At the time of writing the only complaint isn’t entirely down to Housemarque: turning off the PS5 resets the Cycle, so if you need to stop halfway through a run, you must use the console’s rest function – something which repeatedly resulted in me losing progress when the function failed to work as intended. There’s really no reason whatsoever that you can’t just turn off and restart exactly where you were or even at the nearest teleporter, and it’s something I hope they patch later.
That minor gripe aside, Returnal is an exceptional game. The 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. Elements that should feel at odds with one another feel effortlessly cohesive thanks to Housemarque’s deft touch and singular vision. Returnal may not appeal to everyone given its relentlessly dark nature and unwavering difficulty, but it’s an absolute must-play for anyone who craves a genuine challenge.
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