Returnal Review: A Thrilling, Yet Niche, Roguelike

Exploring the Alien Landscape of Returnal

Returnal, now available for the PlayStation 5, presents an action adventure experience centered around the exploration of an extraterrestrial world. This world dynamically reshapes itself with each player death, initiating another attempt at escape. The game is simultaneously exhilarating, challenging, and visually stunning, although its core concepts aren't entirely groundbreaking.

The First True Next-Gen PS5 Title?

The assertion that Returnal is the first game specifically designed for next-generation consoles warrants clarification. While the PlayStation 5 launched with the impressive Demon’s Souls remake, its next-gen qualities were primarily visual. Many elements from the original game remained, preventing it from being a truly next-generation experience.

Astro’s Playroom, included with the console, is enjoyable but doesn’t offer the depth of a full-scale game. Destruction All-Stars failed to generate significant excitement. Furthermore, titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla are cross-generational, functioning optimally on PS5 but also playable on previous consoles.

A Premium Price Point

Consequently, Returnal stands out as a genuinely “next-gen” PS5 game, and it reflects this with a $70 price tag – a higher cost in many regions. Does the game justify this premium price? In certain respects, it does, but similar to Demon’s Souls, it presents a demanding experience that may not appeal to all players due to its inherent repetition and potential for frequent failure.

The Narrative Core

The game’s narrative begins with Selene, a space explorer affiliated with the Astra organization – a company bearing resemblance to Weyland-Yutani from the Alien franchise – crash-landing on a prohibited planet. She finds herself caught in a recurring time loop.

The plot, revealed through discovered audio logs, exploration of ancient structures, and the deciphering of alien glyphs, centers on Selene’s struggle to unravel the mysteries of the planet and break free from the cycle. Each death triggers a shift in the world, presenting new obstacles and possibilities.

Gameplay Mechanics and Progression

Each loop, or “cycle,” commences at the crash site, requiring players to navigate a world that is both different and familiar. Players will encounter adversaries, acquire temporary enhancements like weapons and artifacts, and occasionally discover permanent upgrades for their suit or unlock new pathways.

Influences and Innovation

It would be inaccurate to claim complete originality for any single element of the game. Returnal draws inspiration from established titles in both gameplay and presentation. Its progression and design share similarities with the indie success Dead Cells, incorporating elements from Risk of Rain 2. The game’s setting builds upon the atmosphere established in Alien and Prometheus. However, the story and underlying themes are more akin to those found in Solaris.

The game openly acknowledges its influences, but these elements are integrated into a cohesive whole, avoiding the pitfalls of a mere imitation.

A Cycle of Combat and Discovery

Returnal begins with a seemingly straightforward premise, but this simplicity is quickly surpassed as new skills and intricate mechanics are gradually introduced. The initial learning curve unfolds organically over several hours, as players uncover the game’s depths through experience.

Gameplay consists of navigating a series of arenas, varying in size and complexity, and engaging in combat with diverse enemies. The combat system is fast-paced and demanding, requiring precise movement and strategic use of the environment to evade relentless barrages of projectiles. Defeating enemies grants temporary enhancements, lost upon taking damage, which intensifies the urgency of each encounter. Every opponent presents a threat, capable of weakening the player even without a fatal blow.

Progress is achieved by exploring and overcoming area bosses, challenging encounters that typically require multiple attempts. Success leads to a new “biome,” distinguished by a unique aesthetic and introducing fresh enemies and hazards, initiating the cycle anew.

The visual presentation of Returnal represents a significant step forward in graphical fidelity. It boasts detailed environments, a compelling sci-fi aesthetic, and effective use of lighting and color to establish both atmosphere and gameplay cues. While exceeding the capabilities of previous-generation consoles, the advancements primarily focus on removing limitations rather than introducing entirely novel features.

Loading times are remarkably swift, lasting only a second or two. The game’s ability to render expansive environments with impressive detail is particularly noteworthy. A consistent 60 frames per second ensures smooth and responsive combat, even during intense and chaotic moments.

Despite claims of a constantly evolving “living world,” the environments are largely repetitive. Players will frequently encounter the same rooms and structures, albeit with variations in enemy placement or item availability. However, these changes are sufficient to prevent the experience from becoming overly monotonous.

Image Credits: Sony/Housemarque

The audio design is well-executed, and the use of headphones is highly recommended. Positional audio is crucial for identifying enemy attacks, particularly those originating from behind, as each enemy possesses distinct auditory cues.

The PS5 controller’s haptic feedback features are effectively utilized, offering nuanced vibrations and two-stage adaptive triggers. While the intensity of certain effects, such as the constant rain in the initial area, can be adjusted for comfort, the overall implementation enhances immersion and provides valuable feedback.

Many “roguelite” games suffer from incremental progression systems, offering only minor improvements like increased weapon damage or health. Returnal avoids this pitfall by providing weapons, artifacts, and perks that offer substantial and engaging bonuses, often involving risk-reward trade-offs. The limitation of carrying only one weapon at a time adds complexity to the decision-making process, forcing players to carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of each option.

Players can eventually bypass certain areas, but may choose to explore side paths for resources, ensuring they are adequately prepared for upcoming boss battles. The game consistently maintains a compelling tension, making each decision feel significant and impactful.

A New Look at the Price of Returnal

The question arises: does Returnal genuinely merit its $70 price tag? For a segment of players, the answer is affirmative. However, it doesn't represent the typical, widely appealing blockbuster that would normally validate such a higher cost.

Having invested approximately 20 hours, completing over 30 cycles, my assessment is that I'm roughly halfway through the game's content. A significant portion of my advancement occurred during what I consider “prestige” runs – those instances where conditions align favorably, allowing for substantial progress, and creating moments of intense excitement. (Numerous attempts, however, concluded within minutes due to unfavorable circumstances or frustration.) The game promises continued engagement beyond the initial credits, suggesting a playtime of at least 40 hours.

Repeated visits to a familiar structure, mysteriously mirrored on an alien world…

The game’s inherent difficulty could prove challenging for a considerable number of players. An early dialogue explicitly warns of the game’s demanding nature and the inevitability of death. While acknowledged, this doesn’t diminish the frustration of being overwhelmed by enemies, resulting in the loss of significant progress. Though generally balanced, occasional difficulty spikes feel excessive, and certain sequences can induce a desire to restart the cycle.

Personally, I find it manageable – it’s considerably less demanding than the Dark Souls series. I nearly defeated the initial boss on my first attempt; a feat unlikely to be replicated against opponents like Ornstein and Smough or Father Gascoigne! However, like those titles, it requires a specific player mindset – one willing to persevere through initial challenges to unlock the substantial value hidden behind repeated setbacks. Just as many players of Demon’s Souls struggle beyond the initial area, those unprepared for the demanding gameplay and resilience required to navigate Returnal’s intense bullet-hell sequences may never progress beyond its initial, restrictive environment or uncover its captivating narrative. (Helpful tips for overcoming the early hurdles are provided below.)

In contrast to the consistent progression and conventional storytelling found in games like AC: Valhalla or Miles Morales, this approach may deter players less inclined towards challenging experiences, potentially leading to frustration and refund requests. Paying a premium price for a game that initially presents significant obstacles to accessing its full content can understandably be disheartening.

Despite these considerations, it’s encouraging to see a AAA next-generation title that isn’t a sequel or part of an established franchise, and the serious adoption of the “roguelite” formula outside of the indie gaming sphere. Returnal may not appeal to all gamers, but for those who have embraced this genre, it’s a strong recommendation.

Helpful Hints for Gameplay:

Should you choose to embark on this journey, here are a few spoiler-free tips to aid your progress.

• Explore thoroughly, as hidden rooms and items are abundant. Regularly consult your mini-map for missed opportunities and investigate every corner.
• Healing items, when used while at full health, contribute to increasing your maximum health – another incentive to avoid taking damage.
• New abilities unlock access to previously inaccessible areas, highlighting the importance of progression.
• Treasures located behind bars are obtainable. Examine your surroundings carefully (and utilize your weapons).
• “Malignant” treasure often presents more drawbacks than benefits, and the negative effects can jeopardize a run. Proceed with caution, unless desperate or possessing a remedy. (Parasites, conversely, can be highly advantageous.)
• A healing item is consistently available for purchase at the biome’s “shop,” ensuring you enter boss encounters prepared. (And artifacts that provide self-healing will prove invaluable.)