deserves right out the gate. Returnal reminds me of Demons Souls when it first came out onI was confident House Marque was gonna make a decent game. However I was not expecting something this GOOD. The game is challenging but fair. Players who take their time, READ and observe their surroundings will prosper. Sadly I think because of the casuals this game will not get the respect like it deserves right out the gate. Returnal reminds me of Demons Souls when it first came out on PS3. It wasn’t a huge success by my recollection. Because of the casuals. But it later grew into legend. This I feel will be Returnals fate… to be amongst pivotal games in history. I don’t want to spoil the game.. but the graphics are fantastic (crisp, creepy and rendered at godlike speeds). The audio… the audio is the best audio I’ve heard in a game to date. Using a headset is HIGHLY advised. The story is vague but very intriguing. The gameplay feels like a mix between a 3rd person Doom and Metroid. Nuff Said.… Expand
  56. Samyar91
    May 7, 2021
    10
    Well...I can gladly say that this game made my mind blowing...and now this is my top 3 game of all time..I can listen to it’s music for years I think..the atmosphere and gameplay..story and music..everything is like something very surreal and unique..which will attach to you for a long long time
  57. Belafonte
    May 17, 2021
    9
    I did not expect to purchase this game but the debate over save feature and difficulty just makes me buy it. This game is a true masterpiece from core gameplay to sound and musics. It gave me the same feeling when i started playing old Diablo and the Dark Souls series. The gameplay is phenomenal. The story loop is so cleverly intricated with gameplay. Hope Housemarque will not add a saveI did not expect to purchase this game but the debate over save feature and difficulty just makes me buy it. This game is a true masterpiece from core gameplay to sound and musics. It gave me the same feeling when i started playing old Diablo and the Dark Souls series. The gameplay is phenomenal. The story loop is so cleverly intricated with gameplay. Hope Housemarque will not add a save feature. I think it would ruin the feeling to always start from scratch. And it is so good that the fact this game plays differently if you have 15min or 2 hour-time of game ahead. The only problem is the online mode which seems not fonctional at launch and the price tag of $90 on the store fixed by Sony. Hope this game will have free content update and DLC. It has so much potential… Expand
  58. Shoguun
    Sep 3, 2021
    9
    Become from zero to hero. If you enjoy shooters and not a typical souls fan - go and get it. What a great game.
  59. Berrlett
    Jun 8, 2022
    8
    Ok, I stopped playing after about 8-10 hours just because i wanted to start smthn else but fully knwoing the game doesn't save and I have to start from the start of the last world I was in. this is the only put off for me otherwise this is a very good game. shooting, platforming, boss fights are all excellent.
  60. Cairnzy
    May 2, 2021
    9
    Fun, addictive game loop, best use of atmospheric sound I have experience this generation. Reason it loses a mark is at times luck is easily involved in loot drops, meaning if you get the perfect loot drops you can beast through 2 biomes easily. For those who have played souls games you will know what to expect for those who haven't expect a frustrating experience at first but after aFun, addictive game loop, best use of atmospheric sound I have experience this generation. Reason it loses a mark is at times luck is easily involved in loot drops, meaning if you get the perfect loot drops you can beast through 2 biomes easily. For those who have played souls games you will know what to expect for those who haven't expect a frustrating experience at first but after a while you learn to love the concept and the rewards it brings… Expand
  61. getsmelifted
    Apr 10, 2023
    8
    If you're one of the new breed of gamers who whine when a game doesn't hold your hand constantly then jog on. This isn't for you. You'll die a lot. But people who are decent at games will slowly get better until you are running riot through the levels. If you are a fan of rougelites then this is a 9/10
  62. Razgrez11
    May 6, 2021
    9
    This game is incredible. Very challenging though. If you go in understanding your stats are not set in stone and could lose the majority of your progress at a moment's notice, you will be fine. Be sure this game is right for you before purchasing, but try not to spoil the story for yourself! :)
  63. machadobad
    May 2, 2021
    9
    O jogo tem um gameplay incrível. Apesar da dificuldade e ter que voltar do inicio quando morre, isso não é um problema, pois o gameplay faz o jogo não se tornar chato.
  64. MrJmeister
    Sep 16, 2021
    9
    One of the most inventive games I’ve played, from a company that specialized in arcade titles and were forced to quit making them as they were no longer profitable. They were working on a battle royale and put it on pause to get Returnal done instead and I’m happy to say it’s a masterpiece. I’d give it a 10/10 if it had a save system, but as of now it’s my GOTY so far. I adore the artOne of the most inventive games I’ve played, from a company that specialized in arcade titles and were forced to quit making them as they were no longer profitable. They were working on a battle royale and put it on pause to get Returnal done instead and I’m happy to say it’s a masterpiece. I’d give it a 10/10 if it had a save system, but as of now it’s my GOTY so far. I adore the art style and sound design, how it interacts with the DualSense’s haptics and adaptive triggers, the enemy design, the weapons, and the level design. A brilliant game that deserves more people playing it.… Expand
  65. kevouly
    Dec 28, 2021
    9
    + Really fun gameplay
    + Atmosphere
    + Level Design
    + It could be frustating to repeat many times some biomes but it helps the player to improve it self

    +/- Graphics and sounds are ok

    - The story was not as great as expected
  66. Russianator
    Sep 21, 2021
    9
    It's too bad that Returnal's difficulty will turn away so many people. The truly punishing nature of no saves will make this game repetitive for some. The unconventional narrative may seem confusing and off-putting. However, if you are willing to learn the game's mechanics and adapt to its hostile environments, you will experience more thrill than you have in a long time. This game is notIt's too bad that Returnal's difficulty will turn away so many people. The truly punishing nature of no saves will make this game repetitive for some. The unconventional narrative may seem confusing and off-putting. However, if you are willing to learn the game's mechanics and adapt to its hostile environments, you will experience more thrill than you have in a long time. This game is not perfect - the frames drop occasionally and there are crashes that may kill an hour or so of progress. These are valid criticisms that are hard to ignore because they break emersion. Otherwise, this is one of the more unique games I've ever played and certainly a great addition to the PS5's library.… Expand
  67. IIIAHMIII
    Apr 18, 2023
    8
    The game has it all, quick combat good weapons nice special abilities good difficulty and even the free dlc was amazing. Loved the bosses which there was more content. By far my favorite ps5 title up to this point.
  68. danathayde
    Aug 19, 2021
    10
    Amazing game. Challenging, diverse, mysterious and beautiful. The gameplay is so addictive, that you will want to play even after the frustration of death. I do think $70 is too expensive for this kind of game, and it`s definitely not for everyone. You need to know what this game is about before buying it. But, once you get into it, it`s one of the best experiences in the next gen
  69. evildoomfoot
    May 5, 2021
    10
    This game is AMAZING! With one big caveat, if you don't like rouge like games or are not used to their generally demanding gameplay loop, this is not going to be the game for you. its tough, real tough, but that's exactly what i expect from this type of game. to balance the difficulty you have some amazingly tight controls and some persistent unlocks that make things a bit more manageableThis game is AMAZING! With one big caveat, if you don't like rouge like games or are not used to their generally demanding gameplay loop, this is not going to be the game for you. its tough, real tough, but that's exactly what i expect from this type of game. to balance the difficulty you have some amazingly tight controls and some persistent unlocks that make things a bit more manageable each go round. The current lack of a save option is a bummer but something that can easily be remedied by the devs. for those complaining about a lack of a check point system, that's never been a consistent feature of rouge like games, it runs contrary to the nature of roguelikes. This is not a game that caters to the casual gamer, but that's ok there are plenty of gams out there for people looking for something more approachable. i respect the hell out of the dev team for having the courage to drop a AAA title that caters to the more challenge focused gaming demographic. And there is nothing wrong with casual gaming, its just nice to see a game that knows what it is and doesn't try and please everyone.… Expand
  70. DragonMan85
    May 2, 2021
    10
    If this genra/type of game is to your liking, then you cannot fault this game. Great graphics considering that they have to prioritize lightning fast performance for this game to work, swift controls, engaging mechanics, intriguing story, multiple enemy types, and if you can manage to not break your controller with rage, the challenge is right up there at and even beyond Dark Souls level.If this genra/type of game is to your liking, then you cannot fault this game. Great graphics considering that they have to prioritize lightning fast performance for this game to work, swift controls, engaging mechanics, intriguing story, multiple enemy types, and if you can manage to not break your controller with rage, the challenge is right up there at and even beyond Dark Souls level.
    One thing I can't stand is brain dead numpties that buy a game without doing their research, get mad at why they are dying so much, and then give the game bad reviews. It is difficult, yes... but if you can be patient and not just run out guns blazing, it isn't going to give you too much trouble. All bosses only took no more than four tries.    … Expand
  71. TheManofXBOX
    May 7, 2021
    10
    Loving every second of it, amazing story, dark tone at 4k 60fps and hoping for a sequel.
  72. GutiGhost
    Jun 10, 2021
    10
    An ambitious and enthralling evolution of the mechanics Housemarque has been polishing since it's inception. Traversal, evasion, and gun-play are all enamoring, quite possibly the best shooter I've played in recent memory. The story is told similarly to a Souls-Borne title, item descriptions, enemy data, deciphering scriptures, and other points serve to flesh out the world of Atropos whileAn ambitious and enthralling evolution of the mechanics Housemarque has been polishing since it's inception. Traversal, evasion, and gun-play are all enamoring, quite possibly the best shooter I've played in recent memory. The story is told similarly to a Souls-Borne title, item descriptions, enemy data, deciphering scriptures, and other points serve to flesh out the world of Atropos while Selene's circumstances and backstory are mostly explored through tense first-person segments reminiscent of P.T. and other "Spooky Hallway" Horror games. There's a lot to dig into here from a gameplay perspective, a Frankenstein's monster comprised of bits and pieces from the genres of Bullet Hell, Metroidvania, Rogue-Like, and Arcade Shooters; making for the boldest, most head-turning experience in single-player gaming since the inception of FromSoft's Souls series.

    EDIT: There used to be a segment here criticizing the lack of a save and explaining how it's absence made the game a 9/10 for me. After finishing the game I gotta say I honestly wasn't at all bothered by the lack of a save feature. I found gaming publications that directed heavy criticism at this design choice greatly over-stated it's impact and failed to acknowledge the many positives it brings along with it. The looping nature is a blast both in terms of gameplay and storytelling. Though difficult and unforgiving in a sense, the game also REWARDS each death by tying both it's narrative and mechanical progression to the act of dying. Making each failure feel less soul crushing and more necessary than a truly PUNISHING game (Think Souls-borne). It checks all the right boxes for me and I'm pretty sure it's my game of the year. 10/10    … Expand
  73. GrandPachoZ
    May 5, 2021
    9
    El juego es al estilo arcade de vieja escuela pero en dentro de escenarios, es frenético, sube la adredalina y la sensación que te deja el mando háptico es de nueva generación. Si gustan de juegos con poca historia y más acción, si les encantan los retos tipo bloodborne pero en shooter, este tu juego! Eso si, no puedes salvar, es un solo viaje!
  74. amralchalati
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    Returnal is great game for people who enjoys roguelike genre and very hard challenges, because defiantly it won't hold your hand. I wanted to deduct a some points for the items and weapons luck randomness system, also no check points in case you had to leave or stop in the middle of a long run like going to sleep, but no you lose everything and you have to start over. Hence, looking atReturnal is great game for people who enjoys roguelike genre and very hard challenges, because defiantly it won't hold your hand. I wanted to deduct a some points for the items and weapons luck randomness system, also no check points in case you had to leave or stop in the middle of a long run like going to sleep, but no you lose everything and you have to start over. Hence, looking at everything after beating the game twice it was overwhelming positive, I saw all the endings and I don't think I will every forget the story, music, environments, art and the fast base combat.

    No games without flows, so my 10/10 score is more for the impact this game had on me which is very positive with it purpose and what it is trying to achieve (Your struggle and frustration in repeating each loop is part to understand Selene's struggle).

    Goods
    - Dual sense experience is amazing.
    - The game fast base combat is great and responsive, so I never felt tiered from playing it.
    - Music is a top notch specially biome 4 with the right headphone is something else.
    - Environments are so beautifully crafted and designed and you can tell there is a heavy influence from the great Zdzislaw Beksinski.
    - Enemies design is very unique and diverse. Bosses are unique as well.
    - The story that been tolled by the audio logs and the house in first person is uniquely well tolled and keeps you on the edge of your seat and thirsty to find out more about why she is in this situation!

    Cons
    - The camera can go crazy on you sometimes.
    - No check points when quitting, for a game that requires at least 1 hour for each run.
    - What irritated me the most is the randomness of everything, I don't mind the difficulty and the challenge, it is just your run is determined by your luck in finding the correct set of weapons, items and other factures you run though each run.    … Expand
  75. Masanity24
    May 3, 2021
    10
    I just beat the game and wow it’s so damn amazing. I died about 20 time but every death was so rewarding in learning the game and improving. The gameplay is exhilarating and I particularly loved how it makes you strategize and think about risk and reward for pretty much everything. The reward for playing the game right and not getting hit is so worth it too as you can upgrade yourI just beat the game and wow it’s so damn amazing. I died about 20 time but every death was so rewarding in learning the game and improving. The gameplay is exhilarating and I particularly loved how it makes you strategize and think about risk and reward for pretty much everything. The reward for playing the game right and not getting hit is so worth it too as you can upgrade your integrity instead of heal with all health drops.

    I’m not a fan of Roguelikes or hard games like Soulsborne and I think now I know why and it’s cause they’re not fun for me gameplay wise enough to grind and keep dying to get better. Returnal is a different beast though where I’m completely okay with dying cause I get to play more of it. Definitely my GOTY so far this year.    … Expand
  76. RichiK
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Удивительный проект, можно сказать, штучный
  77. jln81
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    If you don't like Roguelikes, then you're probably not going to enjoy this one much. It's a very hard experience, but highly playable, and one of the most addictive games i've played in years. Graphics, sound design and storytelling are top notch. I love it despite the feeling I have that i'm not good enough to ever beat the game, but we'll see!
  78. FabioLopes
    Jul 14, 2022
    10
    Jogo excelente, pra quem gosta do gênero. As funções do controle com os gatilhos adaptáveis deixa tudo mais imersivo e divertido.
  79. Derangedxzombie
    May 1, 2023
    10
    A unique game that combines AAA production values with classic shmup shooter gameplay. It has great sounds and music, visuals, and a solid lead character and story. It is a difficult game, similar to Souls/Borne/Ring in that you die a lot and lose items. The environments also change each time, but it's a good challenge. Some rated this low because there was no save feature, there's now aA unique game that combines AAA production values with classic shmup shooter gameplay. It has great sounds and music, visuals, and a solid lead character and story. It is a difficult game, similar to Souls/Borne/Ring in that you die a lot and lose items. The environments also change each time, but it's a good challenge. Some rated this low because there was no save feature, there's now a save feature until you next logon. I can understand this would've made the game near unplayable without, most people cannot sit down and master and play a difficult game through 6 consuming levels for 40 hours. Which is the time it'll take if you go to every side path and fully upgrade the character.… Expand
  80. Bikram
    Oct 22, 2021
    10
    Hidden behind what I can say as one of the most punishing games of all time is an absolute masterpiece of a story. The cosmic horror is on point, each biome feels different, the gunplay is very addictive and the House sequences are exceptional.
  81. Bakoluk
    Aug 31, 2021
    9
    Graphics 8/10
    Playability 9/10
    Entertainment 9/10
    DualSense: 8/10
    Overall 9/10
  82. ThBBoy
    May 10, 2021
    9
    Vaya sorpresa me he llevado con este JUEGAZO!. No le presté mucha atención porque pensaba que sería un juego de acción más, pero cuando descubrí que era un roguelike me llamó la atención por el reto que suponen este tipo de juegos. Me ha tenido totalmente enganchado hasta terminarlo, el gunplay es buenísimo y adictivo y la ambientación es espectacular. La única pega es que no tenga unVaya sorpresa me he llevado con este JUEGAZO!. No le presté mucha atención porque pensaba que sería un juego de acción más, pero cuando descubrí que era un roguelike me llamó la atención por el reto que suponen este tipo de juegos. Me ha tenido totalmente enganchado hasta terminarlo, el gunplay es buenísimo y adictivo y la ambientación es espectacular. La única pega es que no tenga un “save burn” como el de Hades u otros roguelikes, obligándote a dejar la consola en reposo si no quieres perder una buena run, por lo demás, es un must have para cualquiera a quien me gusten los shooters y los juegos que supongan un auténtico reto.… Expand
  83. cohiba
    Mar 16, 2023
    10
    Such an atmospheric title. Stunning audio and visuals. A masterpiece. I haven't had this much fun since alien isolation.
  84. JohnnyD2008
    May 6, 2021
    10
    Отличный рогалик, красивая графика, интересные механики и особенности геймпада Dualsence, делают эту игру абсолютным хитом среди игр этого жанра, жаль цена дороговата, а так всем советую.
  85. giannis2001
    Sep 7, 2021
    8
    One of the best and most underrated games of PS5. It has it's downs but the overall experience is great.
  86. Sumbyv1
    Sep 16, 2021
    10
    Incredible game. Finished it, traded it in then i missed playing it so bought it again to get the platinum. Did that, now im passing it round friends that were on the fence about trying it and they all love it (after some guidance and proding)
  87. Frankie_Zima
    May 5, 2021
    10
    One of the most impressive games in this year. Housemarque made their best game!
  88. Curtmc
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    Really enjoyed my time with returnal! I didnt encounter bugs but I'm aware people did. The gameplay was smooth but very challenging at times especially the first boss.
    I really enjoyed the mystery of the story too.
  89. ONEEX
    Feb 22, 2023
    10
    Рад, что без повестки!
    -------------------------------------------
    I'm glad there's no subpoena!
  90. zjunior
    May 5, 2021
    10
    Is this game challenging? Yes, but you will love to die. Graphics, sound, haptics, combat, variety, everything is fabulous. Housemarque made a game I have never imagined. They are making history. Please, if you have a PS5, this is the game to buy. FANTASTIC!
  91. Bladerunner505
    Nov 29, 2021
    10
    An absolutely phenomenal experience. It's a very challenging but fair horror/sci fi rougelike that is one of the most addictive games I've ever played.
  92. last_of_us
    May 5, 2021
    10
    Sony always had haters who give sony games 0 1 2 3 somehting
    so user reivew maybe go yellow
    just dont care & go read 10 9 8 7 reviews
    & watch gameplay
    so u can decide buy game or not
  93. nicerdicer
    May 21, 2021
    10
    What a great mechanics and challenge. I love challenging games. It's not just how enemies are tough, its about you have only one try to complete the game and you always do your best and paying attention to details. Adding to this a great story, setting. And finally, we have descent PS5 Exclusive.
  94. AmierShohani
    May 8, 2021
    9
    This game is amazing, I beat it and this was my first rogue lite game. When you beat the bosses you end up feeling amazing.
  95. Tommycbs
    May 7, 2021
    10
    Incredible. I had no idea what type of game this was going to be when I bought it. I thought I had made a big mistake when I learned about the difficulty and dark souls death style. I am really bad at difficult games but I stuck with this one. I am so glad I did. Everything about this was incredible and whenever I did die I was so addicted I had to go again instantly! I did the entire gameIncredible. I had no idea what type of game this was going to be when I bought it. I thought I had made a big mistake when I learned about the difficulty and dark souls death style. I am really bad at difficult games but I stuck with this one. I am so glad I did. Everything about this was incredible and whenever I did die I was so addicted I had to go again instantly! I did the entire game with 8 deaths! So even for the average gamer this is a must play.… Expand
  96. eth4
    May 12, 2021
    10
    The first PS5 title feels like a PS5 title. It's so smooth and satisfying to play.
  97. neftegazrecords
    Oct 31, 2021
    10
    Невероятно сильно затянула трагическая история Селены. Очень крутой саспенс и гемплей.
  98. DemonicRobots
    Sep 10, 2021
    8
    Returnal has quickly become one of my favorite games of all time. It is a third-person sci-shooter that borrows from and combines bullet hell shmups and rogue-lite mechanics to create a unique experience, wrapped in a fantastic sci-fi story to add to it. You play as Selene, an astronaut who ends up stranded on a mysterious, hostile, alien planet where every death she experiences brings herReturnal has quickly become one of my favorite games of all time. It is a third-person sci-shooter that borrows from and combines bullet hell shmups and rogue-lite mechanics to create a unique experience, wrapped in a fantastic sci-fi story to add to it. You play as Selene, an astronaut who ends up stranded on a mysterious, hostile, alien planet where every death she experiences brings her back to the initial crash, leaving her stuck effectively in a timeloop. This story also ties into the gameplay, as every death brings you back to the beginning. While this can sound tedious there are certain aspects of the game that make this tolerable but difficult, as you will need to pass through six biomes to complete the game. The game also removes a majority of your gear, and you will need to refind weapons, artifacts, and parasites once again. The enemies are designed off bullet-hell enemies which Housemarque is famous for, with colorful projectiles absolutely swarming your screen at times. Thankfully, the movement and shooting is fluid and fun, making it so you can navigate the world easily and dodge projectiles. A majority of the deaths feel like they are on you and not the game, which is important and borrows from other difficult games like Dark Souls. The setting is fantastic and could rival Alien in many ways. A big draw to the mystery is connecting the puzzle pieces together, and the house sequences you occasionally experience remind me of PT. It does a nice blend of many genres, but it does have some negatives. If you are a hardcore fan of rogue-likes you will be disappointed in build options, as this game doesn't really have that. You can't exactly find items to turn you into a slow, powerful tank or a dangerous glass cannon, and that is a key aspect that is missing from the game. It is also incredibly difficult for most and the difficulty is front-loaded on, meaning that as you progress it gets easier. I would say Biome 2 is the hardest one in the game for many reasons, and I feel many players will get stuck here and quit. Another issue is if you close the game at any time, your run gets reset, so you will be hesitant to join your buddy in another game if you're on a good run. But, these complaints I have are very dependent on your preferences, and for me, these weren't a bother. I would recommend if you play this to look up guides and tips, as many people have put out amazing tips on how to beat this game. I also want to praise the voice acting, with logs being on par with Andrew Ryan's from Bioshock. The voice actor for Selene, Jane Perry, does an excellent job of conveying a wide variety of emotions throughout both playing as her and the mysterious logs you will find as well. Another cool thing is the usage of the controller and 3D audio, making this feel like a game that only works on the PS5. With each weapon, you get an 'alt-fire which is activated by fully pressing down on the left trigger, where normal aiming is done by only pressing it down halfway. And with DualSense this feels very natural and rarely did I accidentally press down too hard when I didn't mean to. I would say this is a must-have for PS5 owners and I hope that the game's format allows for updates to introduce new DLC, new items and weapons, and much more. This isn't a casual experience of a game, unfortunately, but for people who are looking for a challenge and love games with excellent mechanics, this is it for you.… Expand
  99. RolMustang
    Jul 5, 2023
    10
    Juego muy entretenido y dinámico, con muy buenos gráficos, jugabilidad y OST. He visto que varias reseñas negativas son porque no tiene checkpoint, lo cual es parte de la jugabilidad y, al rato, ya dejas de morir tan seguido. La historia es muy atrapante, no paraba de hablar con quién me encontraba de la trama y como evolucionaba. Una vez terminé el juego, entré a youtube para ver siJuego muy entretenido y dinámico, con muy buenos gráficos, jugabilidad y OST. He visto que varias reseñas negativas son porque no tiene checkpoint, lo cual es parte de la jugabilidad y, al rato, ya dejas de morir tan seguido. La historia es muy atrapante, no paraba de hablar con quién me encontraba de la trama y como evolucionaba. Una vez terminé el juego, entré a youtube para ver si había entendido bien la trama, y vi 3 teorías del desarrollo de la historia, las cuales eran todas lógicas, lo cual hace el juego aún más interesante.
    Personalmente lo único que no me gustó es lo casi imposible que se hace obtener el trofeo platino, ya que hay que obtener coleccionables en un mapa que se va generando aleatoriamente, los cuales (en mi caso) no aparecen (He dado la vuelta completa unas 10 veces y el primer bioma unas 25 y aun me falta uno). A pesar de lo anterior, cada vez que playstation star incluye un premio por jugar returnal, lo juego completo.    … Expand
  100. andrey1718
    Dec 24, 2021
    10
    Um dos melhores jogos que já joguei, Desafiador e recompensador. Gameplay divertida e viciante. Tudo no jogo funciona muito bem. Deveria ter ganho o premio de jogo do ano em 2021.
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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2021
1
#1 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 115 Critic Reviews

Critic 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.
  2. CD-Action
    Dec 7, 2021
    85
    An unobvious reinforcement of PlayStation’s range of exclusives. You can love Returnal, you can hate it, the feelings can even be simultaneous. Even though it’s tough love, there’s something about this game that makes you scream into a pillow and then try again. And again. And again. [07/2021, p.44]
  3. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Sep 3, 2021
    83
    Returnal has everything you’d expect from an exclusive that comes early in a console’s life-cycle. It shows off everything PS5 has to offer, while delivering a solid roguelike experience. [Issue#254, p.54]
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