Returnal Reviews
Housemarque's Returnal is a shining example of what the studio is capable of, packing tight gameplay together with an interesting world.
Exceptionally hostile creatures are round every corner on a glorious, punishing quest through the perilous landscapes of another planet
Returnal is an essential PS5 title, now and throughout the console's life. Housemarque took the rogue-like bullet-hell formula and applied it to a AAA experience in a way that creates something exceptionally unique yet wholly familiar. Returnal is an engaging experience in narrative, gameplay, and player discovery, consistently surprising on every level. Utilizing the PS5 technology in a way that most other developers are barely tapping into, Returnal feels like one of the first truly next-gen experiences, letting Housemarque set the stage for the new console. And like Housemarque games before it, it's the kind of game that will withstand the test of time, begging for additional cycles well into the future.
Housemarque’s Returnal is a brutal roguelike that constantly keeps the fun coming through its well-thought-through item system that is exquisitely balanced and its randomized gameplay design that feels fresh after every death. Definitely a must-have game for the PlayStation 5.
Returnal is still a perfect game in my opinion. It hits all the right notes, even when it feels impossibly difficult. The gameplay structure is complicated, precise, and entertaining. The PC upgrade makes the experience even better with superior visuals and a plethora of ways to play the game. This is a superior version of a superior title.
Playing Returnal, it feels like next-gen has truly begun.
I have thoroughly enjoyed playing Returnal so far and its unique die-and-start-over mechanic, excellent graphics, gameplay and sound all work brilliantly to deliver yet another fantastic first-party exclusive for the PS5.
A palpable experience, to which Housemarque have laid an astronomic foundation toward something special. Returnal is a tour de force in roguelikes, making it unmissable and essential in every aspect and definition.
Returnal is beautiful, extremely addictive and has an intriguing story. Even if you're not a fan of the genre, give it a try, I'm sure your experience here will be worth every minute of your time.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Returnal is an amazing game. It has the most satisfying gameplay Housemarque has created to date.
Returnal brilliantly meshes roguelike mechanics with precise combat and enigmatic exploration, making for an excellent game
As it did with the PS3, Vita, and PS4, Housemarque has once again provided Sony with another launch-era hit and in doing so has created a rewarding, replayable, and revolutionary game that’s hopefully the foundation for other future AAA titles that are as clever with the roguelite blueprint.
Returnal's fluid, graceful movement and satisfying, punchy gunplay combine with a sense of exploration at once both wondrous and morbid, and a drip-fed progression system that makes you feel like you're always discovering or unlocking something new.
Returnal on PC is just as stunning as it ever was, with a high level of detail in its environmental design and layered gameplay.
Returnal feels like the first authentic new generation game. A stunning third person shooter and roguelike that every single PS5 owner should buy.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Returnal is a challenging, atmospheric and creative experience that boasts amazingly smooth and satisfying gameplay. Add in an intriguing narrative, graphical excellence and some impressive utilisation of the DualSense controller and Returnal might just be an instant PlayStation classic.
A truly AAA sci-fi roguelike masterpiece full of intense moments and inviting mysteries, Returnal continually reminds us of why we love Housemarque so much in the first place.
As much as I can break down all the great things about Returnal, I think a simpler statement would be that this is the strongest candidate for Game of the Year so far for me. More importantly, is the addictiveness that is repetitive insistence in trying to conquer a challenge that has done nothing but beat you down. The joy and elation when you finally beat a section you have struggled with, or a boss that has given you your backside, is a feeling that is indescribable, and that is what Returnal is: indescribable.
Returnal is Housemaruqe's best game. They succeeded in their greatest achievement by combining their history as a developer onto a higher budget, and it paid off immensely. If you have PlayStation 5 and you're not playing Returnal, you're not treating your PS5 right.
I am not a fan of roguelite and any roguelike games, but after spending time on the planet Atropos with Selene, I began to love Returnal and its peculiar mix of gameplay elements. I may not like its narrative, but Housmarque did a wonderful job of creating such a beautiful game that gives you tons of challenges and replayability. There’s one thing to remember: git-gud.