PGC NEWS

Returnal, a PlayStation 5 exclusive, seamlessly blends challenging roguelike gameplay with a compelling narrative. Stranded on a mysterious planet, the protagonist, Selene, is trapped in a time loop, reliving her death repeatedly. The only escape lies in unraveling the planet’s hidden secrets.

Thrilling Gameplay and Immersive Atmosphere

Returnal excels in delivering a visually and aurally stunning experience. Each environment boasts distinct color palettes, enhanced by the PS5’s ray-tracing capabilities. Light reflects realistically off surfaces, creating a truly immersive atmosphere. A stable 60fps ensures smooth gameplay even amidst intense bullet-hell combat. Combined with 3D audio, the game’s sound design is captivating, from the subtle patter of rain to the terrifying roars of alien creatures.

Selene fighting enemies in a dark environment

The DualSense controller further enhances immersion through haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The controller vibrates in response to Selene’s actions, from minor impacts to catastrophic damage. Adaptive triggers provide nuanced control over weapons, allowing for different firing modes depending on the pressure applied. This synergy of audio and haptic feedback creates a truly immersive, almost 4D experience.

Selene explores a strange planet

Returnal’s gameplay is a compelling blend of challenge and discovery. True to its roguelike nature, death sends Selene back to the beginning, stripping her of most acquired items. Only permanent upgrades and the hard-won knowledge of previous runs remain. Enemies are relentless, wielding powerful attacks and overwhelming players with a barrage of projectiles. Survival requires constant movement, strategic use of the environment, and mastery of the game’s mechanics.

The absence of traditional leveling systems ensures a consistent challenge. Even early game enemies remain a threat throughout the playthrough. Adding to the difficulty are strategically placed turrets, some shielded and requiring melee attacks to disable. Resource management is crucial, as health pick-ups are scarce and must be carefully conserved for boss encounters.

Selene investigates alien technology

Returnal cleverly weaves its narrative into the gameplay loop. The cycle of death and rebirth mirrors Selene’s struggle to understand the planet and escape the time loop. The game encourages exploration and experimentation, gradually revealing its secrets through environmental storytelling and cryptic clues. Just when players think they’ve grasped the narrative, the game throws in unexpected twists, keeping them engaged and eager to uncover the truth. The innovative use of the DualSense controller further enhances the gameplay, making weapon handling and interactions more tactile and responsive.

The Controversial Save System and Other Drawbacks

Returnal’s unique save system, or lack thereof, has sparked debate amongst players. The game lacks a traditional save feature, meaning progress within a cycle is lost upon death or closing the game. The only way to preserve progress is by putting the console in Rest Mode. This poses a problem for players with limited playtime or unstable power supplies. While some argue this design choice reinforces the roguelike nature of the game, others find it unnecessarily restrictive.

Selene in a hostile alien environment

The reliance on the L2 trigger for weapon functionality could also be a concern. Malfunctioning triggers could severely impact gameplay, particularly during crucial boss fights. The potential for accidental misfires during tense moments also adds to the challenge.

Selene in a futuristic alien structure

Conclusion

Despite these drawbacks, Returnal offers a truly innovative and captivating experience. The game’s stunning visuals, immersive audio, and clever use of the DualSense controller combine to create a unique and engaging experience. The challenging gameplay and intriguing narrative will keep players hooked as they unravel the mysteries of Atropos. While the save system may be controversial, it ultimately reinforces the game’s core roguelike mechanics. Returnal stands as a testament to the power of the PS5 and a must-play for fans of challenging and immersive gaming experiences.