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. Teach_QC
    May 5, 2021
    2
    Dull biomes, unsatisfying gameplay, horrible save system, and game-breaking patches

    Expected better from a developer with the reputation Housemarque had.

    If you enjoy roguelikes, you're better off paying a fraction of the price for a substantially better experience with Hades.
  2. bradipomissile
    May 6, 2021
    5
    if you have a life you NEED a save system. Let the player choose.
    Great but in 2021 let the player play the game as they wish to.
  3. TigerForHire
    May 8, 2021
    0
    One of the worst games I've bought in my entire life!
    Shallow, repetitive, unfair, no saves, no progression. Just masoquism and shame for sony. If this was an indie game for 20 bucks it would be ok, but for the price of a AAA game is a joke. If I can say something good about this game the vibration and sound are excellent, but astro's game that comes with the console does much more for    One of the worst games I've bought in my entire life!
    Shallow, repetitive, unfair, no saves, no progression. Just masoquism and shame for sony. If this was an indie game for 20 bucks it would be ok, but for the price of a AAA game is a joke. If I can say something good about this game the vibration and sound are excellent, but astro's game that comes with the console does much more for free. Do yourself a favor and play hades that is a way better roguelite, destiny if you want a shooter, or demon souls if you want to suffer.    … Expand
  4. Xtrememyk
    May 9, 2021
    3
    At first glance you will feel the game as a great one. A few days after being a professional now and not a gamer you will realize that this game is not for everyone. But for the price tag that players are paying this should be played by anyone. A game is suppposed to be fun not frustrating. I finished demon souls, dark souls, NIOH 1 & 2NG+++, DEAD CELLS. and ill say the enemy are not thatAt first glance you will feel the game as a great one. A few days after being a professional now and not a gamer you will realize that this game is not for everyone. But for the price tag that players are paying this should be played by anyone. A game is suppposed to be fun not frustrating. I finished demon souls, dark souls, NIOH 1 & 2NG+++, DEAD CELLS. and ill say the enemy are not that hard the frustration lies on the grind to have a **** rng thatll end up having a good time or a bad time. Whereas the common is the latter it makes you want to throw the game. Pros: amazing feeling, amazing weapons, nice level design cons: frustrating grind feels pointless if ur unlucky to get good weapon combinations. My first run was amazing and nice. The second and the latter became duller and duller. For professionals who wants to relax on a weekend dont pick this up. But for players who wants a challenge and has time for sitting and resetting their game for 6 hours per day pick this up. But in the current state of the world right now, stay away mates. Maybe they will add in save points or a casual mode then ill say 8-9 but for now lets give them a 3.… Expand
  5. Valmodovar2
    May 20, 2021
    0
    Do not waste your time with this game!!!. It was enjoyable initially but after having your game crash and start you from the beginning after several hours of game play it will just frustrate the heck out of you. I wouldn't be so upset if I at least got the chance to die. I removed the update feature knowing there was an update coming and long behold today I start the game only to findDo not waste your time with this game!!!. It was enjoyable initially but after having your game crash and start you from the beginning after several hours of game play it will just frustrate the heck out of you. I wouldn't be so upset if I at least got the chance to die. I removed the update feature knowing there was an update coming and long behold today I start the game only to find out it crashed the system. Losing another 3hrs of game play. Just do yourself a favor and play something else!… Expand
  6. AreYouSerious
    May 2, 2021
    3
    Sound, graphics, atmosphere... great. Everything other aspect... irritating beyond words.

    Having Platinum'd games like Bloodborne and Dark Souls, I have no issues with a challenge, but Returnal is an aggravating exercise that will only appeal to a selective few. The advertising for this has been hugely misrepresentative on the game mechanics, and only in the last week to release did    Sound, graphics, atmosphere... great. Everything other aspect... irritating beyond words.

    Having Platinum'd games like Bloodborne and Dark Souls, I have no issues with a challenge, but Returnal is an aggravating exercise that will only appeal to a selective few.

    The advertising for this has been hugely misrepresentative on the game mechanics, and only in the last week to release did they start "revealing" it's true gameplay loop.

    Tried to like it, but after 12 hours, I've learnt to loathe it.    … Expand
  7. LimitBreak
    May 1, 2021
    5
    Plenty of good stuff in the game but mostly from a technical perspective. When it comes to the actual gameplay, Returnal is dull and repetitive. Disappointing overall but if you are a die-hard fan of roguelikes then I'm sure you'll like.

    And as everyone has said - it's overpriced.
  8. DinaSousa
    May 1, 2021
    10
    One of the best games of the year. Sony knows how to makes games and they make them better than any other company.
  9. Kevinrate
    May 1, 2021
    0
    and once again yet another hard boring repetitive unimaginative game for the PS5 reserved for a certain public not for all like demon souls with a heroine without charisma who does not deserve 79 dollars which will be forgotten a few days after its release eclipsed by Ratchet and Clank more mainstream you will join godfall bugsnax destruction all star and demon souls level salesand once again yet another hard boring repetitive unimaginative game for the PS5 reserved for a certain public not for all like demon souls with a heroine without charisma who does not deserve 79 dollars which will be forgotten a few days after its release eclipsed by Ratchet and Clank more mainstream you will join godfall bugsnax destruction all star and demon souls level sales congratulations for This early gen Sony no games that will be remembered playstation always for players good joke keep it up Jim you're doing a good job… Expand
  10. v01c3s
    May 2, 2021
    0
    I'm sick of starting the first level over and over again and have given up with no manual save. A warning to you as I wasted my money buying this. To be honest the graphics etc. aren't spectacular anyway, and they essentially seem to have padded out a short game by making it difficult and having you start over and over.
  11. John7
    May 1, 2021
    0
    Boring level design, boring main character, graphics are fine, but that's not next gen. I would say wait for sale.
  12. GoodGames99
    May 1, 2021
    0
    I have two problems with this game after finishing it. 1. Why is main character so ugly? and 2. Extremely boring/weird boss fights (almost like some iphone game). First one should be obvious, why is she ugly? I don't get it. When has been main female hero in movies ugly? You want this game to be successful and get sequel? Well how about you make actually likable main character. I don'tI have two problems with this game after finishing it. 1. Why is main character so ugly? and 2. Extremely boring/weird boss fights (almost like some iphone game). First one should be obvious, why is she ugly? I don't get it. When has been main female hero in movies ugly? You want this game to be successful and get sequel? Well how about you make actually likable main character. I don't even feel sorry to say this, because this is video game okay? You can make your character look whatever you want and you choose this? It's Finnish game developer just like Remedy. How about learn from Remedy's "Control". Now my second problem and more important one is extremely boring boss fights. You just endless shoot them and then jump (at times) to avoid some weird bubbles lol. What is this? It's not worst game ever, but is it reason to buy PS5? Hell no. Never. And 80 dollars/euros for this? Hell no. It's worth like 20 dollars/euros. Developing games like this takes insane amount of time, planning and money. Why not make sure you spend these things on something that's actually worth something? Why make something like this?… Expand
  13. TheoreticalHero
    May 2, 2021
    0
    Terrible game, a lot of bugs and glitches is almost impossible to enjoy this game not worth the 70 $ at most 19.99$ at that is a steal.
  14. samuslink
    May 2, 2021
    6
    This game is a total waste of time. No BSO, no graphics next-gen, bad gunplay, null graphic details, all stages are the same, all enemies have the same IA attack rutine. The runs are eternal without possibility og to save the progress and a lot of problems more.
    This is not fun because the game cost 80€ in EU and 70$ in USA, is not cheap and this price is to far from what this game had    This game is a total waste of time. No BSO, no graphics next-gen, bad gunplay, null graphic details, all stages are the same, all enemies have the same IA attack rutine. The runs are eternal without possibility og to save the progress and a lot of problems more.
    This is not fun because the game cost 80€ in EU and 70$ in USA, is not cheap and this price is to far from what this game had promised. I dont recommend to buy.    … Expand
  15. inquisitor1009
    May 3, 2021
    1
    People don't have time to spend eight hours on the same level. People have more to do. Nobody pays me to play games.
  16. coringanoob
    May 3, 2021
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. jogo repetitivo e cheios de bugs. Fora que o grafico não é isso tudo não...… Expand
  17. YotomoKawama
    May 3, 2021
    1
    This is a boring game, broken and it's gameplay is boring, it's unacceptable that you have to pay $80usd for a broken game with 12hours of Duration
  18. MrHorse
    May 2, 2021
    2
    I have very very very very minor spoilers. Not even worth clicking the spoiler button. It would be misleading. I would have given this game a 4, but so many obvious morons gave it a 10 because they think everything only on Playstation is perfection because they put their allegiance into a corporation and a piece of plasic. That out of the way
    Returnal has some amazing ideas and concepts.    I have very very very very minor spoilers. Not even worth clicking the spoiler button. It would be misleading. I would have given this game a 4, but so many obvious morons gave it a 10 because they think everything only on Playstation is perfection because they put their allegiance into a corporation and a piece of plasic. That out of the way
    Returnal has some amazing ideas and concepts. The bosses are fun and honestly so cool. The story is interesting, if a little contrived. A lot of fun though. Some of the levels I swear are the best procedurally generated levels I've ever played in a game. The way they used the remote for alternate fire is awesome. It ends there for me though. And while that may seem like a lot of good it is overshadowed by so much done wrong that it all doesn't matter. The cycles are wayyyyyyyyyy too long. So it doesn't matter that they are so awesome to play. You have no way to stop playing the game without losing your cycle. In a next gen they don't have a way to just save your spot. It wouldn't need to be a save in the traditional sense. Just a way to be able to go to work or bed or get busy with your wife in the middle of one of the horrendously long cycles. This was an oversight. They tried to be too hardcore at the expense of common sense. It would not make the game any easier if they implemented this feature. The controls handle okay. Okay kinda. Okay they are good, until you want to be precise. But that's only required in bullet hells. Oh wait ...

    I don't know. It feels like they had it almost figured out. Then said, "well this will have to be enough planning, let's make it and ship it". You have to play it to truly understand what I'm saying. Anyone that calls this the best looking game ever is a moron. It's not. It may be on the PS5. But play Hitman 3 on PC (heck in PS5) and then come talk to me. Besides graphics get you no where in gaming anymore. It can look perfect. It can be the most realistic thing or coolest looking boss, or coolest feature with the remote. It all means nothing if the game isn't fun. It has moments of some of the most fun I've had in a game recently. But as a whole package, it gets totally ruined by design choices. Shame. PlayStation is losing momentum. It's sad to see. Oh they'll still dominate and be great. But I have the feeling that the memories I made on PS4 will not be replicated in this generation. Not by Sony anyway. Maybe it's time for me to stop defending them.    … Expand
  19. demianup
    May 2, 2021
    0
    1080p game on PS5 and graphics looks like **** Apart from that, it doesn’t allow to save your game. What a ****
  20. Protocryne
    May 3, 2021
    0
    The price of the game is too high but the gameplay is always poor. Better games I had played
  21. gamender
    May 3, 2021
    10
    An absolute amazing epic game. Have not had this much fun sine the original Metroid Prime. Should hands down win game of the year. Also I would still give it a perfect 10 regardless of the review bombing. Must play Now!!!!!!
  22. VFB-Fan93
    Nov 13, 2022
    10
    The game shines for its gunplay, which is so good that it can create fun over muliple hours. The story is also suprisingly well written for the genre. I only miss a option to pause a run without the system rest mode, but this is fixable through a patch, so fingers crossed!
  23. Bolsonaro
    May 2, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. É um jogo que prometia muito, mas depois de jogar por horas na casa de um amigo me decepcionei. Não vi nada de especial nesse jogo, jogabilidade, gráficos e história.… Expand
  24. Djc1980
    May 2, 2021
    2
    The gameplay itself is good, and the graphics are passable, but that’s where the positives end. It is so difficult that it is actually more frustrating than fun. I think I saw the first boss twice. The first time I nearly beat it, the second I died almost instantly.

    Because of the ever changing landscape it actually becomes far more infuriating as you might end up at the boss again under    The gameplay itself is good, and the graphics are passable, but that’s where the positives end. It is so difficult that it is actually more frustrating than fun. I think I saw the first boss twice. The first time I nearly beat it, the second I died almost instantly.

    Because of the ever changing landscape it actually becomes far more infuriating as you might end up at the boss again under equipped / prepared and die again , losing all progress as the worst feature has to be lack of save!! I get it’s supposed to be difficult, and before anyone says ‘git gud’ or some other smart remark, I completed all of the souls games, bloodborne etc... but this just eclipses those with it’s frankly insane difficulty curve.

    I am selling and going to purchase ratchet and clank as at least I’ll actually get some enjoyment out of it.

    A real shame that this game is beyond me, and it seems countless others as I really love the genre and games like dead space, alien isolation etc... but this one is not for me. 2/10.    … Expand
  25. Jasonreidreview
    May 3, 2021
    10
    Returnal is the best PS5 game to date. Is it hard? Yes. Does it feel like a kick in the balls when u die and have to go back to the start? Yes. But the feeling you get when u finally take down the boss fight is amazing. Game play is addictive. Story is intriguing. I’m only on the 3rd biome so I’m sure there’s a lot more to find out. 10/10
  26. bxrz
    May 3, 2021
    0
    This game has major problems. Constant bugs and crashes that end runs. No autosave (or any save) so when u play, it has to be for 4+ hours if u want to beat it. I would not recommend it to anyone tbh. Reviewers clearly got fooled regarding the bugs/glitches cause it should be in the 70s.

    This game needs Quick Resume BADLY.
  27. Jaypatino
    May 1, 2021
    10
    If you’re up for a fun and addicting challenge, then this game is a must. Rogue-lite souls-like psychological horror jewel! Great graphics, sound, design and overall gameplay. Worth your time and money. Beware of the difficulty, not fit for the easily frustrated, uncurious, impatient player. A very rewarding experience. It took me 32 hours to unlock the second final.
  28. Kurakaicrawller
    May 2, 2021
    0
    Muy mal juego, la terrible, una kgada de gameplay, una historia terrible digna de una historia de una película de Asylum, un juego pretencioso que no logra nada
  29. Tonyck
    May 2, 2021
    1
    Muy malo, no me gusto nada. Malos gráficos y mala historia a un precio elevadisimo.
  30. elihasears
    May 2, 2021
    4
    We need to talk about price tags... I'm totally OK with Developers charging an extra $10 if they'
    re putting forward a comprehensive experience. I much prefer that to charging me for progress.
    The problem with Returnal is fundamental. The only thing putting this game's runtime over 4 hours is the dearth of checkpoints. If this game functioned like an industry standard full priced game,    We need to talk about price tags... I'm totally OK with Developers charging an extra $10 if they'
    re putting forward a comprehensive experience. I much prefer that to charging me for progress.

    The problem with Returnal is fundamental. The only thing putting this game's runtime over 4 hours is the dearth of checkpoints. If this game functioned like an industry standard full priced game, and we just respawned when we died, everyone would be outraged at this price tag. The environments are obviously computer generated, and story is drip-fed to you at an extremely weird pace. And they justify all this by calling making it a "rogue like". I'm sorry, but having computers put maps together randomly, and making me replay ones I've already completed isn't a good enough selling point for making a 20 -30 dollar game 70 dollars. The direction the industry I have loved for 15 years has been going down a dark path, and this notion that computer generated environments are bringing the magic back is flawed from inception. I quit Hollow Knight because it was too hard for me, but it was beautiful, and expertly designed. I quit Returnal because it's a boring game. The magic is gone... Video games as an interactive art form are dying. Maybe I'm just getting too old for them. .    … Expand
  31. lordoftheboard
    May 3, 2021
    0
    This Game needs something like a quick resume function, since I need to go away from the console sometime and I also want to shut down the System over night. Wasting 2 hours of my lifetime or energy to keep the game in standbye is not what I aim for in 2021.
    Also they need to get rid of the game crashes and bugs that prevent us from having clean runs. I am fine with dying in combat, but    This Game needs something like a quick resume function, since I need to go away from the console sometime and I also want to shut down the System over night. Wasting 2 hours of my lifetime or energy to keep the game in standbye is not what I aim for in 2021.
    Also they need to get rid of the game crashes and bugs that prevent us from having clean runs. I am fine with dying in combat, but not with dying at blocked doors.    … Expand
  32. Dima_UA
    May 3, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Начну с минусов, а закончу плюсами. Самый бесящий для минус в игре - переодически пропадает возможность взаимодействия с предметами и окружающим миром. Просто пропадает таргет и возможность взять предмет, открыть дверь и так далее. Надеюсь, что эту проблему решат с новым апдейтом. Из плюсов - это одна из немногих игр, в которые я поиграл 10 часов на одном дыхании. Прошёл пока 14% игры и хочу играть в неё дальше. Оружие , сложность, музыка, графика - топ.… Expand
  33. usuario44
    May 3, 2021
    0
    Não tenho console e nunca joguei esse jogo mas vou dar nota zero só pra mostrar como é estúpido o sistema de notas de usuário desse site, você simplesmente não precisa ter o console e muito menos o jogo pra dar qualquer nota, isso vale tbm pra quem da nota 10.
  34. Claudionor
    May 3, 2021
    0
    Muito ruim..credu! Ruim com força..ja joguei jogo ruim mas esse supera...q isso
  35. TheDevil336
    May 1, 2021
    0
    This game doesn't have enough unique personality. That's my main issue, another issue is that people give it 10/10 scores, because it's exclusive. These people need new hobby, because they clearly don't care about actual video games. They just care about some exclusivity bs.
  36. Yourmumsbills
    May 3, 2021
    0
    In a nutshell this is a typical indie roguelite with a triple A paint job, and does nothing to justify it's ridiculous £70 price tag. The gameplay is nothing you haven't already seen and played in, quite frankly, better games, such as Hades and Curse of the dead gods. The graphics are very good until your character starts dashing about. She goes from looking like a proper human characterIn a nutshell this is a typical indie roguelite with a triple A paint job, and does nothing to justify it's ridiculous £70 price tag. The gameplay is nothing you haven't already seen and played in, quite frankly, better games, such as Hades and Curse of the dead gods. The graphics are very good until your character starts dashing about. She goes from looking like a proper human character in an amazing alien world to looking like a bug zapping around in an indie game. It's tough to describe what i mean but it just looks like two very different types of games mashed together, and not very well. As for the environments, well they look impressive at first glance but you soon realise that the biomes, as they are called, just don't vary enough which makes the game, with it's rinse and repeat gameplay, even more tedious. Not to mention the ridiculous difficulty spikes. You'll do one area and perhaps get killed then have to do (basically) the same area with a huge rise in difficulty, this coupled with no save system, will see many players just shutting the game off and not returning.

    The most worrying thing is this huge price hike that has been implemented by Sony themselves. The developers have even stated that the price is decided by Sony and not by them. If we buy games at this price we are giving Sony the green light to make all games at this price point. which will make gaming out of reach for many people, who may have to save for some time just to be able to get a console.

    In short, if you like this kind of game (roguelike/roguelite) and you REALLY have to be into this kind of game! then you might enjoy it. but i would urge you to at least wait until the price has gone down significantly. Or better still wait and see what Resi Village is like. for £55 (a much more reasonable price) you get a game from a developer with a proven track record, which also includes the online multiplayer RE:verse and a mercenaries mode. Much better value for money.    … Expand
  37. Romanalv
    May 2, 2021
    0
    an indie game that falls short of expected 4K quality
    the game runs at all times at 1080p resolution, rescaled to 4K
    but that if, in the box of ps5 it clearly says that it is a console that can reach 8K absolute darkness in the game, fog everywhere, nothing can be seen, it seems that someone has to pay the electricity bill ,or that this game is sponsored by some tobacco brand, because    an indie game that falls short of expected 4K quality
    the game runs at all times at 1080p resolution, rescaled to 4K

    but that if, in the box of ps5 it clearly says that it is a console that can reach 8K
    absolute darkness in the game, fog everywhere, nothing can be seen, it seems that someone has to pay the electricity bill ,or that this game is sponsored by some tobacco brand, because the smoke there is incredible

    the game is boring, after playing several hours you will never want to play again.
    the only thing that is seen on the screen is the incandescent balls of light of the enemies, the ground does not exist.

    I see that this game has received favorable treatment, with metacritic criticism, with a score of 100, from magazines that have nothing to do with video games, and that the necessary analysis is not reached, to put criticism on this website.

    The press again and Sony lies again, to deceive you.    … Expand
  38. allenjb15
    May 3, 2021
    0
    Was super excited to play this on my new ps5. Graphics are great, gameplay is smooth and enjoyable. But no saves? Nothing? I’m not a pro gamer, I play games for fun, not constant aggravation. This game is way too difficult for average people to enjoy. Seriously, the difficulty has ruined this game for me. I’m looking for a refund.
  39. Ganimedes78
    May 3, 2021
    0
    ¿Por qué no se puede guardar el juego? Es ridículo. Es tan repetitivo, es como Dead cells pero en aburrido. ¿Next Gen? Ni de broma.
  40. Vasyan69
    May 1, 2021
    0
    Well what can I say it is simply way too repetitive and boring, Absolutely unplayable game for individuals with no responsibilities whatsoever. Regretting paying for that triple A "exclusive" 80 euros. The amount of content does not justify the price tag.
  41. thezampo
    May 1, 2021
    3
    Can't recommend the game at the current state. No checkpoints AT ALL. Even Enter the Gungeon - that is basically the game that they were looking for when created Returnal - has checkpoints in each floor. So in the middle of a 2 hour run, the game crashed for no reason, and I've lost ALL that **** progress.

    If you know how frustrating is to lose 2 hours of your life for no reason, you    Can't recommend the game at the current state. No checkpoints AT ALL. Even Enter the Gungeon - that is basically the game that they were looking for when created Returnal - has checkpoints in each floor. So in the middle of a 2 hour run, the game crashed for no reason, and I've lost ALL that **** progress.

    If you know how frustrating is to lose 2 hours of your life for no reason, you know that the game isn't worth your time.

    It needs to be patched ASAP.    … Expand
  42. Philkidder
    May 1, 2021
    6
    This game is just to hard to be enjoyed. Maybe people with no responsibilities in life can do their thing and say git gud. That is all good and well if you have hours on end to master this game, but most people just don’t. It’s a shame because there is a great game in here somewhere, but it’s buried beneath arrogant and unwise developer choices. No saves, so you can’t stop and playThis game is just to hard to be enjoyed. Maybe people with no responsibilities in life can do their thing and say git gud. That is all good and well if you have hours on end to master this game, but most people just don’t. It’s a shame because there is a great game in here somewhere, but it’s buried beneath arrogant and unwise developer choices. No saves, so you can’t stop and play something else. Also nothing really carries over when you die so you feel like you totally wasted your time each time you die. It’s saps your motivation to play more. People will say this is the way the developer wanted it bla bla bla. But the reality is they narrowed their audience to an unjustifiable small group of people and and sabotaged their sales when given a triple a budget. . Which means no sequel to their game. I bet they will fix some of these things in future patches when sales are slow, but by then the game price will have dropped and used copies will be all over the place. As I said such a shame because had they been a little more compromising they would have had a hit on their hands.… Expand
  43. christiaanwwe
    May 1, 2021
    0
    there is no save point for people who must work this is only a game for weekends thats no good
  44. Stanley96
    May 1, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Jogo fraco e claramente inflado pela mídia, lamentável q um jogo de nova geração esteja nessas condições, o padrão desse jogo é péssimo!… Expand
  45. Finishthegame
    May 1, 2021
    1
    Not very fun game to play and that was expected. All the promo was really weak and game shows that.
  46. Handsomesquid
    May 1, 2021
    0
    Poor story and the mechanics seem like they were taken from recore with console crashes ruining your progress as the game has no save function definitely not worth the $70 asking price
  47. ireviewsstuff
    May 1, 2021
    1
    One of the weakest games of 2021 so far. Levels looks too repetitive and similar. Boss fights are meh at best. Avoid!
  48. DreamCore
    May 1, 2021
    0
    Worst piece of sh*t game I've played for a very long time.

    Sure, the graphics are nice, the 3D audio is awesome, the combat is nice etc. What really completely ruins the game is how insanely unfair it is. It's to the point of being distasteful. When you die you basically lose everything and have to start all over. Play for one hour, make a mistake and yeah, that's one hour wasted.    Worst piece of sh*t game I've played for a very long time.

    Sure, the graphics are nice, the 3D audio is awesome, the combat is nice etc.

    What really completely ruins the game is how insanely unfair it is. It's to the point of being distasteful. When you die you basically lose everything and have to start all over. Play for one hour, make a mistake and yeah, that's one hour wasted. Other games like Demon's Souls are hard, but they are hard in a fair way. You keep your gear and items and you level/stats, and you have bonfires acting like checkpoints. In Returnal you can't even **** save the game. If you want to play something else well, then you have to restart from the beginning again. Seriously, who the fu*k designs something like this?

    Whatever turd of a designer that made these decisions should be fired and banned from the gaming industry. It's unnaceptable to charge $70 for something like this. The majority of players will never be able to beat this game. I've completed both Demon's Souls, Dark Souls 3 and Bloodborne, but after restarting 20 times before I even managed to reach the 2nd boss and then dying and having to restart yet again was the nail in the chest for me. I uninstalled the game and will never touch it again.

    Also I thought this was supposed to be a story driven game. Unfortunately it isn't. Upon reaching the 2nd boss, basically the only "story" is a cutscene at the start of the game and scattered audio logs. Nothing that makes you want to bother with the tedious, frustrating game that is Returnal.

    If I could, I would Return(al) this game to the store, or even better shove it down the developers throats. I will never ever again buy a game developed by Housemarque.    … Expand
  49. Widron
    May 1, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the gameplay is rubbish and the story is very poor and boring meager saved points… Expand
  50. JackTheBoss
    May 1, 2021
    1
    I wanted to like this but there's simply not enough content to justify the high scores, I'd give it a 6 or 7 but 1 to balance out all the gushers.
    Maybe it's not my cup of tea, but fighting the same enemies and the button mashing gets really old, this games seems to cater towards casual players. You will inevitably get stronger and encounters will get easier, so at some point it feels    I wanted to like this but there's simply not enough content to justify the high scores, I'd give it a 6 or 7 but 1 to balance out all the gushers.
    Maybe it's not my cup of tea, but fighting the same enemies and the button mashing gets really old, this games seems to cater towards casual players. You will inevitably get stronger and encounters will get easier, so at some point it feels more like a progressive grind where skill doesn't matter and there's no real learning curve. Just play and play until eventually, you finish it.
    Art style is top-notch but all the levels feels the same there are no variation, it's a pretty good game but the scores its getting are way too high for what it is.    … Expand
  51. manuchao2
    May 2, 2021
    2
    no es un juego triple A y a 80€ me parece un exceso graficamente es bastante pobre para una consola de nueva la generacion el roge like mal desarrollado el ser procedural hace que desde la muerte permanente hasta su falta de llegar a ser un arcade, con todo el titulo se vendió como un TRIPLE A y en absoluto lo es, buen sonido y atmosfera pero carente de calidad suficiente para ponerle unano es un juego triple A y a 80€ me parece un exceso graficamente es bastante pobre para una consola de nueva la generacion el roge like mal desarrollado el ser procedural hace que desde la muerte permanente hasta su falta de llegar a ser un arcade, con todo el titulo se vendió como un TRIPLE A y en absoluto lo es, buen sonido y atmosfera pero carente de calidad suficiente para ponerle una nota media de 9, y menos a ese precio.… Expand
  52. dragonknight4
    May 3, 2021
    0
    Returnal is only getting attention because there's a lack of games on the PS5 and the PS5 owners are getting desperate so they'll play anything. The game was developed by Housemarque and I had to look that up because that's how unknown they are. Has this developer created anything in the past that's memorable? Not a single game. The main character in this game is also butt ugly.
  53. Lullult50
    May 2, 2021
    0
    Don’t get this game. DEFINITELY NOT WORTH $70. Wtf were these critics thinking. Making a game hard doesn’t equivalent the same thing as it being good. 0/10. Also the story is ****
  54. Retrogamerz
    May 2, 2021
    0
    0/10 graphics. IT IS not a next-game. The graphics are PS3. 0/10 ost. No music in the game.
    0/10 fun. No funny when you make again the same room.
  55. Eliut
    May 2, 2021
    0
    Is a Samus wannabe, worst game of the year, please advice, super boring game.
  56. bertobellamy
    May 2, 2021
    8
    This is my first roguelike, and it's been a good ride so far. The graphics are neat, the adaptive triggers and the haptic feedback (the raindrops falling on Selene's suit is just a tiny glimpse of this) are well integrated into the gameplay. The mystery around the world has been very engaging too. Concerning the thing that everyone's been complaining about — lack of saving points —, IThis is my first roguelike, and it's been a good ride so far. The graphics are neat, the adaptive triggers and the haptic feedback (the raindrops falling on Selene's suit is just a tiny glimpse of this) are well integrated into the gameplay. The mystery around the world has been very engaging too. Concerning the thing that everyone's been complaining about — lack of saving points —, I think this is how Housemarque is challenging us: by making us choose when to return or when to keep going. I really don't have a lot of time to play, but I'll enjoy dying every damn time.… Expand
  57. Kajan
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Bardzo dobra gra, inna niż wszystkie. Nie przechodzi się sama jak inne tytuły. Nie dla niedzielnych graczy.
    Dziękuję Sony && Housemarque Good job. Best regards.
  58. NateB
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Love the spooky theme and atmosphere of the game. I have never been a huge fan of this genre of game but Returnal is pure high-speed fun once you understand that. Dying over and over to the first boss might make most mad but with the prefromance of the PS5 it's Amazing how quick you are back in and ready for your next run. The controller really shines with this title as well as the soundLove the spooky theme and atmosphere of the game. I have never been a huge fan of this genre of game but Returnal is pure high-speed fun once you understand that. Dying over and over to the first boss might make most mad but with the prefromance of the PS5 it's Amazing how quick you are back in and ready for your next run. The controller really shines with this title as well as the sound if you use the headset audio.… Expand
  59. Andre_Antunes
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Jogo incrível boa dificuldade para quem quer um super desafio. Gráficos e sons soberbos, ótimo uso do Dual Sense.
  60. SpookyManIvan
    May 2, 2021
    10
    I really liked the game. The rogue like genre is something new for me and I really enjoyed it. To be honest i don't think that this is a good price for the game like this. So I recommend you to wait for the sale
  61. Cyshox
    Mar 27, 2022
    1
    Looks good but it becomes boring real quick. It was advertised as first AAA roguelite but it's far from being as enjoyable as hits like Hades, Risk of Rain, Slay the Spire, Darkest Dungeon & others. Returnal is literally one of the most boring roguelite experiences out there.
  62. karlfranz85
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Awesome game, no bugs no crashes for me. Excellent and addictive loop system that makes every death and replay feel like a new experience. You learn and adapt and eventually get good, or atleast better. One of my favorite games in 3 years and definently as good game experience as demons souls is for ps5, atleast for me!
  63. tovarnov
    May 2, 2021
    1
    70 bucks for “Something went wrong in this app”, thanks Sony! People, it’s better to play Risk of rain 2 instead!
  64. Nintendero97
    May 2, 2021
    0
    The game is fatal, I do not recommend this game at all, just play it for a few minutes and it seems that I will get epilepsy. It also does not run
  65. RhysO92
    May 2, 2021
    1
    Most uninspired game I’ve played. Only lasted a few hours and I’m already trying to sell it on.
  66. Savagemanu92
    May 2, 2021
    1
    Returnal has that old school game feel although certain gameplay decisions hold back the true gameplay. This game is a rent for sure or buy when on sale for $20
  67. NextGenGames
    May 2, 2021
    1
    0 for the game crashing. 1 for the haptic feedback and sound. Should have waited for a patch and not spend $70.
  68. Saselito
    May 2, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Los escenarios son muy oscuros para que no se noten los pobres gráficos,por cierto son reescalados.Es aburrido de narices.Un timo de 80 euros… Expand
  69. Mannoz
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Wonderful gameplay, incredible atmosphere, deep and satisfactory, this is a game to reward for it's courage and the care with which it was made
  70. dantealessandro
    May 3, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Este juego es demasiado frustrante, autoguardado cada 2 horas, vendido como la octava maravilla, y perfectamente pasa por uno de la pasada generación, debí esperar a que estuviera en rebaja, y poco a poco empiezan a aparecer bugs, ni sé si es el juego, o la consola que simplemente no puede dar más de sí.… Expand
  71. JudgeSal
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Amazing game definitely a must play. Hoping they release extra content to the game.
  72. JcKingPerico
    May 1, 2021
    10
    GAME OF THE YEAR- THIS IS THE DEFINITION OF TRULY NEXT GEN, THIS GAME IS EPIC, Beautiful atmosphere
  73. Ericzen92
    May 2, 2021
    1
    Fácil y de corta duración, parece mas un AA que un triple AAA, mas bien es un shooter generico, pero se agradece el esfuerzo.
  74. SlicK007
    May 2, 2021
    1
    I am a noob player! I want to relax and enjoy the game! Give me a tiny little challenge or give back my money! There should be easy, medium, hard and invincible undefeated mode for people who pay for that!
  75. Humboldt155
    May 2, 2021
    6
    Sound - 10/10
    Graphics - 10/10
    Gameplay - 10/10
    Dropping all progress after beating 3rd boss - 0/10. Dropped game after that.
  76. zirusREVERSE
    May 1, 2021
    10
    el juego es muy bueno , excelente narrativa , se puede empatizar con los personajes , esta muy buen escrito , divertido , etc
  77. Bordga
    May 1, 2021
    10
    this is so rouge like its beautiful gameplay is fun the story exiting house maruqe really did a great job i think ubisoft can leran from them how to make a game to toooo fu**ing long
  78. HAL1981
    May 1, 2021
    10
    Intense and really fresh! An experience quite different from the one that PlayStation usually brings in its exclusives. The experience with the Dualsense is wonderful and the combat is very balanced and fun. Worth the price
  79. giroscope
    May 2, 2021
    5
    Amazing game! Real next gen, a very unique game. Nice graphics, amazing gameplay and the best 3D audio.
  80. Legendkiller645
    May 2, 2021
    4
    $70 for a game which you can spend hours on and one wrong Room 1 wrong move and you have to start all over this is the most arrogant thing I've ever seen from a company whose given their 1st time making a Triple A game there needs to be a Save feature or tone the difficulty down or something but this is Virtually unplayable in 2 damn difficult
  81. Juanita1
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Für mich ist es das erste Spiel dieser Art und es macht süchtig, sehr gutes Spiel!
  82. Fost124
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Best game ever made I honestly feel bad for the xbots they never get good games like this!
  83. PsAdicted
    May 3, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Скучная, крайне однообразная и унылка игра. Авторы пытались в рогалик, да не смогли. Локации однотипные и пресные, оружие не отличается по ощущениям вообще. Графика - просто всплеск эффектов в глаза, но я не вижу ничего, что делало бы игру некстгеном, кроме быстрых загрузок и этих самых эффектов ради эффектов. Откуда такие огромные оценки - мне не ясно. Жутко скучный проходняк, не более.… Expand
  84. Noviko
    May 3, 2021
    0
    Frustrating and boring, I cannot believe it cost me 70€. Getting a refund
  85. Shakesfreak
    May 4, 2021
    0
    Look i love the game, i just spend 3-4 hours in one run, having bad ass equip and enjoying that game, until it crashed.... 80€ for that **** and it just crashed, i still like it but that was a huge turn off, if this happens more often i refund this bithhh Edit: just started next run and 5 min into it i was trapped inside the room because doors wont open anymore. 80 bucks, I enjoyedLook i love the game, i just spend 3-4 hours in one run, having bad ass equip and enjoying that game, until it crashed.... 80€ for that **** and it just crashed, i still like it but that was a huge turn off, if this happens more often i refund this bithhh Edit: just started next run and 5 min into it i was trapped inside the room because doors wont open anymore. 80 bucks, I enjoyed cyberpunk but this is just downright annoying… Expand
  86. EduVargas
    May 4, 2021
    1
    Un juego con algunos bugs que perjudican en la experiencia ya que te hacen perder el progreso del juego. Es muy frustrante algunas veces.
  87. Rumham6988
    May 5, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Spoiler, its unbeatably hard. Needs easy mode as soon as possible. Dont waste 80 Euros… Expand
  88. dstammel
    May 6, 2021
    10
    If they can iron out some of the bugs, this game will be a 10/10.
    I love every second of gameplay. Yeah it's hard, but it's fun, and that makes the difficulty worth it.
    I've not had any run ending/game breaking bugs personally.
  89. dotnka
    May 14, 2021
    6
    I really wanted to love the game, and oh I've tried. I'll ignore the lack of saves, and the cringing pain of of a power outage resetting a 3 hours run. What I am most fed up is the total lack of care about the player or the game itself. The truth is you will spend 90% of the time using the first weapon because of their design choice. You will not feel any progress carried over fromI really wanted to love the game, and oh I've tried. I'll ignore the lack of saves, and the cringing pain of of a power outage resetting a 3 hours run. What I am most fed up is the total lack of care about the player or the game itself. The truth is you will spend 90% of the time using the first weapon because of their design choice. You will not feel any progress carried over from previous runs because there are 100 perks and you need to randomly get a specific weapon with a specific perk from an expanding pool. The game's difficulty feels as random as each run is generated. You might get a couple of easy rooms with upgrades and a weapon you enjoy using, you might get a room full of flying enemies shooting homing missiles. There's a lot of content in the game, but it's gated so well by randomness and difficulty I will never get to experience it. All just because I am not hardcore enough it seems. Well they should put the hardcore player label on the box so I know I'll be wasting $70 next time a buy a game like this. Making a game challenging is one thing, leaving everything to randomness, that is just plain annoying. And what I mean it feels like complete randomness, no some delicate procedural generation that might monitor your play style and make it easier. I'm going back to souls games, those are hard but fair and though I'll keep getting killed over and over again nonetheless at least I'll have a weapon I enjoyed playing with the whole time.… Expand
  90. claptrap
    May 2, 2021
    8
    A remarkable entry into the triple A sector by Housemarque. Returnal turned out to be a very addicting rogue like third person shooter with some horror elements. Though the game may not the best selling game in a market full of casual gamers because its a very hard game. You might progress far into the game but once you die, it starts all over again and your equipment is gone. LuckilyA remarkable entry into the triple A sector by Housemarque. Returnal turned out to be a very addicting rogue like third person shooter with some horror elements. Though the game may not the best selling game in a market full of casual gamers because its a very hard game. You might progress far into the game but once you die, it starts all over again and your equipment is gone. Luckily there are some permanent upgrades that will make your future runs way easier and also make it possible to access some areas that were locked before (metroidvania style).

    Live, die, repeat

    The star of the game is the fast paced gameplay. Smoth 60 fps and absolutely good controls over your actions. It reminds me a lot of the newer Doom games. Surprisingly aiming with the controler does work really good. What really amazes me is the sound, especially the inclusion of the dual sense controler. It gives you important sounds like when your alternative weapon abbility is ready and it sounds so awesome! Vibration effects are all over the place and once you have the DS4 in your hands again, you'll instantly miss the dual sense. Also make sure you play this with good headphones.... you wont regret it.

    I dont recommend this game to everybody because its clearly not made for everybody. I consider myself a hardcore gamer, I love the Souls games and Returnal is exactly the kind of game I love. But if your frustration limit is low and your time for gaming limited, then you may skip this one....    … Expand
  91. Maycolino10
    Jul 16, 2022
    10
    A truly groundbreaking game, from its concept to its execution. Can't recommend it enough
  92. Ohman
    May 5, 2021
    9
    Fantastic game , the only negative i can say is the runs can be a little long !
  93. kenmil
    Jan 12, 2022
    0
    Boring, repetitive and just plain frustrating. To go through the whole first level, die to the boss, and find that all the items I collected are gone and I need to slog through the whole level again is just plain nonsense. I have played Dark Souls extensively, so I understand the "die and you start again" scenario, but even Dark Souls allows you to keep items you have collected. This gameBoring, repetitive and just plain frustrating. To go through the whole first level, die to the boss, and find that all the items I collected are gone and I need to slog through the whole level again is just plain nonsense. I have played Dark Souls extensively, so I understand the "die and you start again" scenario, but even Dark Souls allows you to keep items you have collected. This game occupied a couple of hours for me before I deleted it.… Expand
  94. Steignov
    Sep 8, 2022
    1
    No wonder this game flopped like crazy. Unlikable character, frustrating RNG.

    Will ignore HMs games in the future. Pure arrogance to release this game with no save mode at the beginning. Flop dev, flop game.
  95. Kaprawiec
    Mar 24, 2022
    10
    Wow, what a great game! Its got nice story, great combat and graphics. One of the best games of recent years, my personal GOTY of 2021 along with Scarlet nexus, Halo Infinite, Metroid Dread and Outriders.
  96. Ivan9173
    Dec 9, 2021
    3
    Я видел куда более геймплейно качественные рогалики от инди разработчиков. Тут у людей не было никакого понимания этого жанра в принципе. Графика не уровень некст ген консоли и сама игра явно не тянет на столь высокий ценник. Проходите мимо, лучше поиграйте в Hades.Я видел куда более геймплейно качественные рогалики от инди разработчиков. Тут у людей не было никакого понимания этого жанра в принципе. Графика не уровень некст ген консоли и сама игра явно не тянет на столь высокий ценник. Проходите мимо, лучше поиграйте в Hades.
  97. imalexraposo
    May 7, 2021
    6
    Alright here’s the thing. Returnal is a good game but it’s not for everyone. I’m on the third biome and 30 hours in. This is where I’ve given up. I’ve lost to the boss twice. That’s fine. The problem I have is the amount of enemies in the 3rd biome. It makes getting to the boss a nightmare. I go through the first 2 biomes to expand my health and what not and I just end up dying beforeAlright here’s the thing. Returnal is a good game but it’s not for everyone. I’m on the third biome and 30 hours in. This is where I’ve given up. I’ve lost to the boss twice. That’s fine. The problem I have is the amount of enemies in the 3rd biome. It makes getting to the boss a nightmare. I go through the first 2 biomes to expand my health and what not and I just end up dying before reaching the boss because the 3rd biome is so long and cheap. My runs are about 2-3 hours long. Then it’s all gone. I know save points would defeat the purpose of the game but this is a good game that should be played by many. I think a lot of people have given up already and I’m on the verge of that too.… Expand
  98. shagohod
    Nov 6, 2021
    1
    Need restart many times, die many times, restart ate same place, do again... boring
  99. Frankdnb
    May 2, 2021
    10
    Very cool game with an intriguing story and cool graphics. The atmosphere is creepy but beautiful and the music and sound effects are out of this world. Very much recommended.
  100. jollymon
    May 7, 2021
    9
    Fantastic game. I just got through to the credits after playing for a total of 45 hours. I don't normally binge games to this extent; the game came out on Friday, I'm writing this at 3am Monday morning... yes i know, i spent more time playing than anything else. I think this this is a testament to how great i think this game is as well as how strong the gameplay loop remains so far in.Fantastic game. I just got through to the credits after playing for a total of 45 hours. I don't normally binge games to this extent; the game came out on Friday, I'm writing this at 3am Monday morning... yes i know, i spent more time playing than anything else. I think this this is a testament to how great i think this game is as well as how strong the gameplay loop remains so far in. The action is so smooth, never once did i feel frustrated at a death as it always felt justified. The devs expect players to play well and i personally appreciate this. That being said, i really don't think this game is as hard as some reviewers keep saying. If you've never touched a rougelike, sure...maybe. just put the time in and you'll be fine. The only frustrating thing i encountered had to do with the playstation as the ps5 seems to have issues coming out of rest mode (controls get seriously laggy and the audio tends to cut out pretty badly but this happens with all games on the system). Other than that, the only two bugs i had during my time were, 1: when picking an item from single fabricators, if you rush the animation it can put you in a state that traps you with no way of leaving the current room (no way to select anything). This effectively ended any run it happened on (happened to two different runs during my playthroughs). 2: odd audio issue happened once where deep bass maxed out my speakers and kept happening during that run. Those were the only two serious bugs i encountered so all in all, pretty refreshing in this climate of releasing unfinished games. This game is most definitely finished.
    I don't want to get into the story but i honistly feel that the devs hit a perfect balance in that it dosen't break up your play and any story moments are short and to the point. This isn't to say their isn't much depth as what they do have touches on many extremely heavy topic like loss, obsession, madness and the general psychological makeup that makes us human. Its enough to keep you thinking...deeply about the subject at hand. Its also done without feeling like the devs took a semester in psychology and wanted to tell everyone about it. I get the sense they really did their homework so to speak, especially with the very complex levels of storytelling at play here. It honistly makes Cyberpunk's story feel like someone huffing their own farts in comparison. Whereas cyberpunk (literally) wares its story on its sleeve, this one was absolutely on a different level. As a gamer, its really refreshing not to have the devs hold our hands through explanations and excessive exposition. They also masterfully use music throughout the whole experience. Nothing overt, just extremely well done. So much about this game is refreshing to me, it has me very excited for what comes next. I really think any fan of arcade games, bullet hell shooters or gungenonesque games will find a lot to love about this game. It's damn near perfect in my eyes.    … Expand
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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]
See all critic reviews »