Returnal, created by Housemarque and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is a sci-fi horror game exclusive to PlayStation 5. Players follow Selene, an astronaut who crash-lands on an alien planet and is stuck in a time loop that resets when she dies. Returnal is a roguelike, with the game generated procedurally each time Selene respawns. The game features third-person shooter, bullet-hell, and horror-survival elements and a wide variety of creatures and constantly changing environments. Returnal uses the PlayStation 5’s hardware to deliver stunning visuals and immersive sound design, making it a must-play for fans of horror-survival games and roguelikes.
Returnal: A Sci-Fi Horror Roguelike for the PS5
Developed by Housemarque and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Returnal is a game that combines different genres to create a unique and terrifying gaming experience. Released in April of 2021, it is exclusive to the PlayStation 5 and takes advantage of the console’s advanced hardware to deliver stunning visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and immersive sound design.
The Plot
Returnal’s story follows Selene, an astronaut who crash-lands on an alien planet called Atropos. As she explores the planet, she discovers that she is caught in a time loop that repeats every time she dies. Selene is forced to fight her way through hordes of hostile creatures and navigate a constantly changing environment to unravel the mysteries of Atropos and break the cycle.
The Gameplay
Returnal is a roguelike, meaning that the game is generated procedurally every time the player dies and respawns. This feature ensures that the game mechanics and environments are always fresh and exciting. The game combines elements of third-person shooters, bullet-hell games, and horror-survival games to deliver an adrenaline-fueled experience. The combat is fast-paced and challenging, with Selene having access to a wide variety of weapons and abilities to take down enemies. As Selene progresses through the game, she gains new upgrades and power-ups that make her stronger and better equipped to survive the dangers of Atropos.
The Graphics and Sound Design
Returnal takes full advantage of the PlayStation 5’s hardware to deliver stunning visuals and immersive sound design. The game runs at a smooth 60 frames per second and features ray-tracing, high-resolution textures, and detailed particle effects. The sound design is equally impressive, with a haunting score that adds to the game’s sense of dread and atmospheric sound effects that bring the planet to life.
The Horrors of Atropos
One of the things that sets Returnal apart from other sci-fi horror games is the variety of creatures that Selene must face. From small, spider-like beasts to massive, grotesque bosses, the game features a wide range of enemies that provide a constant challenge to the player. The environments on Atropos are equally diverse, with shifting terrain and other hazards that make each run through the game feel unique.
The Verdict
Returnal is a game that combines different genres to create a unique and thrilling experience. The fast-paced combat, procedurally generated levels, and stunning graphics and sound make for an unforgettable gaming experience. If you’re a fan of roguelikes, horror-survival games, or just want to experience one of the best games available on the PlayStation 5, Returnal is a must-play.