Returnal Review
118Housemarque takes on the most ambitious challenge to date in creating a AAA rogue-like 3rd person shooter. This project was also their biggest risk to date. Putting everything the studio has into Returnal with the backing of Sony we get to see a side of Housemarque we have never seen. One where creativity, ambition, something fresh and never done before come together. But, is this housemarques masterpiece? is this a project that will be remembered long after it has launched?
The bulk of Returnals true value is in its gameplay and in this rogue-like 3rd person shooter it does not disappoint. However, It is important to note that this game may not necessarily appeal to the broad gaming audience due to its increased difficulty, it requires the player to truly master the games mechanics to a degree before finding consistent success and being able to complete the game. Once you understand the mechanics and the way the game wants you to play by scavenging, building an appropriate load out, learning to utilize all the mechanics such as dodging to negate damage you will find true success. That success and overcoming a tough battle was extremely satisfying and made me want to continue. The gun play, variety of guns, items, malfunctions which acted as penalties for picking up certain items made for hard decisions. There was never a moment where I didn’t have to carefully decide what my next move would be as I had to decide which gun I would carry being I can only carry 1 or which items as at the start you can only carry 1, up to 3 by the end of the game. Ontop of the cool special attacks each gun would come with and perks Saleen also gains equipment like a hook shot, sword, and the ability to go under water. The gameplay truly forced the player to utilize every ability given and made it integral to being good at the game. As unforgiving as Returnal was by nature of being a rogue-like it made me want to go back regardless of the hours I spent on each run just for the addictive gameplay loop.
The presentation of Returnal is also of a AAA tier. Taking advantage of the Dual Sense in everyway and the 3D audio it made Returnal one of the most immersive experience in my 20+ years playing video games. Loading screens were non existent. The art style and graphics were fitting and looked appealing throughout the entire experience. The enemy types were varied and well detailed as well as their move sets that set them apart. Overall the presentation left nothing to be desired.
The story of Returnal is what I believe to be the weakest point. Although its pretty clear while stated to be a narrative driven experience its actual value in Returnal is negligible. While it did tell a coherent story I never felt that it was the driving factor for me to continue pushing through what I believe to be one of the most difficult games I have ever played. I was neither disappointed or impressed with Returnals story but found Selen to be likeable.
The soundtrack of Returnal is another major staple in the quality and care put into this title, making every sound effect, the music, voice acting, and ambience increasingly engaging as well as increasing the overall impact at every moment.
As with every game people want to know is this worth the money does this provide enough content for me to spend my hard earned money, and while it varies from person to person I believe returnals gameplay loop and the very nature of it allows for replayability especially with the many collectibles and multiple endings.
Returnal is Housmarques best work yet and as of writing this review is my favorite PS5 game to date. It provides an incredible experience on every level with the exception of the story which I believe to be valued very little in the overall experience. I give this game an 9.8/10. What stopped this from receiving a 10 is the weak story and I believe it to be less important to the overall experience. I recommend returnal to anyone who is looking for a challenge with incredible gameplay and battles that will leave you satisfied when overcome. Returnal is truly a special game and easily housemarques best work.
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